Faroe Islands Travel Guide: Language, Cost, Flights & More

There aren’t many places left where you can stand on a clifftop and see nothing but ocean, sheep, and the next island rising out of the mist. The Faroe Islands are that kind of place — and getting there from Ireland is more straightforward than you might think.

Population: 54,870 (as of November 2025) · Land area: 1,399 km² · Number of islands: 18 mountainous islands · Capital: Tórshavn · Status: Self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark · Location: North Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Scotland and Iceland

Here are the key facts about the Faroe Islands at a glance.

Do they speak English in Faroe Islands?

Short answer: yes. Faroese is the official language, but English is widely spoken across the islands, particularly in tourism, hospitality, and among younger Faroese people. The Visit Faroe Islands tourism board says visitors can comfortably get by with English alone.

“Visitors can comfortably get by with English alone.” — Visit Faroe Islands tourism board

What language is spoken in the Faroe Islands?

Faroese is the native language, a North Germanic tongue descended from Old Norse. It’s closely related to Icelandic and partly mutually intelligible with some Norwegian dialects. Road signs, menus, and official documents are in Faroese first, though English translations appear in tourist areas.

Do Faroe Islanders speak English?

Yes — and to a high standard. English is taught as a second language from primary school. According to the Government of the Faroe Islands, English proficiency is comparable to other Nordic countries. If you’re an Irish traveller, you’ll have no trouble asking for directions, ordering food, or booking accommodation.

“English proficiency is comparable to other Nordic countries.” — Government of the Faroe Islands

The implication: language is a non-issue for trip planning. If you speak English, you’re set.

How do I get to Faroe Islands from Ireland?

Flying is the only practical option. There’s no ferry service from Ireland to the Faroe Islands. The destination airport is Vágar Airport (FAE), the sole commercial airport in the archipelago.

How long is the flight from Dublin to Faroe Islands?

Direct flights take approximately 2 hours from Dublin to Vágar Airport. That’s shorter than a Dublin-to-Málaga flight and roughly the same as Dublin-to-Paris. The distance is about 1,550 km, according to KAYAK.

Are there cheap flights from Dublin to Faroe Islands?

Prices vary by season. Icelandair lists Dublin-to-Vágar flights from about €709 for selected 2026 dates. Skyscanner shows a cheapest found fare of £309, with May as the cheapest month to fly. Momondo reports best one-way prices from €140 and round-trip from €352. Booking.com lists the average round-trip Dublin-Vágar ticket at £575.

Four airlines operate from Ireland to the Faroe Islands, including Atlantic Airways, Air France, and Icelandair, per Booking.com. Some flights connect through Copenhagen or Reykjavik, adding travel time.

• Direct flight: Dublin → Vágar (2 hours)
• Connecting via Copenhagen: 5–7 hours total
• Connecting via Reykjavik: 6–8 hours total

The trade-off: time versus money. Irish travellers wanting the fastest route book direct with Atlantic Airways or Icelandair. Budget-conscious travellers connect via Copenhagen.

For another Ireland-centric travel route, check out the Liverpool to Dublin Ferry: 2025 Timetable & Prices.

Is it expensive to visit the Faroe Islands?

Yes — but the cost is predictable once you know where your money goes. The Faroe Islands are consistently described as expensive relative to mainland Europe, especially for accommodation, food, fuel, and car rental.

How much does a house cost in the Faroe Islands?

House prices vary dramatically. In Tórshavn, the capital, a standard family home might cost DKK 2–4 million (€270,000–€540,000). In rural villages, prices are significantly lower — sometimes under DKK 1 million. Mortgage rates are generally favourable for residents, but non-residents face restrictions on property purchase.

What is the cost of accommodation, food, and transport?

TravelWithHello estimates a mid-range daily budget of about USD 200–300 per person in 2026, including car rental and dining. A budget traveller might manage USD 100–150 by using hostels, cooking self-catered meals, and walking or taking buses.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse double room DKK 800–1,500 per night (€110–200); hotel double room DKK 1,500–3,000 (€200–400)
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: DKK 250–500 (€33–67) per person
• Bus from airport to Tórshavn: DKK 90–120 (€12–16) one way, about 45 minutes via the Vágar subsea tunnel
• Car rental: DKK 500–900 per day (€67–120), fuel expensive

Why are the Faroe Islands closed to tourists?

They are not closed. In 2021, the islands ran a voluntary “Closed for Maintenance” campaign over a single weekend to perform infrastructure repairs and preserve natural sites. Regular tourism resumed immediately after.

What was the maintenance closure purpose?

The 2021 campaign aimed to allow the islands’ infrastructure a short break from tourist footfall, enabling maintenance on trails and viewpoints. It was a one-time initiative, not a permanent policy.

Is the closure permanent or temporary?

Temporary and voluntary. The islands remain open year-round. The campaign was not repeated, and there are no plans for future closures. Tourism is a key part of the economy.

Do Faroe Islands use the euro?

No. The official currency is the Faroese króna, which is pegged to the Danish krone (DKK). Euro is not accepted in shops or restaurants. However, credit cards are widely accepted, including Visa and Mastercard. Danish kroner are also accepted in most places.

What is the currency of the Faroe Islands?

The Faroese króna (FOK) is the local currency. It is issued by the Danish National Bank and is pegged at 1:1 with the Danish krone. Coins and notes are distinct from Danish currency, but shops often accept both.

Can I use Danish kroner or euros?

Danish kroner can be used freely. Euros are generally not accepted, but some tourist-oriented businesses may take them at poor exchange rates. It’s best to use local currency or credit cards.

Where are the Faroe Islands on the map?

The Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly halfway between Scotland (to the southeast) and Iceland (to the northwest). They are a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

What country do the Faroe Islands belong to?

The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. They handle most domestic affairs, while Denmark manages foreign policy and defence. They are not part of the European Union.

What is the population of the Faroe Islands?

As of November 2025, the population is 54,870. The majority live in the capital, Tórshavn, and the surrounding islands. The islands are sparsely populated, with large areas of untouched nature.

For more on regional language identity, read about English to Welsh Translation: Best Tools & Key Phrases.

For Irish travellers: The Faroe Islands offer a unique, accessible Atlantic adventure. With direct flights from Dublin, no language barrier, and a manageable cost once you know the numbers, the islands are a realistic destination for your next trip.