Ferry to Ireland

[Citybreak1]

And just a preference I rather go local buses not a fan of coaches and notice it’s a double decker from Belfast which seems to suit. The trains to Stranraer don’t look too frequent but maybe there is some places to eat on way back whilst I wait for train to ayr

 

[Trainbike46]

And just a preference I rather go local buses not a fan of coaches and notice it’s a double decker from Belfast which seems to suit. The trains to Stranraer don’t look too frequent but maybe there is some places to eat on way back whilst I wait for train to ayr

It may be hard to fully avoid coaches, but either the sailrail option (coach from Ayr to the ferry) or if the timing for that doesn't suit, the citylink option (from Ayr bus station instead of Glasgow), are options to reduce the amount of time spent on the coach.

You are correct the 96 bus from the ferry terminal to belfast city centre is a double decker. The citylink service is operated by Translink Ulsterbus, and they also use a double-deck bus with extra luggage space for the Ferry terminal- Grand central station leg of the journey

 

[Citybreak1]

It may be hard to fully avoid coaches, but either the sailrail option (coach from Ayr to the ferry) or if the timing for that doesn't suit, the citylink option (from Ayr bus station instead of Glasgow), are options to reduce the amount of time spent on the coach.

You are correct the 96 bus from the ferry terminal to belfast city centre is a double decker. The citylink service is operated by Translink Ulsterbus, and they also use a double-deck bus with extra luggage space for the Ferry terminal- Grand central station leg of the journey

Thanks I also looked at taxis from Stranraer to avoid the coach

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Sep 2025 ==

I tried Kilcreggan last week too very surprised they had such a good bus service?

Also gave me a feel for a smaller ferry with more motion. How’s the weather in the winter months I assume it’s better to use the ferries in summer months to avoid disruption?

 

[Trainbike46]

Thanks I also looked at taxis from Stranraer to avoid the coach

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Sep 2025 ==

I tried Kilcreggan last week too very surprised they had such a good bus service?

Also gave me a feel for a smaller ferry with more motion. How’s the weather in the winter months I assume it’s better to use the ferries in summer months to avoid disruption?

On the Irish sea routes, they are stable year round, though being on the deck to enjoy the view is much nicer if it is sunny.

 

[Buzby]

I tried Kilcreggan last week too very surprised they had such a good bus service?

You mean on the peninsula? The ferry used to be a triangle, Gourock > Helensburgh > Kilcreggan. With the CalMac direct service is just 15 minutes, but a bus journey would be more than 90! It’s quite a small craft and bobs about when the firth is rough, but it’s fun watching out for submarines (which have to be above the waterline at this point).

 

[185143]

Thanks I also looked at taxis from Stranraer to avoid the coach

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Sep 2025 ==

I tried Kilcreggan last week too very surprised they had such a good bus service?

Also gave me a feel for a smaller ferry with more motion. How’s the weather in the winter months I assume it’s better to use the ferries in summer months to avoid disruption?

I've done a round trip Glasgow-Garelochhead-Kilcreggan-Gourock-Glasgow a few times. That's a good way to kill a few hours. Nice pub at Kilcreggan too.

Last time I did Liverpool-Belfast on a day sailing was last November. The weather wasn't the best. Couldn't see the Isle of Man at all as we passed due to the rain. The ship was noticeably listing as we were sailing but you didn't feel any motion. If I hadn't been in the plus lounge at the front, or the restaurant as it's in the same position directly below, you probably wouldn't have really noticed until you stood up.

I'm heading to Liverpool now to do the same sailing again. You do get quite close to the IoM and it's nice to see as you pass. The first time I did it was in 2020 on a lovely day, made me really want a trip over there, something I only managed to do a few weeks ago.

 

[Citybreak1]

I had a few more questions can you see Ireland from the other side before you cross? I felt reassured with the ferries I done I could see the other side. Still feel two hour is a bit long as I suffer some anxiety about travelling. Considering doing Arron by ferry? Again not sure if you can see the other side. Longest I’ve done so far is 35 mins each day so 1 hour in 10 total. No sea sickness but you can’t leave the boat mid day like a train. Not sure how long that 2 hours to Ireland would feel.

 

[Trainbike46]

I had a few more questions can you see Ireland from the other side before you cross?

You can see Scotland from NI (and the reverse) if the weather is clear, but you can't see Ireland from the Cairnryan ferry terminal due to its location in loch Ryan.

From Liverpool you definitely can't see Ireland.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I just booked a trip for me and my wife to visit our daughter, S-I-L and grandchildren in Ireland but taking our car. Out Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast - visit including Giants Causeway and return Dublin - Holyhead also on Stena Line.

So on this trip will do England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales which I think is pretty cool. 4 ports of call too.

 

[Trainbike46]

I just booked a trip for me and my wife to visit our daughter, S-I-L and grandchildren in Ireland but taking our car. Out Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast - visit including Giants Causeway and return Dublin - Holyhead also on Stena Line.

So on this trip will do England, Scotland, Norther Ireland, Ireland and Wales which I think is pretty cool. 4 ports of call too.

That sounds like a lovely trip. I hope you enjoy Ireland!

 

[Buzby]

So on this trip will do England, Scotland, Norther Ireland, Ireland

When you drive south to Eire watch out for the Westlink Toll or Port Tunnel, no barriers - but a postal fine if you don’t pay it in time - even with a UK plate!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

When you drive south to Eire watch out for the Westlink Toll or Port Tunnel, no barriers - but a postal fine if you don’t pay it in time - even with a UK plate!

Thanks for the warning.