We will arrive in Dublin from Boston, and spend a few days there before taking the train (or bus?) to Belfast and taking the ferry from there across to Scotland - Glasgow. Possibly rent a car in Scotland, going down to Edinburgh and then down into England before somehow getting back to Dublin and flying home. The "possibly" is if my son wants to get a car and drive. If he doesn't join me, I'll get trains everywhere. But I'd welcome hearing from anyone who has made this loop completely without flying. I don't expect to be on a tight schedule anywhere. I'm old and not great at walking, so keep that in mind - I can't take a long stroll to the next terminal wherever it is. Thanks!
Posted by
Lake District, England
7837 posts
Right, so this is the easy way-
Bus Dublin to Belfast Europa Bus Centre;
Hannons Bus Belfast to Glasgow- https://hannoncoach.com/belfast-to-glasgow-with-hannon-coach/
This bus drives onto the ferry with you onboard, get off the bus for the ferry crossing, then back on the bus on the ferry, the bus then drives straight to Glasgow. Take the 1430 bus from Belfast, arrives Glasgow 2000
From Edinburgh there is an Avanti train to Warrington Bank Quay at 0652 (the train is bound for London) arrives 0941, change, a Transport for Wales train leaves from the opposite face of the same platform at 1017 and arrives at Holyhead at 1232.
The train station and ferry terminal at Holyhead are the same building.
The ferry leaves at 1410 and arrives at Dublin Port at 1725. A shuttle bus takes you from terminal to ship.
At Dublin a chargeable shuttle bus takes you into the city centre.
Book this on a Rail and Sail ticket- https://www.stenaline.co.uk/rail-and-sail/to-ireland £54.90 all inclusive Edinburgh to Dublin Port
(or bus Edinburgh to Glasgow, then retrace the Hannons route to Dublin).
The minimum of walking and very gentle connection times.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
You don't need to get back to Dublin to go home. Book airfare US to Ireland and home from London. Very simple and no backtracking and is called open jaw or I seem to remember when booking ticket called multi city, just can't remember but do not book one way tickets as price would sky rocket.