I am struggling mightily in to create an itinerary that includes travel from Glasgow to Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the secon week of September 2018. The RS Great Brittain 21st edition shows a ferry line (by blue dots) either Troon to Larne or Cairnryan to Belfast, yet the googled websites that don't show either of those connections (trying to see times and rates).
Also, there seems to be a train from Glasgow to Troon, but not to Cairnryan. I cannot get it all to link up. I am hoping "you can't get there from here" does not apply. I have tried the Direct Ferries website. Ouch! Translink provided a train from Belfast to Londonderry.
Am I missing the boat by spending time in Derry rather than Belfast? We are first timers (and last timers, we will be almost 68 by the time of our journey) to Ireland. Planning 3 days north, then train travel to Dublin for 3 days before crossing back to Great Brittain toward Bath. Come to think of it, we could use recommendations for getting from there to there as well, she asks Sheepishly...
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The ferry from Troon has been discontinued. To get to Cairnryan for the Stena Line ferry, there's a Rail Link bus from Ayr (one hour from Glasgow by train; info from p. 400 in Ireland book). Also compare flight prices at www.skyscanner.com.
Posted by
884 posts
Have you considered flying?
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2597 posts
Ryanair fly between Glasgow and Derry
and Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly between Dublin and Bristol
Posted by
OP
Spokane WA
256 posts
Just before reading your clarifying information I went to the library and checked out both the newest Ireland and Scottland guidebooks. I shared my itinerary efforts and frustrations with my husband, and he suggested we consider skipping Scottland and Ireland. As I thought about it, I came up with the idea of flying from Edinburgh to Dublin and Dublin to Bath or London. Then I noticed the most recent response to my inquiry. Everyone's input on the forum is terrifically valuable. Thank you for taking the time and caring enough to offer your insights.