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Glasgow to Dublin by Ferry

Family of 5 traveling from Glasgow to Dublin we are interested in the salt and sea experience. Or just bus and ferry services

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By the salt and sea experience I assume you mean sail-rail.

This runs once a day. You take the train to Ayr, then a coach- bus picks you up outside Ayr Station, to take you to Cairnryan. Normally it is unmissable as it is in Stena Ferries livery. If not it is run by a company called Dodds.
Your luggage goes in the hold.

Sit on the right hand side of the bus for the best sea and coastal views.

Even if not otherwise using the train while here it is probably worth getting a railcard as you get 1/3 off the combined fare, the usual railcard discount. That discount only applies to this route, not the Wales to Dublin routes.

Then you board the ferry as foot passengers, level boarding throughout.

At the Belfast end a double deck citybus transfers you into the city. Extra fare payable on the bus.

With the rail card discount, for me travelling up from England, the ferry is basically free. The fare includes the ferry reservation- just present your rail tickets to check in staff.

Then there is an evening connecting train from Belfast to Dublin.

The other route is Glasgow to Warrington, for a connection to Holyhead for the ferry. Very easy.
Booked as a through fare it is a steal of a price at £57.20 each. Leaves Glasgow at 0838 with a 57 minute connection at Warrington, on a weekday. Arrive 1915.
At Dublin port there is a shuttle bus into the city for a few euros, pay on board.