Hello! First time posting and first time traveling to Scotland. My family and I are planning a trip to Ireland (their 1st, my second) and they’d love to swing by Scotland, but unfortunately, we will spend little time there. We plan to take the ferry from Belfast in the morning to Cairnryan and stay that night and then two additional nights. Then we’ll fly from Glasgow to Shannon (unless you suggest otherwise.) We would like to see a church in Kilwinning because that is where my grandparents were married. Any tips on what to see in such a short amount of time? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1446 posts
Once you get to Kilwinning you are only 75 miles from Edinburgh.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I guess the other kicker is we will not have a car. What’s the best mode of transportation from Kilwinning to Edinburgh?
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
It looks like there is a train service, but it's two hours to Edinburgh. Maybe stay up in Glasgow? It's an easy train ride to Edinburgh from Glasgow.
Pam
Posted by
3122 posts
Since you're landing in Cairnryan and visiting Kilwinning, I'd say to take advantage of being in Ayrshire instead of trying to traipse all over. The Rome2Rio site is excellent for assessing transportation options between one place and another. For example, the train from Stranraer (Cairnryan) to Kilwinning is faster, but the bus gives you more options of coastal towns to visit. https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Stranraer/Kilwinning
Here are some things to do in Ayrshire https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/ayrshire-arran/
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks so much!