Yes, you can easily go for a day trip from Scotland to Northern Ireland to a wide array of destinations and attractions. Northern Ireland is best for day trips; however, your overall journey will vary if you are travelling to the Republic of Ireland from Scotland. That is because Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland is a completely independent state. Additionally, the Republic of Ireland is much farther away from Scotland than Northern Ireland, thus making the day trips impractical.
Let’s break it down in more detail:
What Are The Travel Options From Scotland To Ireland?
For a direct travel from Scotland to Northern Ireland, there are two most convenient options:
Scotland - Northern Ireland Ferry Services.
Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours.
Ferries are the most preferred and optimal way to travel from Scotland to Northern Ireland. The main reason behind it is that ferries allow bringing your car to Northern Ireland since there is no road access between Scotland and Northern Ireland. Secondly, you can bring large luggage and members of your group for a significantly lower price, rather than booking a flight and exceeding your overall budget.
Not to mention, ferries are highly luxurious, comfortable, and safe to travel long distances between Scotland and Northern Ireland. The best ferry service to consider is from Cairnryan port to Belfast, and the travel time is approximately 2 hours. The Cairnyarn ferries sail about 37 times every week, so you can plan out your travel schedule accordingly.
Flight Services.
Travel Time: 45 minutes.
If you are not planning to bring a car or travelling with a small group, then a flight just might be the best travel option to go for. Flight services are fast and optimised for your trip to give you quick and comfortable access to Northern Ireland from Scotland.
There are multiple flight options available that provide an efficient trip from Edinburgh or any other city in Scotland to Belfast in Northern Ireland. Just choose the one that suits your travel preferences and schedule the most, and you will be able to arrive at Belfast airport within a 45-minute trip.
The only downside for the flight services is that in Belfast, you will be required to rent your own car or take public transport for a transfer to your accommodation. For a comfortable airport transfer, the best option to go for is hiring an MPV or minibus with a driver, which will provide you with an easy travel between destinations in Northern Ireland, along with your luggage. This way, you will not have to worry about a tiring travel, and you will still have the energy reserved for your exploration or any other goal in Northern Ireland.
What Are The Popular Day Trip Destinations To Visit In Ireland From Scotland?
Northern Ireland is best explored for day trips, and if you are travelling from Scotland, you will have plenty of time to enjoy a variety of destinations in the capital and its surroundings. Some notable destinations include:
- Giant’s Causeway: This unique basalt causeway is a magnet for tourism activity and is also known as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This coastal attraction contains hexagonal basalt that was formed after the cooling of lava. Not to mention, this destination is also famous for its legendary story of the Irish giant, Finn MacCool.
- Belfast: The famous capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast boasts all the unique architecture, city-wide murals, and a music and art scene, making it highly welcoming. You can not miss out the iconic Titanic Quarter, City Hall, Botanic Gardens and St. George’s Market. All in all, each region of Northern Ireland shares a distinct tradition in the culture, with friendly people and a vibrant music scene.
- The Dark Hedges: You may have seen all the beautiful gardens and palaces, but the Dark Hedges stand out as a natural, century-old trees that surround the pathway below like a cave. The attraction is highly Instagrammable with the round canopy and provides a very calm and comforting environment to first-time visitors.
- Carrickfergus Castle: Castles are a staple in the United Kingdom, and the Carrickfergus day trip can not be an exception. Right in the middle of Antrim County, this castle stands proud as a preserved landmark in British history and tells all the variety of stories of the invasion of Ulster in 1177. Even better, this castle was also featured in documentaries and the famous TV show Game of Thrones.
What Is The Best Time For A Day Trip From Scotland To Northern Ireland?
Although Northern Ireland welcomes tourists all year round, the best time to enjoy a day trip from Scotland is the summer season of May to September. This is because the days are the longest during the summer months, and you will have plenty of time to travel between the destinations and explore all the attractions that you have planned for your itinerary.
While the daylight hours are the most preferred aspect for a day trip from Scotland to Northern Ireland, some travellers also consider fewer crowds to better enjoy the tourist attractions. For that instance, the best time for less tourism crowd in Northern Ireland is from September end to the start of November. Unfortunately, you might not be able to fully enjoy all the sightseeing in the region during winter as days are much shorter and the weather patterns are unpredictable with regular rains.
Is One Day Enough To See Northern Ireland From Scotland?
One day is enough for an introductory visit to Northern Ireland if you are travelling from Scotland. However, it might not be enough to fully enjoy the diverse culture, scenic destinations, local delicacies, and the influential literature.
For a rewarding experience of tourism activity, you will need a 3 - 7 day trip to visit all the highlights of Northern Ireland and completely soak up the cultural phenomenon happening at every corner.
How To Plan A Day Trip From Scotland To Ireland?
For a single-day trip, make sure to book your transfer from Scotland (either ferry or flight), on-ground Northern Ireland transport and accommodation ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassle. Booking your ferry or flight several days ahead will save you money and time to travel all across the region with safety and ease.
Also, since the ferry ride from Cairnryan port in Scotland to Belfast is a 2-hour trip, simply make sure to reserve enough time for your exploration and itinerary destination on the mainland of Northern Ireland.
If you are travelling with a large group with luggage and arriving in Northern Ireland by flight, you can also hire a private minibus with a driver in Northern Ireland for a convenient airport transfer to your destination. These private transportations will not only allow you to worry less about searching for public transport, but also cost much less with the upfront prices and split cost between each member.
