Taking a Ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland for Christmas
Travel Guides
November 28, 2025
Taking a Ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland for Christmas
Traveling from Scotland to Northern Ireland by ferry at Christmas is one of the most magical and underrated holiday experiences in Europe. While many travelers instinctively book flights for their winter trips abroad, those who choose the Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry discover a new kind of festive charm. Imagine harbors dusted with frost, snow-tipped mountains in the distance, and warm Irish holiday cheer waiting for you as soon as you set off the ship.
This guide outlines everything you need to know when planning a Scotland-to-Northern-Ireland ferry Christmas trip, including the best routes, what to expect onboard, what Christmas is like in Belfast and beyond, and why this is one of Europe’s most memorable winter escapes.
Why Take the Ferry to Northern Ireland at Christmas?
For travelers looking for a unique and relaxing holiday adventure, the ferry to Northern Ireland provides scenic winter views, stress-free travel, and a cozy atmosphere onboard. With convenient routes and comfortable ships, the Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry is the best way to start your Christmas vacation.
Here are the benefits:
A Relaxing, Scenic Alternative to Flying
By taking the ferry, you bypass airport crowds and winter flight delays. Also expect to see dramatic winter skies during your crossing and a dazzling view of the Northern Irish coastline as you approach.
Smooth, Fast Crossings
The ferry from Cairnryan (Scotland) to Belfast or Larne (Northern Ireland) takes just 2 to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Comfortable and Spacious
Modern ferries like Stena Line's Superfast VII and Superfast VIII are designed more like small cruise ships than rickety boats. You’ll find lounges, cafés serving hot meals and Christmas pastries, duty-free shopping, and plenty of cozy seating with spectacular views of the Irish Sea.
The Freedom to Bring Your Car
If you're doing a European road trip, enjoy the convenience of bringing your rental car onboard. This makes onward travel far easier when you arrive in Northern Ireland.
Which Ferry Should You Take? The Two Main Routes
There are two main ferry routes from Scotland to Northern Ireland, both of which are perfect for a Christmas journey.
Cairnryan to Belfast Ferry (Stena Line)
Average Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Why choose it: Arrive directly in Northern Ireland’s capital and Christmas hub. The ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast is also operated by the larger ships and has the most amenities available.
This is the most popular route for holiday travelers. The Stena Superfast vessels are modern and spacious, equipped with quiet lounges, a cinema area, Wi-Fi, and festive food offerings throughout December. To find out more about this route, check out the how to get to Ireland with Stena Line guide.
Cairnryan to Larne Ferry (P&O Ferries)
Average Duration: 2 hours
Why choose it: The ferry from Cairnryan to Larne with P&O Ferries is the best route for those planning to head north to the Causeway Coast.
Larne is smaller and quieter than Belfast, which may suit travelers who are looking to flee the holiday crowds and are planning a road trip to places like the Giant’s Causeway, Portrush, or Dunluce Castle.
Visiting Family
Many travelers spending Christmas in Northern Ireland arrive by ferry from Scotland, using routes such as Cairnryan to Belfast or Larne. The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for these crossings, as families make their annual journey home to celebrate together. However, morning departures are relatively quiet so you may want to consider this when making your booking.
What to Expect Onboard
Food & Drink
For those of you who have big appetites, you’ll be very pleased to know that there’s a wide selection of food and drink served onboard. This includes:
- Hot breakfasts
- Holiday roasts
- Fresh pastries
- Bar and café service
- Coffee kiosks
Quiet Lounges & Comfort Upgrades
If you prefer a calmer holiday experience, consider booking:
- The Hygge Lounge (Stena Line) – Scandinavian-style cozy seating
- Stena Plus Lounge – Includes complimentary drinks and snacks
These are the perfect places to unwind when ferries can be busier.
Sea Conditions in Winter
The Irish Sea can be breezy, but modern ferries are designed to make crossings smoother than many first-time passengers expect. If you’re worried, you can bring motion-sickness tablets just in case, but most travelers don’t have any problems.
What to Pack for a Christmas Ferry Crossing
As the weather in Scotland and Northern Ireland can be crisp, windy, and occasionally snowy during December, please ensure that you bring all your winter essentials:
- A warm winter coat
- Gloves, scarf, hat
- Waterproof footwear
- Holiday gifts you may want to enjoy onboard
- Motion-sickness tablets
- A camera
Practical Tips for Traveling to Northern Ireland by Ferry at Christmas
Getting to Cairnryan, Scotland
Cairnryan might be on the small side, but reaching the ferry port is surprisingly easy. Most travelers arrive via one of Scotland’s major cities:
- Glasgow to Cairnryan: This is a 2-hour scenic drive along rolling countryside and coastal views.
- Edinburgh or Prestwick: Both cities provide convenient car-rental routes with well-signed highways that are easy to navigate.
- Without a car? Catch a bus from Ayr or Stranraer, both popular transit hubs for ferry passengers.
Booking Your Ferry Tickets
Christmas is one of the busiest ferry seasons with students returning home for Christmas and tourists flocking to holiday markets. In light of this, we recommend that you book early to guarantee better departure times at much lower prices.
Passport Requirements
If you’re a traveler flying into Scotland before your ferry crossing, you’ll need to keep your passport close to hand. Although the UK and Northern Ireland are connected by sea, it still constitutes international travel, so treat the journey just as you would a border-crossing flight. Find out all the best tips and tricks for international travel here.
Currency
Please remember that when you arrive in Northern Ireland, you’ll need British Pounds (GBP). Many overseas visitors presume that the whole of Ireland uses the Euro, but only the Republic of Ireland does. Northern Ireland trades in UK currency, and card payments are widely accepted everywhere.
Driving Tips for Winter
If you're bringing a vehicle on the ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland, here are some things you must consider before embarking.
- Left-hand driving: You’ll be driving on the left side of the road so please take your time adjusting if you haven’t done it before.
- Winter conditions: Roads can be frosty or foggy in December, especially early mornings along the coast.
- Rental rules: Not all car rental companies allow vehicles to cross between the UK and Ireland, so check permissions before booking.
Christmas in Northern Ireland
Whether you dock in Belfast or Larne, Northern Ireland is known for its Christmas celebrations. Both cities glow with lights and have a plenty of things to make your time there memorable.
Best Christmas Experiences in Northern Ireland
| Christmas Experience (Northern Ireland) | Average Cost (USD) | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall | $12–$38 per person (food, drinks, gifts) | In central Belfast; easy walk from Great Victoria Street or Lanyon Place train stations, numerous bus routes stop nearby. |
| Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim Castle Gardens | $15–$23 per person (entry and rides) | About 30 minutes’ drive from Belfast via M2; by public transport, train or bus to Antrim then short walk/taxi to the gardens. |
| Hillsborough Castle & Gardens – Festive Light Trail | $19–$31 per person (pre-booked tickets) | Around 20 minutes from Belfast by car via A1; buses run regularly from Belfast to Hillsborough village, then a short walk to the castle. |
| Derry~Londonderry Christmas Lights & Walled City Events | Free lights; $12–$31 for paid activities or shows | 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Belfast via M2/A6; Goldliner buses run from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, city centre is walkable. |
| Ulster Folk Museum – Traditional Christmas Experiences | $15–$25 per person (museum admission and events) | Located at Cultra, about 20 minutes from Belfast by car via A2; regular train services from Belfast to Cultra station then short walk. |
| The Jungle NI – Christmas Wonderland (Moneymore) | $23–$38 per person (Santa visit and activities) | Around 45–60 minutes by car from Belfast via M2/A29; limited public transport, taxi or pre-arranged coach recommended. |
| Christmas at Mount Stewart (National Trust) | $15–$28 per person (house, gardens, festive events) | About 30–40 minutes by car from Belfast along the A20 towards Newtownards and Portaferry; buses run from Belfast to Newtownards then onward connections. |
| Giant’s Causeway & Causeway Coast Festive Trips | $12–$25 for Visitor Centre; extra for tours/food | Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Belfast via M2/A26/A2; regular train to Coleraine then bus/coach to the Giant’s Causeway. |
| Slieve Donard Resort & Spa – Festive Afternoon Tea & Events (Newcastle) | $31–$50 per person (festive afternoon tea/experiences) | Around 1 hour’s drive from Belfast via A24; buses run from Belfast to Newcastle, hotel is a short walk from the town centre. |
| Dundonald Ice Bowl – Ice Skating & Santa Experiences | $12–$23 per person (skating and equipment hire) | 15–20 minutes by car from Belfast via A20; frequent buses from Belfast city centre stop close to the Ice Bowl complex. |
| Victoria Square & Belfast City Centre Festive Shopping | Free to visit; $12–$62+ depending on shopping and dining | Central Belfast location, walkable from both main train stations; excellent bus and Glider connections across the city. |
| The Ark Open Farm – Christmas Experience (Newtownards) | $20–$31 per person (farm entry and Santa experience) | Around 20–30 minutes by car from Belfast via A20; local buses from Belfast to Newtownards with short taxi ride to the farm. |
| Bangor Seafront & Project 24 Christmas Events | Mostly free; $6–$25 for markets, rides or workshops | Around 30 minutes from Belfast by car via A2; frequent trains and buses from Belfast to Bangor, seafront is a short walk from stations. |
Please note that the prices shown are approximate.
3-Day Christmas Travel Itinerary: Northern Ireland
Day 1: Belfast Christmas Magic
Morning: Arrive in Belfast and start your day with a festive breakfast in the Cathedral Quarter. Wander through the cobbled streets decorated with lights and Christmas displays.
Late Morning: Visit the Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall. Enjoy mulled wine, German sausages, sweet treats, and browse local artisan stalls.
Afternoon: Explore Victoria Square for Christmas shopping or visit the Titanic Quarter for winter photo opportunities around the Titanic Belfast building.
Evening: Head to the Hillsborough Castle Festive Light Trail. Stroll through glowing tunnels, illuminated gardens, and magical installations. Enjoy hot chocolate or festive snacks at the end.
Day 2: Coast & Castles Christmas Adventure
Morning: Drive or take a train to the Causeway Coast. Start with the Giant’s Causeway, where the dramatic winter scenery creates a moody, unforgettable backdrop.
Lunch: Stop in the seaside town of Ballycastle or Portrush for warm pub food and sea views.
Afternoon: Visit Dunluce Castle, which looks especially enchanting in winter light. Continue to the Dark Hedges for a mystical winter photo stop.
Evening: Travel to Derry~Londonderry. Explore the Walled City’s Christmas lights, festive markets, and seasonal street performers.
Day 3: Enchanted Gardens & Festive Traditions
Morning: Make your way to Antrim Castle Gardens to visit the Enchanted Winter Garden (if open on your dates). Enjoy rides, light displays, and their signature fairy-lit walkways.
Late Morning: Head to the Ulster Folk Museum, where Christmas is celebrated like days gone by—open fires, traditional crafts, carol singing, and costumed guides demonstrating holiday traditions.
Afternoon: Travel to Crawfordsburn Country Park or Bangor Seafront for a peaceful winter walk. Seasonal pop-ups and artisan markets often appear here in December.
Evening: Finish your trip with a festive meal in Belfast or enjoy a relaxing winter spa experience at a nearby hotel such as Slieve Donard Resort.
Optional Add-Ons
- Dundonald Ice Bowl – Ice skating with Christmas music.
- The Jungle NI – Santa experience and woodland trails for families.
- Mount Stewart Christmas – Candlelit gardens and festive displays.
- Bangor Project 24 – Local crafts, workshops, and winter art installations.
Book Your Ferry Tickets
The Scotland to Northern Ireland ferry offers one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to travel at Christmas. Avoid the chaos of airports and enjoy a calm winter crossing with a festive onboard atmosphere to get you in the mood for Christmas. It’s the perfect way to begin your holidays.
Whether you’re exploring Belfast’s Christmas Market or road-tripping along the Causeway Coast, taking the ferry transforms your journey into part of the holiday magic. It’s one of the most memorable ways to experience Christmas in Northern Ireland. Book your ferry to Northern Ireland now and take advantage of our Black Friday Sale for the biggest discounts.