Cairnryan

All About Cairnryan

With a population of just 150 permanent residents and the designation of a village, Cairnryan must be one of the smallest ferry terminals that exist in Europe. It sits within the attractive landscapes of the historic Scottish county of Wigtownshire. Located on Scotland’s west coast immediately north of the border with England, it finds itself within the modern-day county of Dumfries and Galloway.

Cairnryan’s heart largely stretches along a single road, the coastal A77. This runs around the eastern side of Loch Ryan from the town of Stranraer. It has been dated to 1701, making it a comparatively modern settlement by British standards. In many ways, Cairnryan is a natural choice for a harbor and ferry terminal. It is tucked into the sheltered waters of Loch Ryan, protected by the extension of a peninsula of land which juts out into the north channel of the Irish Sea.

Intricately linked with the British royal and merchant navies, an impressive roster of vessels has plied the waters around Cairnryan, including HMS Eagle and HMS Ark Royal, which were for many years the two largest ships in the Royal Navy. When it comes to ferry services, those seeking ferry tickets to Cairnryan are probably making their way to Belfast, the provincial capital of Northern Ireland. To discover the latest schedules for this service and book ferry tickets, use the Ferryscanner website.

Routes and Ferries to Cairnryan

The regular crossings between Cairnryan and Belfast have a sailing time of only 2 hours and 15 minutes. The route is operated by Stena Line, one of the ferry companies operating routes right around the British coast for many years.

When it comes to those with ferry tickets to Cairnryan, it’s highly unlikely you’ll have to wait very long. There are up to 40 crossings in either direction per week, which averages out at close to six sailings every day of the year.

Ferry tickets to Cairnryan for a single adult foot passenger start at around £26. Such a ticket provides access to the various areas of open seating on the Stena Superfast VIII ferry. Said to be one of the most luxurious ferries making the crossing between Scotland and Northern Ireland, passengers will find amenities such as complimentary WiFi, but also some more unusual facilities such as a Nordic Spa. Passengers also have a choice of free movies with which to pass the time, as well as a restaurant and various other refreshment options. Family cars and other motor vehicles are also able to make the crossing, at additional cost.

Cairnryan has good road links, with well-maintained all-weather roads stretching all the way from Glasgow 130 kilometers away, although some stretches are unlit at night. If you are traveling without your own transport, buses connect Cairnryan with Stranraer, approximately 10 kilometers south. The nearest mainline railway station can also be found at Stranraer and is a roughly ten-minute walk from the stop for buses to Cairnryan.

The closest airport to Cairnryan is the international airport on the outskirts of Glasgow. It has regular flights with European, Middle Eastern, and North American carriers, and is a major hub for budget airlines. Dedicated airport buses connect Glasgow Airport with the center of the city and its main train station, Glasgow Central.

Ports of Cairnryan

There are actually two ferry ports in Cairnryan, and so it’s important to avoid confusing them. To the south of the village is the docking point for ferries to Larne. If you have ferry tickets to Cairnryan and Belfast, you should ignore this turn on the road and continue on to the second port, sometimes known as Old House Point. The terminal here was opened in 2011 and has the modern facilities you would expect of any ferry terminal, including a coffee shop, parking spaces for 300 vehicles, and even rental car facilities. It’s recommended you arrive at the port of Cairnryan at least an hour before your departure time if a foot passenger.

Best Beaches

Believe it or not, dotted among its rugged coastline Scotland has some incredible beach escapes, including around Cairnryan. So, while it may not have the climate of the Bahamas, there’s no reason you can’t have a great day on the best beaches in Cairnryan all the same.

Portpatrick Beach

Approximately 15 kilometers from Cairnryan, Portpatrick Beach is one of a series that provides a typical coastal escape in the area. Though small, it has the advantage of having a good expanse of sand, in addition to rock pools which reveal life beneath the waves and will be endlessly fascinating to any little people in your life.

Drummore Beach

If you thought Cairnryan and palm trees would be words you’d never see in the same sentence, you’d be very wrong. The palms of Drummore Beach give it a definite tropical vibe, and to match, the waters are surprisingly warm during the summer months too thanks to the area’s unique microclimate.

Girvan Beach

Just a short stroll from the amenities of Girvan, Girvan Beach sits on an almost straight stretch of coast to the north of Cairnryan. A mix of sand and pebbles, there’s usually plenty of space to move about, although the townsfolk will descend on it in large numbers given a few hours of warm weather whatever the time of year.

Cockle Shore

Situated at the start of the A77 in Stranraer, the Cockle Shore is popular for a number of reasons. One of the cleanest beaches in the area, it attracts a huge number of fish and other wildlife, while its winds bring in windsurfers and kite surfers. Perfect for a stroll, however it is not the sort of beach you would use for sunbathing.

Places to Visit

Should you find yourself earlier than expected for your ferry, take a look at the following local attractions.

Snib’s Cave

Known by a variety of variations on the name of Snib’s Cave, this natural feature of the coast just north of Cairnryan was the home of a local hermit for 30 years until the 1980s. Several hundred meters long, its entrance was walled up to protect it as much as possible from winter gales, though its reputation as a refuge dates back several centuries before Henry ‘Snib Scott’ Torbet ever took up residence.

Ardwell Gardens

Spanning more than 340 hectares, Ardwell Gardens were created in the eighteenth century for the owners of the house they surround. Behind its walls, you’ll find a large duck pond ringed by an attractive walk.

Castle of St. John

Sitting in the center of Stranraer, the Castle of St. John dates to the early sixteenth century and despite its age remains a fine example of what is known as a tower house. Now a museum, the fort-like structure has had a number of other roles, including a court and a Victorian prison.

Transportation Around Cairnryan

While it’s perfectly possible to reach Cairnryan and its ferry terminal by public transportation, there’s no doubting that anyone looking to fully explore the wider region is better off with their own transport. Buses are generally excellent and will reach even the smallest of settlements, although they tend to be limited to just a couple of services per day, meaning you could be in for a long wait.