Ship shape: travel in style and comfort when you set off for Ireland
What better way to beat the staycation blues than with a road trip adventure to the Island of Ireland? Sailing there with Stena Line is your ticket to spectacular coastal routes, vibrant cities, the warmest of welcomes and, of course, a fabulous range of food and drink.
It could not be easier to discover all the very best places to visit, thanks to Tourism Ireland’s Press the Green Button campaign, or work out how to get there and where to stay, thanks to a series of brilliant road trips created by Stena Line in partnership with Tourism Ireland. “The whole island of Ireland has so much to offer,” says Julie Wakley, Head of GB at Tourism Ireland. “Whether you want to relax and unwind, explore our rich history, visit your favourite film locations, try out adrenaline-fuelled activities or lose yourself in live music beside a warm fire, we’ve got it all going on.”
The Emerald Isle has everything from stunning countryside to history, culture and a mighty craic. Enjoy the open road from the comfort of your own car when you sail to Ireland with Stena Line, writes Annabelle Love
WHY STENA LINE FERRIES
Take your car to Ireland from £109 for a single car, plus driver.
Book today at stenaline.co.uk/Ireland
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These road trips include all accommodation, as well as suggestions for inspiring activities, places to visit and brilliant foodie experiences. Just imagine: no airport queues or luggage limits – just smooth sailing, literally, to your destination. Take in the fresh sea air, catch a movie or upgrade to the luxurious Stena Plus lounges for a truly first class experience. “Travel is all about getting off the beaten track,” says Orla Noonan, Travel Commercial Manager, Irish Sea at Stena Line, “so it helps if your journey is stress free. From the moment you step onboard our spacious, modern ferries, your holiday starts in earnest.”
Sailing times range from a little over two hours on the Cairnryan to Belfast crossing, or just over three hours from Holyhead to Dublin, so you’re there before you know it. Having your own car gives you the freedom to visit places you might not have considered, equipped with everything you need – from walking boots and surfboards to handbags and your gladrags.
Discover the Magic of County Cork takes you on a trail through the region’s history, culture and natural beauty: find stunning beaches, local crafts, the world’s largest pot still at Jameson’s Midleton Distillery – or kiss the Blarney Stone and see if you come away with the gift of the gab.
Spend your first two nights at the Garryvoe Hotel, in Garryvoe village; it’s right on the beach and a short drive from the Ballymaloe Cookery School and Gardens and Ballycotton Cliff Walk. Shanagarry Design Centre, where local artists create their hand-crafted pieces, is nearby too.
Head to the bustling port of Cobh on Day 3. Once a tiny fishing village, it became a vital hub for shipping and emigration. Take a short ferry ride to Spike Island, formerly the world’s largest prison and Ireland’s ‘Alcatraz’, then drive to Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel and Villas, in Cork City.
A Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour will help you get your bearings and includes sights like Shandon Bells and the English Market; if you’re planning a trip in November, Cork’s Christmas Market is a great place to shop for gifts.
No visit would be complete without a trip to Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone, before heading to West Cork, home to more artisan food producers than all the other counties in Ireland put together. Work up an appetite with a walk along the blue flag Inchydoney Beach at Clonakilty.
Overnight at Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery then strike out for Mizen Head, the most south westerly point on the Island of Ireland. Explore the colourful villages nearby, before spending the final night of your road trip at the Maldron Hotel Wexford, in Wexford.
The Highlights of Northern Ireland tour takes the scenic route along the magnificent Causeway Coast. Enjoy your first night at the Armagh City Hotel, in the Georgian city of Armagh, right in the heart of Ireland’s apple country. It is shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2023 so you will want to spend time exploring properly.
Head to the Navan Centre and Fort to visit one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, Emain Macha, then drive to Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen. Stretch your legs at the National Trust Florence Court Estate or explore the underground Marble Arch Caves, which were formed more than 340 million years ago.
Drive onwards to Derry/Londonderry and the 4-star Maldron Hotel, inside the city’s historic walls. Walk the Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square and enjoy the brilliant range of craft beers at gastro pub the Walled City Brewery, recently named UK Taproom of the Year 2021.
Derry City Tours will guide you on a brilliant 5-star walk around the city. Visit the Guildhall, Siege and Tower museums and step back in time at the Craft Village with its eclectic mix of artisan shops and restaurants. Remember to check out the Derry Girls mural too.
kiss the Blarney Stone and see if you get the gift of the gab
follow the incredible story of the Titanic at Titanic Belfast
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What's instore when you step aboard a Stena Line ship
Stena Line has four more fantastic, ready-made road trips for you to choose from, including:
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Where the Causeway Coastal Route meets the Wild Atlantic Way. Spend your first two nights within the historic walls of Derry/Londonderry then head to Ballyliffin village and finally to Donegal Town. Explore forests and hills along the way and enjoy stunning coastal scenery and super fresh seafood.
Ireland’s Undiscovered North West
Buckle up to discover some of the best seasonal produce and specialty food and drink in Northern Ireland - a foodie’s paradise. Kick off your culinary adventure with a three-night stay in Moy, then head to Armagh, in the heart of Ireland’s apple country, and finish up in Belfast.
Pull the Perfect Pint
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Explore the vibrant cities of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry at your leisure and enjoy the super scenic Causeway Coastal Route in between. Spend your first two nights in Belfast then head to Derry/Londonderry – and make the most of the region’s fresh, seasonal food along the way.
A Tale of 2 Northern Ireland Cities
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Explore Ireland’s Ancient East and the trading centres established by these fearsome Norse warriors. Enjoy your first night in Waterford, home of the House of Waterford crystal, head to Kilkenny for two nights and then on to Wexford. Wind down on one of the area’s beautiful blue flag beaches.
Sail to Ireland in Style
Watch
Set sail with Stena Line
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ARE YOUR KEY TO THE OPEN ROAD
Stena Line is one of the world’s leading ferry operators, offering four fantastic routes from Britain to Ireland, and a choice of up to 30 daily sailings - making it super easy to plan a trip that works for you.
Sail from Cairnryan to Belfast, Liverpool to Belfast or, if you are travelling from Wales, choose from Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard to Rosslare.
The Stena Line route network means you can travel to Ireland on one route, and return via another - or you can book a road trip experience.
Choose a Flexi ticket – so you can stay on and catch up with family and friends or explore the beautiful West Coast.
Additional highlights of your Stena Line sailing experience include:
- No baggage restrictions
- Free WiFi on board
- Free movies
- Duty Free shopping on the Holyhead and Fishguard routes
Stena Line’s Sail Safe protocols for Covid-19 offer complete peace of mind - with social distancing measures in place, wearing of masks indoors and ventilation systems that run on 100 per cent fresh air.
The Viking Triangle
Your next stop is the 3-star Marine Hotel in Ballycastle. After a hearty breakfast, head to the magnificent Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s iconic World Heritage Site. Walk the stones and let them capture your imagination and inspire you, or book a tour to learn how they were formed.
Enjoy a sweet treat at Ursa Minor Bakehouse, then drive the Causeway Coastal route back to Belfast for two nights at the 4-star Stormont Hotel, opposite Stormont Estate.
Take a sightseeing tour bus to really appreciate the whole of this city, and follow the incredible story of the Titanic at Titanic Belfast. Peruse the stalls at St George’s Market then wrap up your Northern Ireland adventure with dinner at one of the city’s great restaurants.
With so much on offer on the Island of Ireland, isn’t it time to Press the Green Button and book your road trip with Stena Line right now?
Have a sea cow, man:
see friendly manatees in their natural habitat
Smooth sailing: the Cairnryan to Belfast crossing takes little over two hours with Stena Line
First-class style: one of Stena Line's luxury lounges
Sleep sound: unwind on your crossing
Go exploring: magnificent views of over western Ireland
Bracing: Dunmore Head in the southwest of Ireland
A little romance: cliff walks on the west coast
