Travelling by ferry to Northern Ireland

To reach Northern Ireland by boat, you can depart from 1 countries: United Kingdom. The ferries of the 3 companies (Stena Line, Isle of Man Steam Packet or P&O Ferries) operating crossings to Northern Ireland call at 6 ports: Liverpool, Belfast, Cairnryan, Douglas, Larne and Troon.

With a network of 6 ferry lines, it is easy to reach Northern Ireland and find the perfect crossing. Ferry companies Stena Line, Isle of Man Steam Packet and P&O Ferries offer up to 8 crossings a day. Find all prices and best deals for Northern Ireland on our Vivanoda search engine.

The fastest crossing takes 2 hours 20 min (Cairnryan - Belfast) with a distance of 44 mi and the longest 8 hours (Liverpool - Belfast) with a distance of 145 mi.

Ferries to Northern Ireland in figures

Countries
United Kingdom
Number of crossings
8 crossings a day
Number of ports
6
Number of ferry connections
6
Number of ferry companies
3
Search for ferries
Search and book accommodation

Popular ferries to Northern Ireland

Search for the fastest, longest or most frequent ferries to Northern Ireland on Vivanoda. Compare offers from Stena Line, Isle of Man Steam Packet and P&O Ferries and book your ticket to Northern Ireland.

Most popular ferry routes to Northern Ireland

To travel to Northern Ireland by ferry, the ferry operators P&O Ferries, Isle of Man Steam Packet and Stena Line offer daily crossings from Troon, Larne, Douglas, Cairnryan, Belfast or Liverpool.

Search for ferries
Search and book accommodation
Ferry to Northern Ireland - Compare prices and book cheap tickets

Ferry Northern Ireland: Travel Guide

Ferry Northern Ireland: What to see and do?

Northern Ireland is a region rich in history, breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality. Whether you arrive by ferry in Belfast or Larne, you're about to discover bustling cities, majestic castles and extraordinary natural sites. Prepare to be amazed and let me guide you through the main towns and sights of this magnificent region.

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a must-see. Take a stroll through the Titanic Quarter, where the famous ocean liner was built. Visit the Titanic Museum and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this maritime tragedy. And don't miss Belfast Castle, perched on a hill with breathtaking views over the city, and the magnificent Botanic Gardens with their Victorian glasshouses.

If you want to explore more of Northern Ireland's cultural heritage, head for Derry / Londonderry. This is one of Ireland's oldest cities and is packed with historic sites and monuments. Walk along the well-preserved ramparts around the old town and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the pubs and restaurants. And don't miss the Clock Tower Museum, which tells the story of the city's turbulent history.

As you continue your journey, make a diversion to the Giant's Causeway, a natural site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a geological formation unique in the world, made up of hexagonal basalt columns that stretch for almost 6 km along the coast. A walk along this natural wonder is a real feast for the eyes.

Want to see some breathtaking scenery? Head to County Fermanagh and visit Castle Archdale Forest Park. You can take a stroll along the shores of Lough Erne, admire the beauty of the woods and maybe even spot some deer and rare birds. Or take the opportunity to cruise the lake and discover the famous island of Devenish with its monastic ruins.

Leaving the countryside behind, head back towards the coast to visit the famous Causeway Coastal Route. This scenic route runs along the north coast of Northern Ireland and offers spectacular views of the Irish Sea. Don't miss Dunluce Castle, perched on a cliff and partly in ruins, and the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, which links the coast to a small picturesque island.

Your stay in Northern Ireland wouldn't be complete without a visit to Belfast Castle, the setting for the famous TV series Game of Thrones. Join a guided tour and immerse yourself in the fabulous world of this saga. There are also many other filming locations from the series throughout the region for fans to enjoy.

In Northern Ireland, every town, site and landscape has its own story to tell. Take advantage of your stay to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample delicious Irish cuisine and discover the legendary hospitality of the people.

Northern Ireland: When to visit?

The best time to travel to the UK is generally in summer, from June to August. During this period, temperatures average between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant conditions in which to explore the many tourist sites and enjoy the country's magnificent landscapes. The days are also longer, which means more time to explore the bustling cities of London, Edinburgh and Belfast, as well as the magnificent national parks, coastlines and castles.

However, even in summer, it's important to be prepared for sudden showers and unexpected temperature changes. It is advisable to bring waterproof clothing to deal with any unforeseen weather conditions.

Search for ferries
Search and book accommodation

Main ports of call for a ferry crossing to Northern Ireland

Other ferry destinations from Northern Ireland

None

None
None
None