I`m taking my father in law to belfast in march and was wondering what`s the best way without flying as he`s not allowed.

The most direct route over sea (and fastest) is via Stranraer in South west Scotland.
The trek up there is a long one though, M6 to Gretna then the A75 to stranraer.
The ferry crossing takes 90 minutes and there is a choice of operators
Stenna, P & O, Sea Cat, although some go to Larne.
Also there are ferries from Cairnryan (about 10mins up the coast from stranraer)

thanks for that 40summat. 250 mile to stranraer though. Hate drivin

A trip I do frequently, its actually much easier than in the past as the A75 to Stranraer has been substantially improved. just watch out for speed cameras as the local police must have too much time on thier hands -I have never seen as many cameras as recently on the stretch from Newton Stewart to Kirkcudbright.

The HSS service from Stranraer is my preferred service taking you right into the centre of Belfast. Larne is 20 miles north and getting into the city from there can be a bit of a pain especially if you don't know the place.

You are right GHS it is a better trip these days than when the road went through every village along the route.
I usually make the journey at night, but you miss the stunning coastal views.
The prices drop during the winter Pedro, and if you are going for a short visit i would consider leaving the car in Stranraer and going as a foot passenger.
When i lived in the area i could get a return for £10, although that was a shoppers special. (day return)
there are safe long stay carparks in Stranraer and a free bus link from Belfast ferry port to town.

If you don't want to drive to Stranraer there is a crossing from Birkenhead to Belfast - Birkenhead approx 90 miles from Sheffield - 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive as a rule - sea journey is 8 hours though and is probably pretty expensive.

Deatils from;

http://www.norsemerchant.com/PASSENGER/routes_schedules/routes.asp

Aye there's an offer on the ferry from Birkenhead to Belfast you can, 'Sail from Birkenhead to Belfast or Dublin from just £69 single for a car and 2 passengers, fare includes a 3 course lunch' at the minute. You'll find the link from www.gotobelfast.com. Enjoy Norn Iron,, i'm off on Monday!!

+ if you don't know Belshaft well, PM me before you head in March and i'll give you touristy tips for as to what yous could do when yous get there.

Vegemike - are you a Norn Iron student at Uni in shefield?.

Originally from East Belfast myself.

Thanks for your info everyone. We`ll have to take the car across on the ferry as her dad`s not too good on his feet. It`s going to be a cheap holiday as he`s paying for the ferry and we`re staying with his brother in a place called finigy ( bet that`s not spealt right)

I think you probably mean Finaghy, which is a suburb in south Belfast. Handy for the A1 heading south towards Dublin and the Mournes, you can also quickly head from there up the Antrim Coast - Giants Causeway, Portrush and Bushmills all of which I would recommend. The city centre is easily accessible and is well worth a look, a much maligned but interesting place to visit.

Have a good time

Do you need your passport if you go south of the border?

Originally posted by pedro1
Do you need your passport if you go south of the border?


No passport needed, just some euros. + i'd definately second GHS's advice to go up to the North Coast and see the Giants Causeway etc. And if your father in law likes a dram, Bushmills has the world's oldest whiskey distillery and gives tours, with free whisky at the end.

GHS I am a student here, from Carnmoney in North Belfast. Heading back tomorrow for the first time since July and really looking forward to it, people will understand me when i speak!! I haven't met many people from Norn Iron in Sheffield at all, just english ones saying 'My granny's from cork,, do you know her!!'

Its worth checking if the Seacat from Liverpool do a service to Belfast.
They do it to Dublin and Isle of Man.
Journey time would be 4 hours on that.

Vegemike - have a great time back home. I grew up in the Cregagh, about 200 yards from Burren Way, you might be able to work where I went to school from my name. My family now live around Bangor and are heading over here to spend Christmas at my place.

You are right there aren't too many of us in Sheffield.