MELSMOM47

Looking for a recommendation for a private tour. We'd like to get around to some of the major sites then go to the Titanic museum. TIA

On 1/2/2023 at 4:45 AM, gumshoe958 said:

Many of the ports you mention are in small towns some distance from the cities they claim to serve and will require catching a train or bus if you want to experience anything more than a few local shops and restaurants.
 

Inverness: the port is in Invergordon, which is about an hour north of Inverness itself (and longer still from Loch Ness). There’s not much to do in Invergordon so you’ll need to catch a train or bus into Inverness, or take a tour if you want to explore Loch Ness. Invergordon’s train station and bus stops are easily walkable from the cruise terminal. The trains are infrequent so check times carefully.

 

Glasgow: the port is in Greenock, which is about 45 minutes west of Glasgow and again there’s not much of interest locally so you’ll need to catch a train or bus if you want to explore the city. Trains are cheap and frequent (normally 2 or 3 an hour) and the station is walkable from the cruise terminal.

 

Belfast: the cruise terminal is in a very industrial area out to the east of the city and while the centre is technically walkable it’s not pleasant and isn’t really recommended. There is a limited bus service on the road adjacent to the terminal but it’s VERY infrequent so this is one port where I’d really recommend booking a tour or a cab. The Titanic experience is excellent and mustn’t be missed, and if you want to explore Belfast’s troubled recent history and famous murals there are several bus tours you can just turn up for and buy on the day. The Giants Causeway is a couple of hours away and really requires an organised tour.

 

Holyhead: it’s a small, not very nice town with very little to do! The station is right by the ferry terminal though and there are trains roughly every hour to places like Bangor, Llandudno (seaside resort) or Conwy (beautiful castle). Or book a private tour if you want to explore Snowdonia.

 

Cork: the port is in Cobh which is another small town with not much to see. But the rail station is right next to the ship and an hourly train will take you into Cork in about half an hour so that’s a no-brainer really!

 

Dover: it’s a reasonably big town but not a particularly nice one although its saving grace is its castle which is worth seeing. The town centre is walkable from the ship as is the rail station from where you can catch an hourly train to Canterbury.

Thank you Gumshoe. Are cabs readily available at most of these ports?