Transportation & Lodging Questions

[auscgguysgirl]

We are flying into Dublin Ireland a few days prior to a Transatlantic Cruise out of Southampton England next September.  I haven't been to Europe since the early 90's and that was a guided group.  We know that we want to take the ferry from Ireland to Scotland.  We were thinking of renting a car in Scotland and then driving to England.  Is this possible?  Is is complicated?

 

Also trying to figure out lodging for our stay prior to.  How does one go about finding areas that are safe for stay?  Anyone have recommendations?  We like to stay places are that older and more historic in nature. 

 

Trying to figure this all out on our own.  TIA!

[Bob++]

There are regular and frequent ferries between Ireland and Scotland operated bu P&O  Ferries:  http://www.poferries.com/en/cairnryan-larne

 

Hiring a car in Scotland and leaving it in Southampton should be no problem so long as you use one of the larger companies like Hertz, Avis, etc. You would probably have to collect the car from Stranraer unless they will deliver it to the port. Checkout this website: https://www.rentalcars.com/en/one-way/gb/

 

As for finding somewhere to stay, check out the usual suspects - TripAdvisor, Air B&B etc.

Edited June 19, 2019 by Bob++

[SrCruizer]

My husband & I have used Hertz car rentals in England, Scotland & Ireland several times. We thoroughly enjoyed staying in B&Bs. Every place unique with lots of character and we also met delightful people. Most B&Bs are small and we discovered the good ones book up early. I would suggest you start your trip planning now. Something else to keep in mind, don’t be overly ambitious regarding the number of miles you can cover in a day. Plan to arrive at your destination in the light. 

[tartanexile81]

There are direct ferries between Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Scotland. If you hire a car in Ireland with one of the bug companies, you could take it on the ferry then keep it to drive on to Southampton.  

 

Or you could travel as a foot passenger on Stena Lines and pick up a car at the Hertz office in Cairnryan. Ferries don't go  to Stranraer any more as new terminals have been built. 

 

The other option is to take the coach from Belfast city centre to Glasgow or Edinburgh and pick up your hire car there. 

 

Happy to give you more info about these options including links to booking websites if you want.

[ducklite]

25 minutes ago, tartanexile81 said:

There are direct ferries between Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Scotland. If you hire a car in Ireland with one of the bug companies, you could take it on the ferry then keep it to drive on to Southampton.  

 

Or you could travel as a foot passenger on Stena Lines and pick up a car at the Hertz office in Cairnryan. Ferries don't go  to Stranraer any more as new terminals have been built. 

 

The other option is to take the coach from Belfast city centre to Glasgow or Edinburgh and pick up your hire car there. 

 

Happy to give you more info about these options including links to booking websites if you want.

With Brexit looming, most of the car companies are no longer allowing cars to leave the island.