Take a ferry to Cairnryan and spend some time in this hidden gem of Scontland’s Coast that is full of surprises!
The small village of Cairnryan is located in the historical county of Wigtownshire, Galloway and Dumfries, on the coastline of Scotland and approximately 81 miles southwest of Glasgow. It’s mostly known for its breathtaking coastal scenery around the sparkling waters of Loch Ryan and the picturesque village itself.
The name Cairnryan is derived from the Gaelic word "cairn", meaning pile of stones. Traces of prehistoric settlements have been discovered in the area, suggesting that the site was important to human settlements from ancient times.
Cairnryan was officially developed in 1701 for the workers of the Lochryan Estate and has a significant, enriching history relating to the sea. It holds the significance of having been in the center during the Second World War when it was used as No. 2 Military Port. Following the war, Cairnryan moved from being a military settlement to one involved with shipbreaking.
The village of Cairnryan is an ideal destination for tourists wishing to explore the quieter aspects of Scotland. Look below and find out what makes this village charming and beautiful, how to get to Cairnryan by ferry, transportation options in town and how it provides a perfect getaway for adventurers and those who want to have a more relaxing time. Despite its small population of less than 140 residents, Cairnryan has all the necessary amenities and it has a charm and character that definitely will amaze all visitors.
Cairnryan Ferry Port
The small village of Cairnryan is known for the Cairnryan ferry terminal located on Loch Ryan in Dumfries and Galloway. It links Great Britain and Northern Island and the ideal location of the port offers the shortest and quickest ferry crossing between these areas while offering modern amenities to its passengers such as coffee shops, vending machines, waiting areas and a large car park.
How to reach Cairnryan
- Car: the village is accessible via the A77 road that connects Carinryan to major cities of Scotland with scenic views of the countryside. The driving distance from Glasgow is approximately 2 hours south and from Ayr it’s approximately 40 minutes
- Train: The closest railway station to Cairnryan is situated in the town of Stranraer. You can take a train from Glasgow Central Station to Stranraer, a journey which would usually take 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Bus: Most of the towns and cities are connected to Stranraer in Scotland by several bus services. For example, the Stagecoach services connect Ayr and Glasgow to Stranraer
Getting around Cairnryan
Cairnryan is a small village in Scotland, and because of its size and location, one can only expect limited transportation.
- Bus: Local buses may be available running from Cairnryan to the nearby towns of Stranraer. They may not be that frequent, hence, one should check the timetable well in advance. For more information you can check the local timetables at the local bus stops
- Taxis: There are taxis around the village. These can be booked for travel in the village and around the villages that are proximate to it
- Walking & cycling: Cairnryan is quite walkable with local trails that can be easily accessed and explored. Cyclists can also take advantage of the quiet roads of the village that lead to scenic views of the coastling and the countryside
Top sights in Cairnryan
Although Cairnryan is small, it does have quite a few charming things for visitors to see and experience. Some of these include:
- Dunmore Park: This park lies a short distance away, offering walking trails and greenery perfect for a relaxing day outdoors
- Old Parish Church Remains: Here are the atmospheric ruins of an ancient parish church built in 1604. It was built by order of Lady Kennedy of Bargany to house the remains of the Laird of Bargany. The ruins are a recorded monument, so there is a lot of history worth seeing here
- Explore local history through nearby sites that include the remains of old military installations from World War II
- White Loch (Loch of Inch) and Black Loch (Loch Crindil): These two lochs are separated by a narrow land bridge and present a stunning view of nature. The place is good for hiking and enjoying the serenity of nature. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the shores or engage in bird watching
- Castle Kennedy: This 17th-century ruin is dramatically situated, overlooking both the White and Black Lochs. In fact, the castle is set within exquisitely landscaped gardens that feature an impressive collection of rhododendrons, champagne trees and many other rare species. It also serves as a good spot for taking photographs and exploring the historic architecture
- Stranraer: Just a few miles away, Stranraer has a few attractions such as shops, restaurants and the historic Stranraer Castle with its lovely gardens and picturesque surroundings
