Hi all, has anyone travelled across to Northern Ireland via Cairnryan specifically with dogs?
We are thinking of going across to visit family but Mrs B is worried. From the info we have found the dogs must be left in the car, which she isn't happy about as one of them has fits, and info would be helpful, thanks.
Yes we use the NI ferries and as you say, the dogs have to stay in the car.
However, with the fast ferry you are only separated for an hour.
We used the Troon to Larne ferry so it was a two hour separation. We didn't like it but there was no other way to do it.
When my husband went with a friend to pick up dogs in Belfast, they went as foot passenger's. When returning with the dogs the dogs were put in to cages on the car deck and they had to go up to the passenger deck. So if you did not want to leave the dog in the car you might be able to use one of the kennels. No dog were allowed to go up on deck.
I wouldn't be happy about leaving my dog on the car deck so if I have to use certain ferries, he comes with me on a leash and we either sit on deck or in designated dog areas. If you have ever been on a car deck when the ferry is moving, the noise is indescribable. (Our ambulance room on the Oban ferry is off the car deck, hence my knowing.) Not nice for the dog.
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
Hi, Lobey, I'd really like to know why. Maybe it is the numbers of passengers v available deck space but it would be good if the reasons were given. Calmac have some odd rules on various things, but I suspect there'd be uproar if this was imposed on us!!
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
Even CalMac have different rules on different ferries, as we found out when we did a Highland Hopscotch and used 4 separate ferry crossings to tour the Hebrides a couple of years back.
On some you could take the dogs anywhere on board, on others you were confined to one tiny section of the boat.
All in all it was enough to put us off ever going back.
Wonderful place when you get there, but too costly and too many petty rules to be bothered seeing it again.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: cairnryan ferrys and dogs
