Northern Ireland for Christmas

Back after another (almost) full month away . . .

Three years ago we decided to drive to Belfast and Rostrevor for Christmas and following that success we have done this again this year. As with most things the costs have evened out compared to flying but the big benefit is to have the car available for the holiday period. No micro packing and endless queues at airports but the freedom to take what you want and go where you want as usual is so worth it and something we have enjoyed for the last couple of summer holidays.



As the image above shows our journey time between Harrow and Stranraer, we made great time with the final 98 mile leg between Carlisle and Stranraer being the most difficult, being a mostly single carriageway A road. We still made the port with enough time to refind the Starfish Café and have a well deserved All Day Breakfast before joining the inevitable queues for the 1440pm ferry. The crossing was smooth and on time and we arrived in Osborne at 515pm - pretty much as advertised.



Hannah managed to sleep (most) of the way again and apologies for this rather unflattering image shot by her Mother!

After a quick pitstop, we were back on the road and south to Rostrevor. Again this all went to time and I was back at Osborne for 9pm and a welcome beef stew and a cold beer! A long but relatively smooth travel day and much better than any recent airport experience.