What to See & Do in Cairnryan
Sights
About Cairnryan
Cairnryan’s status as an important ferry port looks to be secured, with plans currently being drawn up to create a combined P&O/Stena Line ferry terminal with facilities for berthing two conventional ferries and the HSS fast ferry. The decision on whether the port development will go ahead is to be decided by a public inquiry, currently underway in Cairnryan.
The new facilities will be created in the area currently occupied by the current P&O port, as well as land reclamation on the north & south side of the village shore. This decision would see a major financial investment in the North Channel routes, and significant long term security for the village and the wider Loch Ryan basin.
This development, however, may have more questionable effects on the small ribbon village itself. All traffic using the North Channel route will be passing through Cairnryan, potentially causing significant congestion, noise and inconvenience; and some argue that the planning authority has missed a trick in not insisting on the reinstatement of the rail link as a condition of planning permission. The concentration of boats themselves may also cause significant amounts of noise and air pollution, docking as they must so close to the village.
Where to stay and eat.
The Loch Ryan Hotel and the Merchant’s House restaurant and coffee shop cater for residents and passing ferry passengers, but other facilities include a number of B&Bs and a caravan park.
Cairnryan Caravan Park
This is a quality family run holiday park, nestling in the hills above Cairnryan, near to the P&O ferry terminal to Larne. Open March to October, it offers panoramic views over Lochryan and the hills behind. There is also a swimming pool, children’s play park and games room which is open at night. There is a laundrette on the park and a local shop selling fresh rolls and papers a quarter of a mile away in the village.
