Glasgow

Get a bit of Glasgow in your life!

There are many things about Glasgow that make it the perfect day trip, weekend break or even a longer holiday. You’ll need a bit of time to discover it all, so it’s worth taking some time to curate your itinerary…or you can always come back for more!

We sail into Scotland from Northern Ireland every day so we’re pretty au fait with this glorious city. It’s just a two-hour drive from our port in Cairnryan which makes it a very doable road trip.

People Make Glasgow – that’s what they say! The people of Glasgow give this incredible city its uniquely warm and welcoming accent, but there’s so much more to this great city.

If it’s your first time, there are a few must-dos: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum offers a snapshot of everything Glasgow, from old masters to modern art, a peek into the city’s industrial and craft heritage, and a timeline of our natural history. Kids love it! Time your visit right and you might also catch the organ recital which completely changes the atmosphere of this incredible building and draws visitors to the stunning central hall. And it’s all FREE.

Both the Glasgow Science Centre and Riverside Museum, Glasgow's award-winning transport museum, are a perfect day out for families, rain or shine. You’ll learn a lot just by enjoying the exhibits – lots of which are interactive.

If you’re after a shopping break you’re in the right place with lots of options - Buchanan Street and its Galleries connects Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street, making one of the best Great British High Streets in the country.

In the East End, you can explore The Merchant City, built for Glasgow’s rich tobacco barons and shipping merchants. Its former warehouses are now home to a vibrant café quarter and designer boutiques. And if you get a bit peckish, no problem! You’ve got a world of bistros to choose from: gourmet Scottish, Indian and Mediterranean flavours are all on the menu.

The West End has a vibe that’s a little different. Also well known for its beautiful architecture and quaint shops, the area around Byres Road bustles with students and young professionals and is also a hive of cafés, bars and lanes – Ashton Lane is well known for its bars and restaurants while Hidden Lane is home to independent shops and a tranquil tearoom.    

You’ll also notice that Mac and Cheese is on practically every menu! No one is quite sure how this Italian dish became a firm Scottish family-favourite but, whatever the reason, when you travel to Glasgow you can’t leave without trying a Macaroni pie!

Did we mention the murals? The street art is incredible in Glasgow. And they play football here too so catch a match if you can – there are a couple of teams in the city that are worth a watch!