Get your haggis, neeps, and tatties ready – Burns Night is just around the corner and we’re here to help you make the most of this celebration!
But what is Burns Night? This festivity dates back to the 18th century and champions the life and works of Robert Burns, the famed Scottish poet and lyricist. It is celebrated on the 25th of January to commemorate the poet’s birthday.
On this day, Scots and Robert Burns fans all over the world come together and celebrate by reciting Burns’ Address to the Haggis whilst feasting on Scottish delicacies like haggis, a savoury pudding traditional to Scotland; neeps, better known as swedes; and tatties, the Scottish word for potatoes.
Burns Night traditions also include reciting the Selkirk Grace prayer and the Immortal Memory, which is the main tribute speech to Burns, along with sipping whiskey, of course!
Want to sound like a pro? Learn how to say happy Burns Night in Scottish Gaelic, by saying Oidhche Bhlas Burns or Sláinte Mhath which translates to ‘good health’!
Planning to travel to Scotland for Burns Night? Our Larne to Cairnryan route operates 6 crossings a day if you’re travelling from Northern Ireland. Coming from mainland Europe? Take our overnight ferry from Rotterdam to Hull. You’ll reach Scotland by car in about a 3.5-hour drive.
Ready to celebrate? Here are the top cities to visit in Scotland this January:
Aberdeen City
Like many cities across Scotland, Aberdeen will host plenty of Burns Night activities. From casual pub affairs to formal hotel events, you’ll get a taste of what Burns Night is all about!
If you’re looking for a traditional Burns Night event, reserve your spot at the Beach Ballroom for the local Burns Ceilidh Supper.
After a night of poetry and great company, why not do some sightseeing? Head to Old Aberdeen and visit the 12th-century St. Machar’s Cathedral.
Feeling chilly? Take respite in one of the city’s many museums. Art connoisseurs won’t want to miss the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Nature lovers will find the Maritime Museum and Duthie Park’s Welch Winter Gardens of interest.
Glasgow
Burns Night in Glasgow won’t disappoint. With its bustling city centre and cultural sights, Glasgow is one of the best cities to celebrate the life of Robert Burns.
Want to feast on locally sourced ingredients? Head to the Bothy Glasgow restaurant for their Burns supper special complete with live performances.
But before sitting down to enjoy your Burns Night haggis, take a scenic walk around Glasgow city. The imposing Glasgow Cathedral and nearby Glasgow Necropolis are definitely worth a visit and offer stunning views over the city.
If the weather turns, head to Scotland’s oldest public museum, the Huntarian Gallery.
Glasgow is just under a 2-hour drive from our Cairnryan port. This makes our Larne to Cairnryan ferry crossing a convenient option for those travelling from Ireland.
Edinburgh
No trip to Scotland would be complete without visiting its capital city: Edinburgh. With a mix of historical pubs and posh eateries, celebrating Burns Night in Edinburgh will be a fun-filled experience.
Head to the Conan Doyle pub for a hearty traditional Burns Night supper along with poetry readings and music.
Just fancy a tipple? Edinburgh’s Whiski Bar is aptly named to suit all your Scottish whisky desires, plus it boasts the city’s largest collection of whiskies!
Now that you’re in the capital, you’re probably wondering what places to visit in Edinburgh. With so many historical and cultural sights, there’s plenty on offer. We recommend visiting Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, and the charming Royal Mile.
Dumfries
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland this January, make sure you visit the Big Burns Supper Festival in Dumfries. This 11-day music, theatre and comedy festival is one of the largest Burns Night activities attracting Burns fans from all over the world.
But Robert Burns enthusiasts will also appreciate that some of the poet’s best-known poems were written in Dumfries. A major sightseeing attraction is Burns’ own sandstone house, which now hosts a museum you can visit.
There’s plenty of things to do besides Burns Night in Dumfries, just a 20-minute drive away you’ll find the 13th-century Caerlaverock Castle with its distinctive triangular shape and moat.
If you’re driving from Europe, Dumfries is just under a 4-hour drive away from our Hull port.
Ayrshire
Your road trip to Scotland for Burns Night wouldn’t be complete without visiting the poet’s birthplace in Ayrshire. Located in the village of Alloway, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum hosts over 5,000 artefacts and manuscripts.
If you’re after a traditional Burns supper, head to the Nuthurst Grange Country House Hotel and feast on fine Scottish whiskies and haggis, accompanied by bagpipe music and Burns poem readings.
Other places to visit in Ayrshire include the 16th-century Culzean Castle and Dean Castle Country Park.
Getting the ferry from Ireland to Scotland? We make 6 ferry crossings to Cairnryan a day and the drive up to Ayrshire is just 1-hour away.
Ready to celebrate Burns Night? Book your road trip to Scotland today.
