The UK wants to build one of the world's most ambitious bridges The UK wants to build one of the world's most ambitious bridges Mon, 5 Jul 2021, 4:01PM There are three existing ferry services between Ireland and Britain, including the one between Larne (pictured) and Stranraer in Scotland. Photo / Getty The UK wants to build one of the world's most ambitious bridges At the western edge of Europe lie two little islands with a complex past. Ireland and Britain are just 19.3 kilometres apart at the Irish Sea's narrowest point, but waters run deep here -- in every sense. For the past century, Ireland's northeast corner has been part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.