10 EPIC Belfast Giants Causeway Tours to take this year
16 min readTable of Contents
Looking for the best value Belfast Giants Causeway tours? We got you covered! We have explored the UNESCO Heritage site on a small group guided tour, and tried multiple operators in the United Kingdom to give you a list of the perfect excursions to choose from!
The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Northern Ireland. Located on the Antrim Coast Road between Larne and Ballycastle, this unique geological formation is a must-see destination for any visitor to the United Kingdom.
Featuring more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, this incredible rock formation was created by volcanic activity some 50-60 million years ago.
So, let’s find out how you can make the most of your visit with a tour!
Belfast Giants Causeway Tours to take this year
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Best Belfast Giants Causeway Tour
This is a full-day tour from Belfast offering round-trip transportation and sightseeing at Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, and a scenic drive! It is one of the affordable, comfortable, and most engaging tours to book!
The stunning Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been recognized for its natural beauty, captivating locals and visitors alike. It is also an area of great historic significance, with evidence of ancient settlements from the Bronze Age being found in the area.
Today, it is one of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions, with visitors coming from all over the world.
If you’re looking to explore the Giant’s Causeway and its surroundings, then a Belfast Giants Causeway tour is an excellent way to do it. These tours incorporate all of the highlights of this breathtaking area in one convenient package.
All the tours listed in this guide are conducted in English. We have provided tour details and operators from GetYourGuide. We personally use them and love their services. They offer free cancellation and their customer service is amazing!
1. From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip (9.5 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants’s Causeway Full Guided tour from Belfast
♡ RATING: 4.7 Out of 5 stars – with more than 1900 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ Round trip transportation in luxury coach
- ☑ Small group tour
- ☑ Stops at Dark Hedges, Dunlace Castle, and more
- ☑ Live guide on the tour
- ☑ One of the most affordable tours on this list
Why choose this tour?
Embark on a full-day guided tour from Belfast in a luxury coach and visit Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other gems along the coast.
This tour follows along one of the world’s top 5 coastal routes and stops include the Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves, Dunluce Castle, Carnlough Harbour, and the beautiful Carrickfergus Castle.
You will get to soak in the stunning coastal views and also enjoy a delicious pub grub-style lunch at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy (at your expense).
🛒 Click to book this Giants’ Causeway Full Guided tour from Belfast
2. Belfast: Causeway and Antrim Coast Private Tour (8 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants’s Causeway Private Tour from Belfast
♡ RATING: 4.9 Out of 5 stars – with more than 15 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ Round trip transportation from Belfast in a licensed vehicle
- ☑ Pick up and drop off from hotel in Belfast or cruise port
- ☑ Private tour per group of 4 people
- ☑ Stops at the town of Ballycastle, Glens of Antrim, Dunlace Castle, Dark Hedges
- ☑ Stop at Bushmills Distillery
- ☑ Carrick-a-rede Ropebridge adventure (entry fee is extra)
Why choose this tour?
Get the luxury of pick up and drop off from Belfast accommodation and enjoy sightseeing at the Giant’s Causeway site, as well as generous stops at the Ballycastle, Glens of Antrim, and Dunluce Castle.
This private tour is charged per 4 passengers, and you have the option to add a Distillery tour and sightseeing at the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. At the rope bridge site, you can take a trip across the bridge – an exhilarating walk to enjoy the stunning views.
🛒 Click to book this Giants’ Causeway Private Tour from Belfast
3. From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour (8.5 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants’s Causeway and Game of Thrones day tour from Belfast
♡ RATING: 4.4 Out of 5 stars – with more than 1770 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ Round trip transportation from Belfast in an air-conditioned bus
- ☑ Pick up and drop off from central Belfast can be arranged
- ☑ This tour focuses on Game of Thrones spots in the UK
- ☑ Stops at Dark Hedges, Dunlace Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Giants Carrickfergus Castle, Glenarm Castle, Carnlough Harbour, Waterfoot Caves, Cushendun Curfew House, and of course the Giants Causeway
- ☑ Entry tickets included to most sites listed above
Why choose this tour?
This is one of the coolest group tours centred around all the must-see Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland, UK.
The list includes the Giants Causeway, Carrickfergus Castle, Glenarm Castle, Carnlough Harbour, Waterfoot Caves, Cushendun Curfew House, Rope Bridge, and the Dark Hedges all while navigating the Antrim Coast Road.
Entry fee is included to most sites, as well as comfortable round-trip transportation in an AC bus. It is a full-day tour and a lunch stop is included.
🛒 Click to book this Giants’ Causeway and Game of Thrones day tour from Belfast
4. From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway & Titanic Experience Belfast (6 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants’s Causeway & Titanic Experience from Belfast
♡ RATING: 4.6 Out of 5 stars – with more than 90 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ Round trip transportation in an AC bus
- ☑ Small group tour
- ☑ Sightseeing at Giant’s Causeway with a guide
- ☑ Visit Ballintoy Harbour, Larrybane Quarry, Dark Hedges, Dunlace Castle, and more
- ☑ 6 hour sightseeing excursion (vs 8+ hours for other tours listed on this guide)
Why choose this tour?
Finn McCool is one of the amazing tour providers in Northern Ireland. This excursion takes you from Belfast on a Giant’s Causeway tour to Game of Thrones locations such as Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle.
You will get about 1.50 hours to explore Giant’s Causeway and then an hour at the Ballintoy harbor. This amazing little harbor looks like it was built as a set for Game of Thrones and is one of the most beautiful harbors in Ireland.
The tour also showcases the sights of Larrybane Quarry, and Dunluce Castle, whilst soaking in the winding roads of the Glens of Antrim.
🛒 Click to book this Giant’s Causeway & Titanic Experience from Belfast
5. From Belfast: Full-Day Giants Causeway Land and Boat Tour (9 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants’s Causeway Land and Boat tour from Belfast
♡ RATING: 5 Out of 5 stars on GetYourGuide with positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ Round trip transportation in luxury coach
- ☑ Sightseeing boat cruise
- ☑ Stops at Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Norman Castle and Carnlough Harbour, Ballycastle
- ☑ Local Guide assistance on all the sites
Why choose this tour?
This is a special small group tour that allows you to explore Northern Ireland’s coast by land and boat.
You will get to see the Giant’s Causeway with a guide and learn about the history and legend behind the unique coastline.
The day trip from Belfast also includes sightseeing at Ballycastle, Carrick-A-Rede Rope, and Carnlough Harbour, a filming location for Game of Thrones, and more!
🛒 Click to book this Giants’ Causeway Land and Boat tour from Belfast
6. From Belfast: Giants Causeway Evening Tour (4 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants’s Causeway Evening Tour from Belfast
Tour Highlights
- ☑ This is a private 4 hour tour
- ☑ Evening tour from Belfast
- ☑ Pick up and drop off are included from hotels and port
Why choose this tour?
For a unique experience at the Giants Causeway, you can join this 4-hour – Express Evening Tour from Belfast. This is a private tour (up to 6 passengers) and includes pick-up and drop-off facilities.
You can personalize the tour according to your group’s needs. There is ample time to explore the basalt columns, capture sunset shots and learn about its unique formations.
From Causeway, you will travel along the stunning coast to Dunluce Castle, and enjoy the dramatic cliffs of North Antrim. After a quick stop at the Royal Portrush Golf Course, you will return to Belfast.
🛒 Click to book this Giants’ Causeway Evening Tour from Belfast
7. Belfast: City, Giant’s Causeway Tour w/ Titanic Museum Entry (6 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants’s Causeway, Titanic Museum, and City Tour
♡ RATING: 4.9 Out of 5 stars – with more than 25 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ This is a small group 6-hour tour
- ☑ Guided tour, round trip transportation
- ☑ Explore Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, and a photo stop at the Dunlace Castle
- ☑ Entry tickets included for the Titanic Museum in Belfast
Why choose this tour?
This tour allows you to experience the BEST of Belfast and Giant’s Causeway in one day. You will be exploring basalt columns at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then stop at the Dark Hedges, a centuries-old lane of beech trees, followed by a photo stop at the Dunluce Castle.
In the afternoon, you will return to Belfast and then visit the Titanic Museum and learn the history of the Titanic ocean liner. Entry tickets are included.
🛒Click to book this City, Titanic Museum, and Giant’s Causeway Tour
8. Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour (12 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunlace & Belfast Tour
♡ RATING: 4.8 Out of 5 stars – with more than 4020 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ This is a small group tour
- ☑ Guided tour, round-trip transportation from Dublin
- ☑ Explore Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, and a photo stop at the Dunlace Castle
- ☑ Visit Belfast’s city centre
- ☑ You can add on tickets for the Titanic Museum in Belfast
Why choose this tour?
This is a 12-hour tour that kicks off from Dublin, Ireland to Belfast, UK. You will get on a comfortable AC bus with an amazing tour guide who will share stories of Belfast and the Troubles.
After crossing the border, you will visit Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and of course Belfast city center.
At least 2 hours will be given at the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway. Ensure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the views of the basalt columns, and take photos.
You will have about 1.50 hours in Belfast, to experience the city’s highlights. You can either visit the Titanic Museum or just enjoy your free time in Belfast. You can hang out at the Belfast City Hall, and nearby gardens and go shopping, or grab some food before continuing the journey home.
🛒 Click to book this Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunlace & Belfast Tour
9. Dublin: Giant’s Causeway & Belfast (Titanic or Black Taxi) (14 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants Causeway, and Belfast Tour from Dublin
♡ RATING: 4.8 Out of 5 stars – with more than 410 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ This is a small group tour from Dublin
- ☑ Explore Giant’s Causeway and the Dunlace Castle
- ☑ Tour Belfast city centre
- ☑ Entry tickets to the Titanic experience OR the black taxi Belfast political tour
Why choose this tour?
This is a full-day 14-hour tour from Dublin to Belfast with intimate sightseeing at the Giant’s Causeway. You will enjoy the sights of the Boyne Valley and discover the home of the 5,000-year-old Hill of Tara.
The tour combines the BEST of history and nature sightseeing in Ireland.
In Belfast, you have the option to take a political sightseeing tour in an iconic black cab (which is super popular and educational reflecting on the Troubles/civil unrest) or visit the Titanic Experience (museum entry tickets included to explore and learn on your own).
After exploring the city, you will head out to the countryside and the coast.
Typically the tour would visit the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge or the very popular Dunluce Castle. Whichever site is explored on the day of the tour, you will get to spend 45 to 50 minutes there.
Up next is the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway. The guide will share stories of the Irish giant Finn McCool, who is said to be the Causeway’s creator.
This is where you have the option to have lunch in a number of venues located at the Causeway. With 2 hours there is ample time to lunch and walk this fabulous coastal landscape and capture stunning photos!
The tour then continues along the Antrim Coastal Way, driving past spectacular scenery. You will get to see the remains of Dunseverick Castle and admire the views of the Mull of Kintyre.
Although this tour makes for a full-day adventure, it is worth it for the amazing stops from Dublin!
🛒 Click to book this Giants Causeway and Belfast Tour from Dublin
10. From Dublin: Giant’s Causeway Tour and Whiskey Tasting (13 hours)
➤ BOOK this Giants Causeway, and Whiskey Tasting Tour from Dublin
♡ RATING: 4.8 Out of 5 stars – with more than 20 positive reviews
Tour Highlights
- ☑ This is a small group tour from Dublin
- ☑ Explore Giant’s Causeway and the Dunlace Castle
- ☑Visit the old Thompson Dock pumphouse, tuned into a Whiskey distillery
- ☑ All entry tickets are included in the price of the tour
Why choose this tour?
This full-day 13-hour tour leaves from Dublin, and covers stunning landscapes and historic sites of Northern Ireland.
The first stop on this tour is Dunluce Castle, a medieval fortress perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Irish Sea, followed by the legendary Giants Causeway.
You will have ample time to marvel at the geological wonder, wander around the area and learn about the mythical tales that shroud the causeway.
The tour stops at the enchanting Dark Hedges, before departing for Belfast. In Belfast, you will visit the Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock. This spot previously served as the pumphouse of the RMS Titanic, but now it is turned into a whiskey distillery.
You will get the opportunity to enjoy a whiskey tasting, savoring the flavors of the locally produced spirits, and learn more about the Irish spirits, stories, historical facts, and local anecdotes.
🛒 Click to book this Giants Causeway and Whiskey Tasting Tour from Dublin
Giants Causeway Northern Ireland Planning Tips
Visiting the Giant’s Causeway in the United Kingdom is an experience like no other. Located on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, this area is steeped in history and myth and offers visitors breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago, these iconic hexagonal basalt columns are a marvel of nature and have become an iconic destination for tourists around the world.
Read: 10-day United Kingdom Itinerary
When you book a guided tour, a typical Giant’s Causeway coastal route covers a lot more than the UNESCO World Heritage site. From visiting the Dunluce Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to exploring rugged coastal paths and learning about local folklore, you can check off a lot in a day (and with ease).
Every Giants Causeway tour provides an insight into the history and culture of Northern Ireland with guided tours conducted in multiple languages.
Here are some of the additional stops covered:
Dark Hedges:
The Dark Hedges are a remarkable sight to behold and can be visited during your day trip from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway. This natural phenomenon consists of nearly two hundred ancient beech trees that were planted in the 18th century as an entrance avenue to Gracehill House.
The result is an enchanting canopy of intertwined branches that seem to form an almost magical tunnel, and the area has become popular with both locals and tourists alike.
The Dark Hedges are also something of a celebrity due to their frequent appearance in Game of Thrones. The iconic King’s Road scene was filmed here, as were scenes from various other episodes throughout the series.
Dunluce Castle ruins:
Who doesn’t love a good castle ruin? During your journey from Dublin or Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway, make sure to visit Dunluce Castle Ruins.
Located on the north Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, this stunning ruin has been standing since the 16th century and is an icon of Irish history. The impressive ruins are situated atop a basalt outcrop, and offer visitors breathtaking views of the coast.
The castle is perhaps most famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones, where it was used as Castle Greyjoy. Most tours will include a quick photo stop here or 45-minute sightseeing excursion.
Bushmills Whiskey Distillery:
No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to one of its most famous distilleries – Bushmills Whiskey Distillery. Founded in 1784, this is one of the oldest licensed whiskey distilleries in the world and is visited by over 120,000 visitors every year.
The Bushmills brand has become well-known around the world, and today you can visit the distillery and learn about its whiskey-making process and enjoy guided tours.
Carrickfergus Castle:
The Carrickfergus Castle is a must-visit during your journey to the Giant’s Causeway. This majestic structure was built in 1177 by John de Courcy and has been at the forefront of Irish history ever since.
The castle walls have withstood numerous sieges, including one during the English Civil War, and it remains one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland.
This Norman-built Castle has not been featured in the Game of Thrones series yet, but most GoT inspired tours will include a stop here.
Belfast (when visiting from Dublin, Ireland):
For those looking to venture beyond the Giants Causeway, Belfast is home to some of the UK’s most iconic attractions. As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a vibrant and bustling city with plenty to explore.
From historical sites such as Belfast Castle and City Hall to popular shopping streets and modern bars, there are endless activities available. With an array of museums, galleries, and theatres, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this exciting city.
Read: One Day in Belfast Itinerary
You will LOVE this tour: Want to explore more of Northern Ireland from Dublin? You can book this 3-day sightseeing excursion by Paddywagon Tours. Click to learn more about this tour
Additional Belfast to Giant’s Causeway Tour Tips
Typically, day tours are for 6 to 10 hours.
The Giant’s Causeway is situated on the Antrim coast, approximately 97 kilometers (60 miles) away from Belfast. To visit the Giant’s Causeway, you can join day tours that depart from Belfast city center and they last between 6 to 10 hours. These tours include pick up and drop off/transfer time, a couple of hours at the UNESCO site, with photo stops along the way with a lunch break.
Yes, you can visit the Giants Causeway without a day tour. If you are renting a car, you can head to the UNESCO Site, and then explore on your own. There are car parking spots near the site.
At the Giants Causeway site, there is a Visitor Experience centre where you can buy audio guides, use washrooms, and grab refreshments. You can also use a shuttle bus to get to the Stones from the centre.
However, guided tours will include round-trip transportation and a local expert who will share all the stories and information – all without any hassle of driving and parking.
And the best part you can include additional stops along the Atrium Coast when you book a tour.
The Giant’s Causeway site is free to visit! And they are open 24/7.
For audio guides and other services, you can visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre located around 1 mile away from the actual Causeway.
To make your visit easier, it is recommended to avoid peak hours. You can visit the site between 9:00 am and 11:00 am or after 4:00 pm.
Keep in mind, the site is very huge, and taking photos or wandering by the basalt columns won’t be an issue even with popular guided tours.
Yes, you can. And you are allowed to walk on the Giant’s Causeway, including on top of the black basalt columns that it’s made of. (They are great for photography as well).
Additionally, there are several walking trails near the site that go along the coast and in the surrounding countryside.
You and/or tour vehicles can park at the public Causeway Coast Way Car Park (about £10 per vehicle). From the main entrance to Giant’s Causeway, it is just under 1 km (1/2 a mile) or about 25 minute walk.
If you are unable to walk or prefer to ride, you can take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the rock formation.
The fare for the bus is £1 for adults and 50p for children per trip. Elderly and disabled visitors have priority when boarding the shuttle bus.
Yes, it is possible to chase northern lights at the Giants Causeway. The area is located far north and away from traffic lights and pollution so the green dancing lights should be visible from the coast in the wintertime.
Is Giant’s Causeway worth the trip?
Yes, absolutely! Giant’s Causeway is an amazing sight to see. This stretch of coastline has perfectly formed hexagonal columns massed together at the water’s edge, which is hard to believe is real. It is so unique in appearance that it’s worth visiting Northern Ireland just to see it.
The Giant’s Causeway is also the subject of many myths and legends, both ancient and modern. You can take a guided tour to learn more about how this fascinating formation was created, as well as some of its stories.
The surrounding scenery is also breathtaking, with beautiful cliffs, beaches, and lagoons making up the picturesque landscapes in the area.
All of this makes the Giant’s Causeway a must-see destination in Northern Ireland, and definitely worth the trip!
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