Belfast: Giant’s Causeway, Coast Road & Game of Thrones Tour

Explore Ireland’s Natural and Cultural Wonders on a Full-Day Tour from Belfast

This 8.5-hour guided tour offers a comprehensive experience of Ireland’s stunning coast and legendary landmarks. Starting from Belfast’s Donegall Road, it combines visits to the Giant’s Causeway, picturesque Glens of Antrim, and famous Game of Thrones filming locations. The tour is operated by Allens Tours and features a comfortable bus and a knowledgeable guide who shares captivating stories along the way.

While the itinerary is packed with iconic sights, expect some stops to be short, and note that lunch costs are separate. The tour appeals to those eager to see the most photogenic spots and learn about local myths, legends, and the series that made the Dark Hedges world-famous. It’s a well-rounded day for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, historical sites, and pop culture landmarks.

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Key Points

• Duration of 8.5 hours from Belfast with a full itinerary
• Visits to Carrickfergus Castle, Giants Causeway, and Game of Thrones locations
• Scenic drive along the Causeway Coastal Route with views of nine Glens of Antrim
• Opportunities for photos at Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and The Dark Hedges
• Expert storytelling about Irish folklore, history, and series filming spots
• Includes free time at Giants Causeway for exploration and walking

Starting Point in Belfast and Convenient Bus Travel

The tour begins at the activity provider’s office on Donegall Road, marked by a pink building. From there, a comfortable bus takes you on an approximately 20-minute drive to your first stop, Carrickfergus Castle. The meeting point is easy to find, and the transport is designed to keep the group comfortable throughout the day.

The bus then leads you along the Causeway Coastal Route, an impressive scenic drive that lasts about 105 minutes. This route offers panoramic views of the coastline, small towns, and lush greenery, making the journey itself an enjoyable part of the experience.

Visiting Carrickfergus Castle: A Well-Preserved Medieval Fortress

Your first sightseeing stop is Carrickfergus Castle, a 12th-century fortress renowned for its excellent preservation. Visitors are encouraged to explore the castle grounds and appreciate its historic architecture. The 20-minute visit offers a glimpse into medieval Ireland, setting the tone for the day’s adventure.

This site is notable for its scenic setting and rich history, making it a worthwhile introduction before heading further along the coast. The short stop allows ample time to take photos or simply soak in the historic atmosphere before returning to the bus for the scenic drive.

The Causeway Coastal Route: Scenic Views and Mythical Stories

Traveling along the Causeway Coastal Route, the tour showcases some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes. Pass through small towns like Glenarm, Carnlough Harbour, and Waterfoot, where your guide shares tales of local folklore involving fairies and leprechauns.

The route takes you through Glenarm, Glencorp, and Glendunn, with scenic views of the coastline and countryside. The narration often includes stories of the area’s legends, offering a charming cultural context to the natural scenery. Passing Ballycastle, the journey combines visual beauty with storytelling that enhances the travel experience.

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Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge: Iconic Views and Limited Access

A photo stop at Carrick-A-Rede provides stunning views across the Irish Sea to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and Rathlin Island. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, offering enough time to admire the sweeping vistas and capture memorable photos.

While the Rope Bridge is a major highlight, the review notes that viewing the bridge from afar was the extent of the experience for many on this tour, as access to walk across may not be included. Still, the dramatic setting and stories about the bridge’s construction make this a memorable photo opportunity.

The Dark Hedges: A Famous HBO Filming Location

Next, the tour takes you to The Dark Hedges, a tree-lined avenue that gained fame as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. The visit includes free time for a walk, approximately one hour, allowing visitors to enjoy the haunting beauty of the rows of beech trees.

This stop is particularly popular with fans of the series, and the scenery is impressive regardless of series knowledge. The walk provides perfect photo opportunities, especially in good weather, with the twisting branches creating a striking natural corridor.

Lunch Break at a Local Pub: No Included Meal

After the Dark Hedges, the tour pauses for lunch at a local pub. Travelers should plan for additional costs as lunch is not included. This break also allows some downtime and a chance to relax before continuing to other filming locations and natural wonders.

Exploring Game of Thrones Filming Locations: From Castle Black to Arya’s Swim

Post-lunch, the tour guides you past several key Game of Thrones filming sites. The route includes Carnlough Harbour, where Arya Stark swam in the series, and Magheramorne Quarry, home to Castle Black.

These locations are passed by the bus, providing visual cues of the series’ filming spots. While the tour does not specify if there are extended walks at each site, passing by these points immerses fans and series enthusiasts in the series’ landscape.

The Giant’s Causeway: Ireland’s Iconic Natural Wonder

The highlight of the tour is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its interlocking basalt columns. The tour offers about 105 minutes of free time here, allowing visitors to walk along the stones, take photos, and learn about the legend of Finn McCool.

This site impresses with its unique geological formations and breathtaking scenery. The ample time allocated ensures visitors can explore at their own pace and appreciate the natural beauty of this iconic location.

Return Journey and Final Stops

After exploring the Giant’s Causeway, the group boards the coach for the return trip, which takes approximately 75 minutes via the inland route. The bus drops off guests at the original meeting point in Belfast, completing the day’s adventure.

The route back offers views of the Irish landscape, providing a relaxed end to a packed day of sightseeing, storytelling, and scenic drives.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour includes multiple stops, with scenic views and photo opportunities at every turn. Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothing, as weather can change quickly. There is no toilet on the coach, but frequent stops are scheduled for bathroom breaks.

Pricing covers the guided experience, but lunch and any additional activities like crossing the Rope Bridge are at personal expense. The tour operates with a live English-speaking guide, who shares stories about folklore, history, and filming locations.

The Experience for Different Types of Visitors

This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and pop culture, making it suitable for a broad range of visitors. Those interested in scenic drives and iconic landmarks will find plenty to enjoy, while fans of Game of Thrones will appreciate the filming locations.

However, travelers should be aware that some stops are brief, and the Rope Bridge is viewed from afar, which might disappoint those expecting an extended experience there. The free time at Giants Causeway is generous enough for a thorough exploration, which compensates for shorter stops elsewhere.

Belfast: Giants Causeway, Coast Road & Game of Thrones Tour

This well-organized day trip delivers a variety of memorable sights within 8.5 hours from Belfast. It highlights Ireland’s geological marvels and famous filming sites, all led by a knowledgeable guide who enriches the journey with stories and legends.

While the cost does not include lunch and some stops are limited in time, the overall experience offers great value for those keen to see the most photogenic and culturally significant locations of the Causeway Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation on a comfortable bus from the meeting point in Belfast to all the stops and back.

How long is the visit to the Giants Causeway?
The free time at Giants Causeway lasts about 105 minutes, giving ample opportunity to walk among the basalt columns and enjoy the scenery.

Can I cross the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge?
The tour includes a photo stop at Carrick-A-Rede, but based on reviews, visitors only see the bridge from afar; crossing may not be included.

Where does the tour stop for lunch?
The tour stops at a local pub after The Dark Hedges for lunch at your own expense.

Are the filming locations for Game of Thrones accessible?
The tour passes by locations like Carnlough Harbour and Magheramorne Quarry, but there are no detailed descriptions of extended walks at each site.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, rain gear, and clothing suitable for the weather, as the day involves outdoor walking and variable weather conditions.

Is there a restroom on the coach?
No, there is no WC on the bus, but there are scheduled stops for toilet breaks.

How is the guide?
The tour features a live English-speaking guide who shares stories about folklore, history, and filming locations, enhancing the overall experience.

This 8.5-hour adventure from Belfast offers a comprehensive look at Ireland’s coast, legends, and series filming spots, making it a practical choice for those wanting a full day of sightseeing and storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby