Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour

Key Points

• Two-day combination ticket includes a full-day tour of Giant’s Causeway and a 1-day open-top Belfast city tour
• Luxury coach transportation ensures comfortable travel between scenic stops and historical sites
• Live guide and multilingual audio commentary enhance knowledge and accessibility during the tours
• Stops at Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, and Dark Hedges offer a mix of history, scenery, and iconic film locations
• Flexible itinerary with options for exploring castles, walking across Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint, and taking photos at major landmarks
• Reviews highlight guides’ expertise and humor, making the trip engaging and informative

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Two-Day Tour Package: Value and Convenience

This combination ticket offers excellent value for travelers eager to see both Northern Ireland’s highlights and Belfast’s city sights. Over two days, visitors enjoy a full-day Giants Causeway tour with luxury coach transport and a live guide, plus a 1-day hop-on hop-off city bus pass for Belfast. The package’s design emphasizes convenience, with tickets valid for two days—perfect for flexible exploration.

The Giant’s Causeway tour departs at 9:00 AM from Belfast City Hall, starting a day packed with visits to Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-Rede viewpoint, the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giants Causeway itself. Meanwhile, the Belfast city tour provides 19 stops around the city, including Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Jail, and Queens University.

This tour is particularly suited for those who want a structured yet flexible experience. The guided nature of the tour ensures you get detailed insights, while the hop-on hop-off bus lets you explore specific attractions at your own pace. However, it’s important to note that the Giant’s Causeway tour is only in English, and entry fees to castles are not included.

From Belfast City Hall to Carrickfergus Castle

The adventure kicks off at Belfast City Hall, where guests meet for the full-day Giants Causeway tour. The first stop is Carrickfergus Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress built in 1177. Here, visitors can walk around the ancient walls, learn about its history of enduring sieges, or explore inside if they wish to pay the entry fee. The scenic surroundings are perfect for photos or relaxing with a coffee.

This stop provides a vivid glimpse into medieval architecture and Ireland’s historical defense mechanisms. The well-maintained castle stands on a strategic location overlooking Belfast Lough, making it both scenic and historically significant.

Coastal Views at Carrick-a-Rede Viewpoint

Next, the tour halts at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint, where panoramic vistas of the 75-foot chasm below are truly striking. While crossing the actual rope bridge is not included, the viewpoint itself offers excellent photo opportunities of the rugged coast and dramatic sea cliffs.

This stop is ideal for those who appreciate coastal scenery and want to capture memorable shots. Keep in mind that walking across the rope bridge requires additional planning, but the views from the viewpoint alone are worth the visit.

The Dark Hedges: A Film Location and Lunch Spot

Travelers then visit the Dark Hedges, a famous avenue of beech trees that form a haunting tunnel, recognized as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. The atmospheric setting makes it a favorite for photos and leisurely walks.

Nearby, the Hedges Hotel provides a spot for lunch, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal amidst the scenic surroundings. The Dark Hedges is a highlight for fans of film locations and those who appreciate natural beauty. The stop lasts about 65 minutes, giving plenty of time for photos and a quick meal.

More Great Tours Nearby

Dunluce Castle: Medieval Ruins with Dramatic Views

Further along the route, the tour reaches Dunluce Castle, a medieval ruin perched on a cliffside with a dramatic history. Known for its appearance as the House of Greyjoy in Game of Thrones, the castle offers stunning outdoor views and the chance to explore the ruins if the entry fee is paid.

The 30-minute stop allows for photos, a short walk around the site, and appreciating its position on the rugged coast. The castle’s evocative atmosphere makes it a memorable highlight of the trip.

Marvel at the Giants Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site

The main event of the tour is the Giants Causeway, where 40,000 basalt columns form a fantastical landscape shaped over 60 million years. This UNESCO site mesmerizes visitors with its natural geometric formations and the legend of Finn McCool.

Guests have 1.5 hours to explore the site, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. The area has informative displays and walking paths, making it accessible for most visitors. The guide explains the geology and folklore, enriching the experience.

Scenic Drive Through the Glens of Antrim

The route then takes a scenic drive through the Glens of Antrim, passing Ballygalley, Glenarm Castle, and Carnlough Harbour. These stops showcase Ireland’s lush landscapes and coastal charm.

While some of these sites are viewed from the coach or pass by, Carnlough Harbour offers short sightseeing and photo opportunities. The scenic drive highlights Ireland’s verdant valleys, rugged coastlines, and quaint villages.

Final Stop at the Dark Hedges and Return

The tour’s final major stop is again at the Dark Hedges, giving visitors a second chance for photos or a quick walk. The 65-minute break allows for relaxed exploration before heading back to Belfast.

Afterward, the group departs for Belfast, arriving at Donegall Square West after approximately 1.5 hours of travel. The day concludes with a satisfying overview of Northern Ireland’s most iconic sights.

Belfast City Tour and Its Highlights

Complementing the Giant’s Causeway experience, the 1-day hop-on hop-off Belfast city tour uses 19 stops to showcase key attractions around the city. The tour offers multilingual commentary, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, and Italian, making it accessible for international visitors.

Popular stops include Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Jail, HMS Caroline, Queens University, and the political murals. The bus operates seven days a week, providing 30-minute departures and flexibility to hop on and off as you wish.

While some reviews mention long wait times and difficulty locating bus stops, overall the city tour offers a good introduction to Belfast’s history, culture, and architecture.

The Guides and Their Impact on the Experience

Reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, humor, and professionalism. Guides like Gavin, Stuart, and Stephen receive commendations for making the long day enjoyable through informative commentary and engaging storytelling.

The driver’s skill also earns praise, especially in handling unexpected traffic delays and ensuring everyone stays informed. The guide’s personality adds a personal touch, making the tour more than just sightseeing.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

This tour includes luxury coach transport, live English guide, and multilingual audio commentary during the city tour. The tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility.

Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera. The Giant’s Causeway tour departs promptly at 9:00 AM, with check-in required 15 minutes prior.

The combination ticket ensures you can maximize your time in Belfast and the surrounding sights without worrying about separate bookings. Payment is pay later, allowing planning flexibility.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This two-day package appeals to those seeking balanced sightseeing—a mix of nature, history, and city culture. The guided elements suit visitors who prefer expert insights, while the hop-on hop-off bus caters to those who want personalized exploration.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Belfast and Northern Ireland, especially if they are interested in Game of Thrones sites, coastal scenery, and historic castles. The length of the tour and the attention to logistics make it suitable for most fitness levels, though some sites involve walking.

Final Thoughts on the Giants Causeway and Belfast Tour

The Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour offers a comprehensive experience of Northern Ireland’s highlights. The full-day guided trip to the UNESCO site is a standout, with high praise for the guides’ knowledge and humor. The luxury coach ensures comfortable travel, and the city tour provides the flexibility to explore Belfast at your own pace.

While entry fees to castles are not included, the stops at Carrickfergus, Dunluce, and the Dark Hedges are all memorable and photo-worthy. The multilingual audio commentary and flexible booking options add to the appeal.

This tour suits travelers who value guided insights, scenic landscapes, and cultural landmarks. The overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 reflects a positive experience, especially appreciated for the guides’ professionalism and scenic diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Giants Causeway tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most visitors, but note that walking around the Causeway and castles may require some mobility.

What is included in the ticket price?
The luxury coach travel, live guide on the Giants Causeway tour, and multilingual commentary on the city tour are included. Entry fees to castles are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there time to explore each stop?
Yes, each stop has a designated duration, with ample time at the Giants Causeway (1.5 hours) and the Dark Hedges (65 minutes).

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. Visitors should bring snacks or plan to buy lunch at stops like the Hedges Hotel.

What languages are available for commentary?
During the city tour, commentary is available in Spanish, Chinese, French, German, and Italian. The Giants Causeway tour is conducted in English only.

Where do the tours start and end?
Both tours start and finish at Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square West.

How long does the entire trip last?
The full-day Giants Causeway tour lasts approximately about 7 hours, and the city tour is valid for 2 days.

Can I hop off and on the city bus?
Yes, the open-top bus allows hopping on and off at 19 stops with 30-minute departures.

Who provides this tour?
The experience is operated by Citysightseeing Belfast, known for guided and hop-on hop-off tours across Belfast and Northern Ireland.

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