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

The Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and urban discovery across three days in Northern Ireland. Starting with an all-day trip to the Giant’s Causeway, this tour takes you along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, passing iconic sites such as Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle. The highlight remains the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its approximately 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. This tour is ideal for those eager to explore both the rugged coast and Belfast’s vibrant city life at their own pace, thanks to the two-day hop-on hop-off bus included.

While the full-day coastal adventure offers a well-organized experience with plenty of stops, it’s important to note that access to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is limited due to restrictions, and visitors see the bridge from afar. The tour boasts professional guides, comfortable transportation, and discounts at key attractions. This makes it a great value for travelers interested in a comprehensive day trip, with the flexibility of exploring Belfast on the second and third days via the city bus pass.

Key Points

• Full-day Giants Causeway trip includes stops at Carrickfergus Castle, Carnlough Harbour, Dark Hedges, Bushmills, and Dunluce Castle
• Professional guides like Louis, Paul, and Stuart enrich the experience with engaging stories and insights
• Transportation and entrance discounts are included, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance
• The two-day hop-on hop-off bus provides flexible exploration of Belfast’s top attractions
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families, with comfortable coach travel
• Food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing your own lunch for the day trip

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Starting Point and Day 1: Coastal Adventure to the Giants Causeway

The journey begins at Carrickfergus Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress built in 1177 AD. This site offers fantastic photo opportunities of one of Ireland’s most historic landmarks. From there, the coach travels along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, passing through Carnlough Harbour, a charming fishing village known for its history and as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Next, travelers stop at Portaneevy Viewpoint, which provides sweeping views of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the surrounding coast. Though coaches are currently restricted from accessing the bridge directly, this stop offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the rugged landscape. The Dark Hedges, a famous avenue of 300-year-old beech trees, appears next—recognized from Game of Thrones as the Kingsroad—making it a favorite for Instagram snaps.

The tour continues through the quaint village of Bushmills, known for its Old Bushmills Distillery, perfect for those interested in whiskey history and landscapes. A quick stop at the Dunluce Castle ruins follows; this 13th-century castle perched on a cliff resembles the Great Castle of Pyke from Game of Thrones, evoking a sense of medieval drama. The climactic visit is to the Giant’s Causeway, where around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns form a natural marvel. The legend of Finn McCool, the giant who supposedly created the Causeway, adds a fun layer to the visit.

The day wraps up with a return to Belfast around 6 PM, leaving plenty of time to relax or continue exploring.

The Coastal Route: Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

This tour’s strength lies in its scenic stops along the Causeway Coastal Route. The Carrickfergus Castle offers a glimpse into medieval Ireland, while Carnlough Harbour charms with its fishing boats and history. Portaneevy Viewpoint delivers panoramic views, perfect for photography.

The Dark Hedges is a standout, with its rows of beech trees creating a magical tunnel effect, especially popular among Game of Thrones fans. The Dunluce Castle ruins add a dramatic backdrop to the coast, perched on a cliffside with ocean views. These stops are carefully selected to showcase Northern Ireland’s rugged beauty and historical sites.

It’s worth noting that access to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge isn’t available for crossing on this tour, but the photo stop from the viewpoint still offers a satisfying visual of this iconic site. Visitors should prepare for climatic variability—layers and waterproofs are recommended for the outdoor stops.

The Legend and Geology of the Giants Causeway

The main attraction, the Giant’s Causeway, is renowned for its geological formations and intriguing legends. The hexagonal basalt columns look almost designed by nature, with some formations as tall as 12 meters. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing its global importance.

According to local legend, Finn McCool, a giant, created the Causeway to cross the sea and fight another giant. The volcanic activity that formed the columns happened around 60 million years ago, making this natural wonder a testament to Earth’s volcanic past. On-site, visitors can enjoy informative displays and a guided walk, which helps bring the legend and geology to life.

While the accessibility to the causeway itself involves a short walk from the visitor center, a bus is available for those needing assistance, and tickets are inexpensive at £1 each way.

Belfast City Exploration: Two-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The two-day open-top bus tour complements the coastal trip by allowing flexible exploration of Belfast’s key attractions. With 19 stops along the route, visitors can board at landmarks such as Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Jail, HMS Caroline, Queens University, and the Botanic Gardens.

The bus tour runs seven days a week, and the ticket remains valid for two full days, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace. The full route lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes if kept onboard, providing a rundown of the city’s highlights.

Notable stops include the Titanic Belfast museum, where discounts are available, and the political murals that depict Belfast’s complex history. The audio guide is available in several languages, including German, French, Italian, Chinese, and Spanish, enhancing the experience for international visitors.

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Guides and Commentary: Making the Tour Engaging

The guides on this tour are frequently praised for their knowledgeable, funny, and engaging commentary. Guides such as Louis, Paul, and Stuart are noted for sharing interesting anecdotes and historical facts that make each stop more meaningful. Their personality helps keep the group engaged, especially during longer coach rides.

The driver also plays a crucial role in creating a smooth experience, with some reviews highlighting driver Stuart for his enthusiasm and friendliness. This focus on personalized storytelling adds charm to the journey and enhances the overall enjoyment.

Practical Information and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Giant’s Causeway tour is Donegall Square West, on the side of Belfast’s City Hall. Travelers should arrive by 8:30 AM for a prompt 9:00 AM departure. The bus departs sharply, so punctuality is essential.

The two-day city bus can be boarded at any stop along the route, providing maximum flexibility. The tour includes transport, guides, and discounted entrance offers, but food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch is recommended.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to travelers with mobility needs. The overall pace is considered comfortable, with plenty of stops to stretch or explore independently.

The Experience: What Makes It Stand Out

This combination tour is notable for blending a full-day coastal adventure with city exploration through the hop-on hop-off system. The scenic stops and legendary sites like the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle appeal to those interested in photography and history.

The guides’ storytelling and driver’s humor receive high praise, making the journey lively and informative. The flexibility of the city bus pass allows visitors to tailor their Belfast experience, whether they wish to explore museums, political murals, or relax in parks.

Some minimal limitations include restrictions on crossing Carrick-a-Rede, but the viewpoint offers plenty of photo opportunities, and the scenic drive compensates well.

Final Thoughts on the Tour’s Value

At a 4.6-star rating based on 65 reviews, this tour provides excellent value for those seeking a comprehensive experience of Northern Ireland’s coast and Belfast. The full-day trip covers key highlights with informative guides, while the two-day city pass grants flexibility and additional exploration time.

While food isn’t included, the well-planned stops and discounts at attractions elevate the experience. The diverse stops, from medieval castles to legendary geological formations, ensure a rich and varied itinerary.

This tour suits history buffs, nature lovers, and city explorers alike. It’s especially appealing to those who appreciate guided commentary combined with free time to discover at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, coach transport is included for the full-day coastal trip and for the two-day hop-on hop-off bus.

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts at Donegall Square West, on the side of Belfast’s City Hall.

Is the tour accessible to travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included; bring your own or plan to buy at stops.

How long does the city bus tour last?
If you stay onboard for the full route, it lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Can I visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
You can see the bridge from afar at Portaneevy Viewpoint, but access to cross the bridge is not available during this tour.

What guides lead the adventure?
Guides like Louis, Paul, and Stuart are praised for their engaging stories and knowledgeable commentary.

What is the price of the tour?
Pricing varies; check the booking platform for current rates and availability.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and city explorers seeking a value-packed, flexible experience in Northern Ireland.

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