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

Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? Our review of the Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour offers a close look at what travelers can expect from this well-rounded experience. Whether you’re after the awe-inspiring natural wonder of the Giants Causeway or eager to explore Belfast’s vibrant streets, this combination tour packs a lot into just a couple of days.

What we love about this tour are the high-quality transportation in comfortable coaches and the expert, lively guides who bring each stop to life. Plus, the flexibility of the 2-day city bus pass means you can discover Belfast at your own pace. A potential drawback? The city bus tour can sometimes involve long waits and less frequent stops, which might impact travelers wanting a more seamless hop-on-hop-off experience.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of natural scenery, mythical stories, and urban exploration. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see iconic sights without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets or transportation. But if you’re after a very detailed, inside-access experience at each site, be prepared for some optional extra costs and limited inside visits at castles and ruins.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines a full-day trip to the Giants Causeway with a flexible 2-day Belfast city tour.
• Expert Guides: Live commentary on the Causeway tour and multilingual audio on the city bus.
• Comfortable Travel: Travel in a luxurious coach, ensuring a smooth journey through scenic and historic sites.
• Authentic Stops: See Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint, and Giant’s Causeway.
• Flexible Sightseeing: The city bus pass offers 19 stops around Belfast, from Titanic Belfast to Crumlin Road Jail.
• Value for Money: The combo ticket offers a good balance of cost and variety, especially for travelers seeking both natural beauty and city highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

The Start: Belfast City Hall and Getting Acquainted

The day kicks off at Donegall Square West, right by Belfast’s grand City Hall. This central location makes it easy to find and sets the tone for a day filled with history, myths, and stunning landscapes. The tour departs at 9:00 AM, so arriving a few minutes early ensures a smooth start.

Carrickfergus Castle – A Step Back in Norman Times

Your first stop is Carrickfergus Castle, built in 1177. As one of Ireland’s best-preserved Norman castles, it offers a tangible connection to medieval times. You can choose to explore inside (entry fee applies) or just enjoy the castle’s walls and the picturesque surroundings with a coffee. Many reviews praise the guide’s storytelling here, emphasizing the castle’s role in various sieges and its impressive architecture.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (Viewpoint Only)

Next, the coach stops at the Carrick-a-Rede viewpoint. While crossing the rope bridge isn’t included, the sheer drama of the 75-foot chasm makes the viewpoint worthwhile for photos and awe. Travelers often comment on the breathtaking scenery, perfect for capturing memories.

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The Dark Hedges – A Mysterious Tunnel of Beech Trees

One of the tour highlights is The Dark Hedges, famously used as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. The long, twisting avenue of beech trees creates a haunting, almost cinematic atmosphere. You’ll have around 65 minutes here to walk, take photos, and maybe grab a bite at the nearby Hedges Hotel. Several reviews mention how atmospheric and photogenic this stop is, making it ideal for social media snaps.

Dunluce Castle – Medieval Ruins with a Legend

Perched dramatically on a cliff, Dunluce Castle is both photogenic and evocative. The ruins are open for exploration (entry fee applies), and many visitors appreciate the spectacular views and the castle’s connection to Game of Thrones lore. The 30-minute stop allows enough time for a self-guided walk, and the guides’ commentary enriches the experience.

The Giant’s Causeway – The Main Event

The UNESCO World Heritage site, Giant’s Causeway, is the undisputed star of the day. With 40,000 basalt columns formed from ancient volcanic activity, this natural masterpiece is a must-see. You get about 1.5 hours here, enough to wander among the stones, enjoy the scenery, and absorb the legends of Finn McCool. Many reviews highlight how well the guide presents the myth and geology, adding depth to the visit.

Scenic Drives and Additional Stops

The coach journey through Glenarm, Carnlough Harbour, and the Glen of Antrim offers scenic vistas that showcase Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline and lush landscapes. This scenic drive is often appreciated by travelers for the peaceful, picturesque views.

Return and Belfast City Tour

Back in Belfast, the 1-hour 20-minute city tour on the open-top bus provides an overview of key sites like Titanic Belfast, the political murals, and Queen’s University. The multilingual commentary adds value, especially for international visitors. Reviewers mention that the bus stops are somewhat infrequent and lack clear signage, which could be a challenge if you’re eager to hop on and off frequently.

Highlights of the City Bus Pass

The 2-day pass is great for flexible exploration. Several reviews praise the good value for money, especially given the punchy stops at Titanic Belfast and Crumlin Road Jail. It’s a convenient way to see Belfast at your own pace, although some note the waiting times and the need to plan around bus schedules.

Transportation and Practicalities

Travel in luxury coaches makes the long drives more comfortable, especially on a full day of sightseeing. The itinerary’s timing is tight but manageable, with most stops offering enough time to enjoy the scenery or explore briefly. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for the Giants Causeway tour departure, and remember that entry fees at castles are not included, so budget accordingly if you want inside access.

Food and Drinks

The tour doesn’t include meals, so packing a snack or enjoying the stops’ local eateries is recommended. The Dark Hedges area offers nearby options, and there are cafes at Dunluce Castle, making it easy to refuel.

Guides and Commentary

Many travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and humor. One reviewer mentioned Gavin’s storytelling and the way he kept the group engaged, highlighting how a good guide can elevate a sightseeing experience. The live guide on the Giants Causeway tour and multilingual audio on the city tour cater to diverse travelers, ensuring everyone gets a memorable experience.

Authenticity and Value

The tour’s blend of natural wonders, historic sites, and urban sights offers a well-rounded snapshot of Northern Ireland. The inclusion of iconic sites like the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle combined with the geological spectacle of the Giants Causeway makes it a package that appeals to many interests.

While the cost might seem steep for some (as with most guided tours), the value lies in the convenience, comfort, and expert commentary — especially if you factor in the cost of individual entries, transportation, and guide services. It’s a time-efficient way to cover a lot of ground in a single day, especially for visitors with limited time.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, mythic stories, and cultural sights without the hassle of organizing individual tickets and transport. It’s particularly good for those who want a comfortable, guided experience with knowledgeable guides who can enrich the visit with stories and historical insights. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate a structured itinerary with options for some independence via the city bus pass, this package offers good flexibility.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to explore at your own pace or dive deeply into inside visits at castles and ruins, you might prefer to DIY or seek smaller, more specialized tours.

FAQ

Does the tour include inside visits to castles?
No, entry fees for castles are not included, so you can choose to explore inside if you wish, at an extra cost.

Is the Giants Causeway tour suitable for children?
Yes, the trip is generally suitable for families, especially since the coach ride is comfortable and the sites are visually engaging. Just remember to bring suitable shoes and snacks.

What languages are available for commentary?
The Giants Causeway tour has a live guide and is in English, while the Belfast city tour offers multilingual audio commentary in six languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, and Italian.

How long does the city bus tour last?
The full route takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes if you don’t hop off. Buses run every 30 minutes, but wait times can vary, so plan accordingly.

Can I hop on and off the city tour?
Yes, the pass is valid for two days, but some reviewers noted waiting times and a lack of clear signage at stops, which might affect flexibility.

What’s the best time to visit the Giants Causeway?
While the tour departs at 9:00 AM, the site is open year-round. Check local weather forecasts; the best visits are on clear days when the views are most spectacular.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. There are stops where you can buy food, such as at Dunluce Castle or the Dark Hedges area.

How much time do we get at each site?
Most stops range from 10 to 1.5 hours, depending on the site. The Giants Causeway allows 1.5 hours, which is enough for photos and exploring the stones.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers, especially since guides and fellow guests tend to be friendly and eager to share stories.

Final Thoughts

This Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour offers a balanced taste of Northern Ireland’s most iconic sights, blending natural beauty, legendary stories, and city discovery. The luxury coaches and expert guides make for a comfortable and engaging day, especially for those who appreciate a well-organized itinerary without sacrificing authenticity.

While it might not include inside visits to every castle or site, the stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase the area’s most photogenic and meaningful spots. The flexible city pass allows you to extend your exploration of Belfast at your own pace, making this a good value overall, especially if you want to maximize your time without the stress of planning every detail.

This tour will suit travelers who love scenic drives, captivating legends, and a balance of guided insight and free time. It’s also a solid choice for families, couples, and first-time visitors eager to see the highlights of Northern Ireland without missing out on its stories and sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Remember to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re capturing the geometric perfection of the basalt columns or the twisting beauty of the Dark Hedges, you’ll find plenty to love in this scenic, storied corner of the world.