Giants Causeway and Belfast City Murals Tour Inc Game of Thrones Dark Hedges

This full-day tour promises a captivating exploration of Northern Ireland’s natural and cultural wonders. From the iconic Giant’s Causeway to the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the enchanting Dark Hedges featured in Game of Thrones, visitors will enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes. The experience is further enriched by a guided tour of the historic Bushmills Distillery and a city tour of Belfast, revealing its transformation from a troubled past to a thriving modern metropolis. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a fan of the hit TV series, or simply seeking to uncover Northern Ireland’s captivating heritage, this tour offers a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best City Tours In Belfast.

Key Points

• This full-day shore excursion from Belfast provides a rundown of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Game of Thrones filming location of the Dark Hedges.
• The tour includes a stop at the Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, where visitors can learn about the art of Irish whiskey-making and sample the renowned single malt and blended whiskeys.
• The city tour of Belfast showcases the famous murals, the iconic Belfast City Hall, and provides insights into the city’s transformation from a troubled past to a thriving modern metropolis.
• The tour offers convenient port pickup and drop-off service for cruise ship passengers, eliminating the need to arrange separate transportation and allowing guests to focus on sightseeing and experiences.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable driver-guide who provides commentary and ensures a seamless experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the rich history, culture, and natural wonders of Northern Ireland.

Tour Overview

This full-day shore excursion allows travelers to see Northern Ireland’s top sights, including the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Dark Hedges, a famous Game of Thrones filming location.

The tour also includes a stop at the Bushmills Distillery, where visitors can learn about the art of Irish whiskey-making.

Plus, the tour provides a city tour of Belfast, giving travelers a comprehensive experience of Northern Ireland’s natural and cultural highlights.

With a driver-guide and port pickup and drop-off service, this tour offers a seamless way for cruise ship passengers to make the most of their time in the region.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour provides pickup from the Cruise Ship Terminal in Belfast 30 minutes after docking, and then drops passengers back off at the same meeting point at the end of the day.

This convenient service ensures travelers don’t have to worry about transportation to and from the tour’s starting point. With the pickup and drop-off included, guests can simply arrive at the terminal and the tour operator will handle the rest.

This eliminates the hassle of arranging separate transportation, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the sights and experiences of the day’s tour. The timely pickup and return to the cruise port makes this an efficient and stress-free way to maximize time on shore.

Inclusions

Along With the convenient pickup and drop-off service, the tour includes a driver-guide who’ll accompany guests throughout the day. The driver-guide provides commentary on the sights and ensures a seamless experience for travelers.

The tour also includes entry to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as a visit to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Dark Hedges, a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones.

Plus, the tour stops at the Bushmills Distillery, where guests can learn about the history and production of Irish whiskey.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Northern Ireland’s top attractions.

Giant’s Causeway

Undoubtedly, the Giant’s Causeway is the crown jewel of Northern Ireland’s natural wonders, drawing millions of visitors each year to admire its mesmerizing basalt columns that seem to stretch out into the crashing waves.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, which left behind an otherworldly landscape of interlocking hexagonal basalt formations.

Visitors can explore the 40,000 individual basalt columns, marveling at their unique shapes and sizes, and even venture out onto the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to take in the stunning coastal views.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones, the Giant’s Causeway is an absolute must-see on any tour of Northern Ireland.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Perched atop rugged cliffs along Northern Ireland’s coast, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers visitors a thrilling and breathtaking crossing over a deep chasm with stunning ocean views.

First constructed by salmon fishermen in the 1600s, the bridge spans 20 meters and is suspended 30 meters above the crashing waves below.

Crossing the swaying bridge is a popular activity for adventurous travelers, though those with a fear of heights may find it quite daunting.

The bridge’s unique location and construction make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting this part of the Emerald Isle.

After traversing the bridge, visitors can explore the scenic surrounding area and learn more about the region’s rich history and culture.

Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones)

Amidst the rolling hills of Northern Ireland lies the renowned Dark Hedges, a site that has captivated visitors worldwide as a filming location for the hit HBO series ‘Game of Thrones.’

This iconic avenue of intertwining beech trees dates back to the 18th century and has become a must-see destination for fans of the show.

Visitors can stroll along the winding road, seeing the otherworldly atmosphere that inspired the show’s producers.

The Dark Hedges have been featured in several Game of Thrones episodes, serving as the Kingsroad, the primary thoroughfare in the fictional Seven Kingdoms.

Beyond its cinematic fame, the Dark Hedges are a natural wonder, showcasing the region’s stunning rural beauty and the enduring power of nature.

Bushmills Distillery

The iconic Bushmills Distillery, nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, has been crafting exceptional Irish whiskey since 1608, making it the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.

Visitors to the distillery can embark on a guided tour and learn about the distillation process, from the malting of the barley to the aging in oak casks. They’ll also have the opportunity to sample the distillery’s renowned single malt and blended whiskeys.

Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or simply curious about the art of distillation, a stop at Bushmills Distillery is a must-do on any tour of Northern Ireland’s top sights.

Belfast City Tour

After exploring the historic Bushmills Distillery, the tour moves on to Belfast, the vibrant capital city of Northern Ireland. Visitors will embark on a comprehensive city tour, discovering the city’s rich history, culture, and political significance.

The tour will highlight the city’s famous murals, showcasing the region’s complex political and social history. Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the iconic Belfast City Hall, a magnificent example of Victorian architecture.

Plus, the tour will provide insights into the city’s transformation from a troubled past to a thriving modern metropolis, offering a unique perspective on Northern Ireland’s journey.

• Discover Belfast’s famous murals
• Visit the iconic Belfast City Hall
• Gain insights into Northern Ireland’s past and present

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking at each stop, including the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Guests can expect to spend around 30-45 minutes exploring each site on foot. There are some uneven surfaces, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Can We Stop for Lunch Along the Way?

The tour includes stops at various sights, but it doesn’t include a scheduled lunch break. Travelers can ask the driver-guide about opportunities to purchase snacks or meals along the way, subject to time constraints.

Is Photography Allowed at All Locations?

Yes, photography is allowed at all locations on the tour. Visitors can take photos at the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dark Hedges, and Bushmills Distillery. However, flash photography may be restricted in some areas.

What Should We Bring for the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge?

For the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, visitors should bring proper footwear, a light jacket, and camera. They’ll also want to bring any medication or snacks they may need. It’s important to follow all safety instructions while on the bridge.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

According to the tour overview, there is no explicit option to extend the tour duration. The tour is advertised as a full-day shore excursion with a fixed itinerary and schedule, including pickup and drop-off times at the cruise ship terminal.

Recap

This shore excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of Northern Ireland’s top sights, from the iconic Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to the enchanting Dark Hedges featured in Game of Thrones.

Visitors will also experience a guided tour of the historic Bushmills Distillery and a city tour of Belfast, showcasing its famous murals and transformation into a thriving modern metropolis.

This tour provides a seamless and stress-free way for cruise ship passengers to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of Northern Ireland.