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

Exploring Ireland’s north coast and Belfast’s vibrant streets in one trip offers a perfect blend of natural wonder and urban charm. This tour, priced reasonably at about a day’s worth of effort, takes you from Belfast’s historic City Hall to the legendary Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you’ll visit Carrickfergus Castle, enjoy scenic stops like Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges, and cruise along the rugged coastlines. The 2-day combo includes a full-day luxury coach tour of the Causeway with a live guide and a 1-day hop-on hop-off city bus pass, allowing flexible exploration of Belfast’s highlights.

What we really love about this experience is the personal touch of guides like Gavin and Stuart, whose mix of humor and knowledge makes the journey both educational and fun. The scenic stops, especially Carrick-a-Rede and Dunluce Castle, are breathtaking, providing plenty of photo opportunities. Plus, the inclusion of a multilingual audio guide on the city tour adds value for international travelers.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the Giant’s Causeway tour is only in English, which might matter if you prefer multilingual guides for every part of your trip. Also, some visitors mentioned waiting times during the city hop-on hop-off, so planning around those waits helps. This tour suits curious travelers who want a well-rounded day visiting iconic landmarks and enjoying Belfast’s lively atmosphere.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines a full-day visit to the Giants Causeway with Belfast city sightseeing.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Gavin and Stuart keep the journey lively and informative.
• Flexible City Exploration: A 1-day hop-on hop-off bus pass allows you to explore Belfast at your own pace.
• Stunning Stops: Includes Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Viewpoint, and the Dark Hedges.
• Value for Money: The combination ticket offers significant savings and convenience over separate tickets.
• Limited Language Options for the Causeway Tour: The main tour is only in English, but the city tour offers multilingual commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A detailed review of the Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top Bus Tour

An Overview of What You’ll Experience

This tour offers a full day of natural beauty, history, and local legends, paired with the chance to explore Belfast in your own time. Starting at Belfast City Hall, the journey kicks off early, around 9:00 AM, with a comfortable, luxury coach that’s perfect for a day-long adventure. The experience is thoughtfully designed, offering a thorough itinerary that balances sightseeing, storytelling, and leisure.

Two main components make this tour appealing: the Giant’s Causeway day trip, led by an engaging live guide, and the 2-day open-top bus pass for Belfast. The latter is a flexible way to see the city’s highlights, including Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Jail, and the political murals, at your own pace and interest.

Highlights of the Full-Day Causeway Tour

The day begins with a visit to Carrickfergus Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress dating back to 1177. Walking through its ancient walls, you get a vivid sense of medieval life and the castle’s role in Ireland’s turbulent past. Some visitors choose to pay extra for inside access, but even just wandering the grounds and enjoying the views is worthwhile.

Next, the coach takes you to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint. While crossing the actual bridge isn’t included, the vista over the 75-foot chasm is dramatic enough for memorable photos. It’s a perfect spot to appreciate the raw beauty of Ireland’s coast.

The journey continues to the Dark Hedges, a stunning avenue of beech trees that gained fame as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. Here, you’ll find a great lunch stop at the nearby Hedges Hotel. The scenery is atmospheric, and many travelers find it a highlight for photography and a moment to relax.

Onward to Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff’s edge, where the ruins evoke stories of medieval battles and shipwrecks. While exploring inside costs extra, the outside views are impressive and offer plenty of photo ops.

Finally, the day peaks with a visit to the Giant’s Causeway itself. Marvel at the 40,000 basalt columns that formed about 60 million years ago, and listen to legends about Finn McCool, the giant myth behind the stones. You’ll have about an hour and a half here to walk, photograph, and absorb the site’s magic.

Belfast City Tour and Its Value

The 1-day hop-on hop-off bus offers a great way to familiarize yourself with Belfast’s urban landscape. With 19 stops, including Titanic Belfast, Queens University, and the vibrant murals, you can explore at your own pace, hopping on and off as desired. Some reviewers note that the buses run every 30 minutes, which is convenient but can mean waiting at busy times, so planning around peak hours is wise.

The multilingual commentary available on the city tour enhances understanding for international visitors. The guides provide context, history, and local anecdotes, making the experience more meaningful. Some reviews mention occasional delays, but overall, the flexibility and coverage make it worth the investment.

More Great Tours Nearby

Real Guest Perspectives

Many travelers rave about their guides, especially Gavin and Stuart, praising their knowledge, humor, and professionalism. One reviewer remarked, “Gavin had us in his pocket from the start, with jokes and his deep knowledge,” which reflects the engaging style of guides committed to making the day enjoyable.

Others appreciated the stunning scenery at stops like Carrick-a-Rede and Dunluce. One traveler said, “The views on the way were spectacular,” highlighting how the landscape and coastlines offer unforgettable vistas.

A few reviews point out some logistical quirks, such as waiting around for buses or the limited language options for the Causeway tour, which could impact travelers seeking a seamless experience. Nonetheless, most agree that the value and variety of sights make this a worthwhile day.

Transportation, Timing, and Comfort

Travel in a luxury coach ensures comfort during the long day, with plenty of space for stretching out and enjoying the scenery. The tour’s timing is well-structured, with enough time at each stop to explore, take photos, or just soak in the atmosphere. The full-day schedule is intensive but balanced, delivering a comprehensive experience without rushing from place to place.

Pricing and Overall Value

At its price point, this package offers excellent value considering it combines two major experiences—the iconic Giants Causeway and Belfast’s rich city life—into a single, convenient ticket. The inclusion of a live guide and multilingual commentary enhances the experience, turning a sightseeing trip into an engaging story about Ireland’s history and myths.

While some optional extras like castle entry fees are not included, the main sites are accessible without additional costs. The flexibility of the 2-day pass means you can extend your exploration of Belfast on your own, adding to the trip’s overall value.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best for history buffs, nature lovers, and curious travelers who want a well-rounded day without the hassle of planning every detail. If you enjoy storytelling, stunning coastal scenery, and exploring castles or legends, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s also suitable for those who prefer guided experiences but want the freedom to explore the city separately using the hop-on hop-off bus.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo and looking for a mix of adventure and leisure, this tour delivers in both areas. Just be prepared for a full day, and consider your comfort with waiting times and language preferences.

FAQs

Is the Giants Causeway tour suitable for children?
Yes, the day trip is engaging for all ages, especially if they enjoy outdoor scenery and legends. Just note that walking around the Causeway involves some uneven surfaces.

How long is the bus ride to the Giants Causeway?
The coach departs from Belfast at 9:00 AM and the journey includes scenic stops, with the entire day lasting about 10-12 hours including breaks.

Can I visit the castles inside?
Entry to castles like Carrickfergus and Dunluce Castle costs extra. You can explore the outside and surrounding grounds as part of the tour.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended. The weather can change quickly, so a light raincoat or jacket might be wise.

Are the tours available in multiple languages?
The Giants Causeway tour is only in English, but the Belfast city bus tour offers multilingual commentary in six languages.

How much free time is at the Giants Causeway?
You’ll have about 1.5 hours for sightseeing, photos, and exploring the site on your own.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. It’s best to bring snacks or plan for lunch at a stop like the Dark Hedges area.

What if I want to skip some stops?
The bus allows you to hop on and off, so you can skip certain stops if you prefer more time at others.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date for a full refund.

The Bottom Line

This combined tour of Belfast and the Giants Causeway offers a rewarding balance of natural wonder, history, and local storytelling—all at a reasonable price. The guides bring the places to life, often with humor and insight that make the experience memorable. The scenic stops and opportunities for independent exploration with the city bus pass help you tailor your trip to your interests.

If you’re eager to see Ireland’s legendary coast and enjoy Belfast’s vibrant culture without the stress of planning individual trips, this tour provides a practical, enjoyable package. It’s especially suited for travelers who value knowledgeable guides, authentic sites, and the flexibility to explore on your own.

For those wanting a full day of scenic beauty combined with city highlights, this tour hits the mark—delivering both value and a journey into Ireland’s heart and legends.

You can check availability for your dates here: