Belfast: Giants Causeway Tour

Belfast: Giants Causeway Tour
Location: United Kingdom
Country: United Kingdom
Rating: 5
Supplier Name: The Giants Causeway Coastal Tours
Similar Experiences: View Options, Game of Thrones Tour, and more.

Quick overview
If you’re after a personalized day trip along the North Irish Coast, this private tour to the Giants Causeway is hard to beat. With a duration of around 7 hours, your driver-guide will take you through iconic spots like Carnlough, the Vanishing Lake of Loughareema, and the Ballintoy Harbour—famous from Game of Thrones. Starting from Belfast, this experience is flexible enough for you to choose your preferred pickup time and tailor the stops to your interests.

What we particularly love about this tour is the luxury vehicle, which comfortably fits up to 7 people, and the flexibility that allows for a more relaxed pace—something that big coach tours just can’t offer. Plus, the chance to visit sites inaccessible to large buses means you get a more intimate experience.

One thing to keep in mind: entry fees for some attractions—like Carrick a Rede Ropebridge, Dunluce Castle, and Bushmills Distillery—are not included, so plan for a bit of extra spending if you want to go inside.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate customized experiences, small groups, and the chance to avoid the crowds while soaking up some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

Key Points

• Private, flexible tour with your own driver-guide.
• Stops at lesser-known locations like Loughareema and Portaneevy Viewpoint.
• Visit iconic sites including the Giant’s Causeway and Ballintoy Harbour.
• Scenic drives along the North Antrim Coastal Route, considered one of the world’s best tourist drives.
• Options for customization like pick-up times and shortened itineraries.
• Additional costs apply for some entrances, but the Causeway stones are free to walk among.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Giants Causeway Tour Experience

When we think about a trip to Northern Ireland, the Giants Causeway often tops the list. This tour, offered by The Giants Causeway Coastal Tours, embraces the natural beauty and legendary tales of the area in a way that feels both personal and richly layered.

What’s included in the 7-hour private experience?
You start with a luxury vehicle—full leather seats, air conditioning, and enough space for your group—making the journey itself a pleasure. Your guide, whose insights bring the landscape alive, will be flexible in timing, ensuring you’re not rushed, and can spend more time at the places that catch your interest.

The route takes you from Belfast along the North Irish Coastal Route, its winding roads revealing stunning vistas at every turn. We loved the way the route includes lesser-known stops like Carnlough, a charming harbor town with a real local feel, and the Vanishing Lake of Loughareema, which appears and disappears with the seasons—an oddity that sparks curiosity.

Spectacular viewpoints are a highlight. A visit to Portaneevy Viewpoint rewards you with awe-inspiring views of Rathlin Island and, on clear days, a glimpse of Scotland across the sea. The Carrick a Rede Ropebridge offers a thrill for the adventurous—crossing it gives you a sense of scale and history, as it’s a location that captures the imagination.

The Giants Causeway itself is the star of the show. Famously associated with Finn McCool, you can decide whether the legend or the volcanic activity explains these hexagonal basalt columns. We loved the freedom to walk among the stones at your own pace, since entrance to the site is free—an excellent value considering the natural wonder on display.

Additional stops like Ballintoy Harbour can be included if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, and you can even finish the day with a visit to the Bushmills Distillery for a brief whiskey tasting—an experience that’s both fun and culturally immersive.

What makes this tour stand out?

Two aspects shine brightly. First, the personalized nature: no rushing, no crowded buses, and the ability to tailor the itinerary—whether you want more time at the Causeway or to skip certain stops. Second, the local insights of your guide—likely to share stories, legends, and tips that you won’t find in a guidebook.

A potential drawback? Since the entry fees for some attractions are not included, you’ll need to budget extra if you want to go inside places like Dunluce Castle or the distillery. Also, it’s a full-day experience, so travelers with limited mobility or tight schedules might want to consider their stamina.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, private experience with the flexibility to customize your day. Ideal for families, small groups, or couples who want to explore without the jostling of large coach tours and appreciate local stories and scenic stops.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Belfast pickup and initial drive

Your day begins with a pickup in Belfast City Centre, where your guide/driver will be waiting in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. From there, the journey sets off along the North Irish Coastal Route, which is renowned for its spectacular scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

Carnlough and Loughareema

Your first stops include Carnlough, a quaint harbor town that exudes charm. Many travelers enjoy wandering its streets or snapping photos of the boats bobbing in the harbor. Just a short drive away is the Vanishing Lake of Loughareema, which appears and disappears depending on rainfall levels—an oddity that sparks conversation and curiosity. “It was fascinating to see a lake that could just disappear,” said one reviewer, highlighting how this adds a mystical element to the day.

Portaneevy Viewpoint and Rathlin Island

Next, the Portaneevy Viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas, especially on a clear day. From here, you can see Rathlin Island and, if the weather cooperates, Scotland in the distance. The landscape here is dramatic, with cliffs and ocean views that make it easy to understand why this route is considered one of the best scenic drives globally.

Carrick a Rede Ropebridge

For the more adventurous, crossing the Carrick a Rede Ropebridge is a memorable experience. It’s not just a walk across a bridge; it’s a step into the history and legend of the area, with stunning views over the sea. “Crossing it was a thrill and made the trip unforgettable,” shared a traveler.

Ballintoy Harbour and Game of Thrones fame

Ballintoy Harbour provides rugged, cinematic scenery—famous from Game of Thrones. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s a beautiful spot to explore the coast and imagine the stories that films and TV shows have made iconic.

The Giants Causeway

The highlight—the Giants Causeway—is a natural wonder composed of thousands of interlocking basalt columns. According to legend, Finn McCool built this pathway to challenge a Scottish giant, but scientists attribute it to ancient volcanic activity. You’re free to wander among the stones, take photos, and enjoy the dramatic seascape.

Optional whiskey tasting and final stop

If time permits, your guide can take you to Bushmills Distillery, founded in 1608, making it the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Sampling whiskey here complements the day’s exploration, giving you a taste of Northern Ireland’s heritage.

What the reviews say

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides for their storytelling and local insights. One reviewer appreciated that, “Our guide’s stories made the history come alive,” and another highlighted that the scenic views along the coast are “breathtaking and better than I expected.”

The flexibility of this private tour garners high marks, with travelers noting that being able to customize stops and timing made for a more relaxed and personal experience. Conversely, some mention that extra entrance fees for certain sites can add up, so it’s worth planning ahead.

This tour offers excellent value for those wanting an intimate, scenic, and culturally rich day out in Northern Ireland, especially suited for travelers who prefer avoiding large groups and sticking to a flexible schedule.

Final thoughts: Is this tour right for you?

If you’re someone who loves scenic drives, stories, and small-group experiences, this private Giants Causeway tour is a fantastic pick. It combines comfort and flexibility with authentic sites and local legends, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a storybook journey along the Irish coast.

Travelers who want the freedom to explore at their own pace and skip the crowds will find this tour particularly appealing. It’s also ideal if you’re interested in additional stops like castles, harbors, or whiskey, as the guide can tailor the day accordingly.

However, if your schedule is tight or you prefer self-guided visits with fixed entry times, you might want to consider other options. And remember, some attractions require extra entrance fees, so factor those into your budget.

To sum it up, this tour offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, local stories, and personalized service—a memorable way to experience one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes.

FAQs

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, it lasts about 7 hours, starting from Belfast, with plenty of time to explore each stop.

Can I customize the tour?
Absolutely. The tour is tailored to your needs, including pick-up times and stops, making it flexible for your interests.

Are entry fees included?
No, entry fees for sites like Carrick a Rede Ropebridge, Dunluce Castle, and Bushmills Distillery are not included, so budget accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for small groups?
Yes, it is designed for private groups of up to 7 people, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is the vehicle wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the vehicle is wheelchair accessible, making this tour inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, perhaps a camera, and some extra cash for optional attractions and souvenirs.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

If you crave a personalized, scenic, and culturally engaging day exploring Northern Ireland’s coast, this private Giants Causeway tour delivers just that. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the landscape, legends, and local flavor without the constraints of large group tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: