Are you traveling soon to Northern Ireland and you’ve been wondering what are the best Giant’s Causeway tours to consider? Having visited this famous natural landmark through a tour myself, I will admit that a guided excursion is the most hassle-free option to do it.
You see, in Northern Ireland, driving is done on the left side of the road (same as in the UK and Ireland), which can be tricky if you’re not used to it.
And while there’s a direct bus from Belfast to the Causeway, it takes twice as much time as driving. Besides, you won’t be able to hit other popular spots along the way.
With a tour, however, not only do you get to skip the headache of driving on unfamiliar roads in a way that you’re not used to, but you also have the chance to visit other locations in Northern Ireland.
Now, I must be honest, with most tours there’s the potential downside that it will be a bit busy at the Causeway itself. But honestly, the pros outweigh the cons here, and you can always opt for a private tour if crowds aren’t your thing.
So stick with me, and I’ll take you through some of the best tours to Giant’s Causeway from Belfast while sharing my personal experiences and preferences.
- My Top 3 Picks
- 1. Giant's Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip
- 2. Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast Tour
- 3. Giants Causeway Express Tour
- 4. Full-Day Giants Causeway Land and Boat Tour
- 5. Game of Thrones Locations Tour w/ Giant's Causeway
- 6. Giants Causeway Evening Tour
- 7. Private Giants Causeway & Coastal Tour
- 8. Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle
- 9. Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour
- Extra things to know
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My Top 3 Picks
Giant’s Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip
✓ 4.7/5 out of 2800+ reviews.
✓ Spend 1.5 hours at Giant’s Causeway.
✓ Visit Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour and the Dark Hedges.
✓ Photo stop at Carrickfergus Castle and Dunluce Castle.
Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast Tour
✓ Spend around 2 hours at Giant’s Causeway.
✓ Includes entry ticket to the Titanic Belfast Museum.
✓ Visit the Dark Hedges (a popular GOT filming site).
✓ Photo stop at the Dunluce Castle’s ruins.
✓ Private half-day tour for up to 6 people.
✓ Perfect for people short on time or on a cruise stop.
✓ Offers hotel/cruise ship terminal pick up & drop off.
✓ Cheaper than other private tours as it’s shorter.
1. Giant’s Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you’re looking to explore some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic spots in one day, the Giant’s Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip is a great option.
On this tour, you’ll not only visit the Giant’s Causeway (with a 1.5-hour stop), but also make your way to the Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Dark Hedges, all of which were made famous by Game of Thrones.
Additionally, you’ll get to snap some photos at Carrickfergus Castle and Dunluce Castle. And if time permits, the bus might even stop for a view of the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge from a viewpoint, but this isn’t guaranteed.
Now, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes on this trip as there’s a bit of a walk from the Giant’s Causeway visitor center where the bus stops, to the Causeway itself. If you can’t or don’t want to walk the distance, there’s also a shuttle you can take.
And no matter what month you visit (I visited in June and it was pretty cold), bring some warm clothes just in case – you’ll thank me later if you end up needing them.
Lastly, the bus’s USB charging ports are a handy touch, perfect for keeping your devices juiced up. And while you can pre-order lunch, I’d suggest you just buy sandwiches and snacks to maximize your time at the sights.
Trust me, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible exploring the locations.
2. Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you’re both a history buff and a fan of beautiful landscapes, the Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast Tour might be right up your alley. Not only does this tour include the famous Giant’s Causeway (with a generous 2-hour stop), but it also features the Titanic Belfast Museum, with the entry ticket included in the package.
Along the way, you’ll get to capture memories with a short photo stop at the Dunluce Castle ruins and visit the Dark Hedges, made famous by the hit Game of Thrones series.
Now, since you’re staying in Belfast and the tour ends with the Titanic Museum visit, I personally recommend letting the tour guide know you won’t be returning to the coach. This way, you can spend as much time as you need at the museum and not feel rushed.
Also, don’t miss out on the two huge cranes, Samson and Goliath, that helped build the ill-fated ship, or the slipways from where both the Titanic and its sister Olympic were first launched into the water, which is located right behind the museum.
Here, you can see a life-size plan of the Titanic laid in white stone, highlighting the positions of the liner’s lifeboats and funnels. You can even have a seat at one of the benches which are apparently positioned exactly as they would have been on board the deck of Titanic.
Unfortunately, a concert was held on the Slipways at the time of my visit, so I couldn’t see the entire site.
3. Giants Causeway Express Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Short on time but still want to visit Giant Causeway? Then the Giants Causeway Express Tour might be just the ideal choice for you.
This half-day private tour is a great option for people who have little time at their disposal or for those on a cruise stop (it offers Cruise Ship Terminal pick-up and drop-off as well) and who are mainly interested in seeing the Causeway.
If you wish, however, you can also visit Dunluce Castle, though keep in mind that the admission fee is not included.
I will mention that even though it’s more budget-friendly than other private tours I’ve seen (thanks to its shorter duration), it’s still a pricier option compared to the big coach tours.
However, for those who crave a more personal, focused experience at the Giant’s Causeway, without the crowds and the frills of other attractions (out of which many are Game of Thrones related) and don’t mind paying a bit more, this tour is truly the perfect choice.
4. Full-Day Giants Causeway Land and Boat Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!
Want to experience Northern Ireland from both land and sea? The Full-Day Giants Causeway Land and Boat Tour might be exactly what you’re looking for.
This unique private tour not only takes you to the Giant’s Causeway Unesco World Heritage Site, but you’ll also visit the 800-year-old Norman Carrickfergus Castle and Carnlough Harbour (a Game of Thrones filming location).
Additionally, the tour also includes a thrilling 90-minute boat trip along the cliffs toward the Carrick-A-Red Rope Bridge, which connects Carrickarede Island with the mainland (pictured).
Get your camera ready, as you might catch sight of dolphins playing in the waves, not to mention the spectacular coastal views that I’m sure you’ll want to capture.
Unlike big coach tours, this option is perfect for people who prefer a more intimate experience and don’t mind paying a little extra for it. And here’s a pro tip: if you can gather a group of up to 7 persons, you can split the cost, making the tour much more affordable without skimping on the quality.
Overall, this tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Northern Ireland, both from the land and the sea, all while enjoying a personalized and exclusive experience.
5. Game of Thrones Locations Tour w/ Giant’s Causeway
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you’re both a Game of Thrones fan and a lover of natural scenery, then this Game of Thrones Locations Tour with Giant’s Causeway might just be the perfect choice for you.
Rated 5 stars from over 1900 reviews, the tour combines the amazing natural beauty of the Giant’s Causeway with a few filming locations from the TV hit series.
Spend around 2 hours exploring the volcanic rocks at Giant’s Causeway, visit Caves of Cushendun where Melisandre gave birth to a Shadow, and walk underneath the Dark Hedges (pictured), the famed tree-lined alley known as Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.
You’ll also get to see Carnlough Harbour, the spot where Arya re-surfaced from the water after being injured and visit the GOT Room at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy.
Also, a helpful tip for those hoping to capture some great photos of the Dark Hedges: be among the first to disembark the bus and walk as quickly as possible towards the trees.
The path to take may not be very intuitive since at first you’ll need to head out in the opposite direction (understandably, tour companies don’t want large groups walking on the edge of a road).
So, to avoid waiting for the tour guide to give directions, I have marked the way on the map below for you.
Whether you’re a GoT superfan or simply someone who loves a good sightseeing tour, this full-day experience ticks a lot of boxes and promises a day full of excitement and great views.
Also, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all these unforgettable moments!
6. Giants Causeway Evening Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you’re looking for a way to avoid the daytime crowds that can often be found at Giant’s Causeway, then you should consider this evening tour, an express private group travel experience for up to 6 people.
Starting late in the afternoon, the tour not only includes a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, but also a stop to take photos of the Dunluce Castle ruins. And with both hotel and cruise ship terminal pick up and drop off being offered, it’s quite a convenient and flexible option.
But one of its main advantages is the ability to avoid crowds, offering a less busy experience that daytime tours often cannot provide.
So if the thought of spending an entire day on a big bus tour doesn’t appeal to you, this is a great alternative, though it does come at a higher cost.
However, if you’re part of a group of 6 you can lower the cost significantly, making the trip almost as affordable as a regular coach tour.
Another potential downside to consider is that depending on the weather or the time of year, you might not have much daylight at your disposal. The trade-off, however, is that you may be lucky enough to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Causeway’s rugged landscape.
All in all, the Giants Causeway Evening Tour offers a unique and intimate experience that appeals to those looking for something a little different and less crowded than traditional day tours.
7. Private Giants Causeway & Coastal Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 – 8 hours | ✅ Book it!
Seeking a personalized and flexible tour experience? The Private Giants Causeway & Coastal Tour might be just what you need.
With two options to choose from, catering to groups of up to 4 or 7, and with several starting hours, this tour is tailored to fit your schedule and preferences.
You’ll get to visit the Dark Hedges tree tunnel – and since you’re on a private tour, chances are you’ll have ample time to snap those perfect photos without anyone else in the frame and spend around 1.5 hours at the Giant’s Causeway – which is enough time to soak up its dramatic scenery.
But what sets this tour apart is the fact that it’s one of the few that offer a closer look at the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.
If you’re adventurous enough to wish to cross it, you’ll need to make sure that you purchase tickets in advance and book a time slot (the tour operator can assist with these details after booking). Also, be aware that this will add more time to your tour as well.
The trip also includes a visit to Ballintoy Harbor (‘Iron Islands’ in Game of Thrones), a short stop at Dunluce Castle and Magheracross viewing point, and a bit of time to shop at Bushmills Distillery.
If you wish to do a tour of the distillery, you’ll need to book the tickets in advance and it will also add more time to the trip.
It’s also worth noting that if there are other sights and attractions you want to explore, your guide will try to accommodate them as much as possible.
8. Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | ✅ Book it!
Looking for a compact yet exciting tour that won’t take up your entire day? The Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle tour might be just what you need.
This shorter guided excursion (you’ll arrive back in Belfast around 3:30 PM) allows you to visit the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, stop by the Dark Hedges (made famous in the Game of Thrones TV series), and admire the scenic views around Dunluce Castle (pictured) during a short photo stop.
However, something to keep in mind is that often the company will have the Dublin tour pick up the people joining from Belfast. This means the bus may arrive fairly full, limiting your choice in terms of seats.
While this might not be a big deal for some, it’s worth considering if seat selection is important to you.
Overall, this tour offers a taste of some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic sites without consuming your whole day. It’s an excellent choice for those who have limited time to spend in Belfast.
9. Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
While this popular tour, with more than 3000 reviews, is labeled as a Game of Thrones trip, I would say it’s more a combination of iconic landmarks and GOT filming locations, the highlights of the trip being Giant’s Causeway, Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the Dark Hedges.
However, an important point to note is that coaches are no longer allowed to go down to the bridge itself. Instead, you’ll be able to spot it from the Portaneevy Viewpoint, which is fairly far, to be honest.
But don’t let this deter you; the view from this location is still quite beautiful. On a clear day, you can even catch sight of Scotland from there!
Overall, this tour offers a nice mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and the thrill of walking in the footsteps of Arya as she escapes disguised as a boy on Kings Road.
Extra things to know
How much is the shuttle bus at Giant’s Causeway?
For an adult, the shuttle bus at Giant’s Causeway costs 1 pound for a one-way trip, while for a child it costs 50 pence.
Was Game of Thrones filmed at Giant’s Causeway?
Contrary to popular belief, the Giant’s Causeway was not a filming location for Game of Thrones. Although several locations in Northern Ireland, such as the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbor, were used for shooting scenes in the popular TV series, the Giant’s Causeway was not one of them.
🤩 Giant’s Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip offers a good mix of natural scenery and GOT filming locations.
Whether you’re a die-hard Game of Thrones fan, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, there is a good range of tours from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway to cater to your interests.
Choose the one that fits your preferences and get ready for a comfortable journey that will take you on an adventure through Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and iconic filming locations.
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