(Small Group) Shore Tour from Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Belfast Day Trip

A Detailed Look at the Belfast Shore Tour to the Giants Causeway and City Highlights

Planning a shore excursion that balances iconic sights with a comfortable, intimate setting can be tricky. This particular tour from Belfast offers a 7-hour adventure that promises a taste of Northern Ireland’s natural beauty and vibrant city life. While it has mixed reviews, many travelers find it offers a memorable experience—especially if they’re after a well-organized, scenic day with knowledgeable guides.

What we really like about this tour is the small group format, which typically means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. Plus, the scenic drive along the Causeway Coast is a standout feature—imagine rolling along emerald-green landscapes with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and rugged cliffs on the other. The other big plus? It includes a stop at the UNESCO-listed Giants Causeway, one of Ireland’s top natural wonders, and a panoramic city tour of Belfast.

That said, there are some points to consider. The cost of around $156 per person might seem steep for some, especially since certain attractions (like the Causeway Visitor Centre) are at your own expense. Also, the transportation aspect has received mixed reviews, with some travelers experiencing vehicle issues or miscommunications. This means if you’re after a completely seamless, luxury experience, you might want to explore other options. Still, if you’re okay with a more relaxed, group vibe, this tour tends to suit those wanting to see the highlights without too much fuss.

This tour is best suited for cruise travelers craving a balance of natural beauty and city sights, who don’t mind a small group, and are looking for a guided day without the hassle of organizing everything themselves.

Key Points

• Small group size offers a more personalized experience, but can also mean limited flexibility.
• Scenic drive along the Causeway Coast provides breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, and distant Scotland.
• Visit to Giants Causeway includes ample time to explore this natural wonder and take photos.
• Dunluce Castle offers a dramatic ruin perched on the cliffs, perfect for memorable pictures.
• City tour of Belfast includes major highlights like City Hall, Queen’s University, and St Anne’s Cathedral.
• Some reviews mention transportation issues, so plan for potential delays or vehicle problems.
• Pricing includes transport, guide, bottled water, and WiFi, adding value for the convenience.
• Free time in Belfast allows for shopping and independent exploration if your schedule permits.

Experience Breakdown: What to Expect on This Tour

Starting Out and Pickup

The tour kicks off at 8am or 30 minutes after your cruise docks, with a prompt pickup from the Belfast port. You’ll board an air-conditioned Mercedes van with a small group of no more than 25 travelers, making the experience more intimate than large bus tours. This setup is great if you prefer a quieter, more personal atmosphere, and appreciate the comfort of modern transportation.

Scenic Drive along the Causeway Coast

Once underway, the real magic begins. We love that this part of the tour highlights Northern Ireland’s northern shore, recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The drive along the Causeway Coast offers sweeping vistas of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and even distant views of Scotland. The scenery is postcard-worthy, and your guide will likely point out interesting landmarks or share stories about the region’s history and legends.

Giants Causeway: The Main Attraction

The highlight for many is definitely the Giants Causeway. Think of 40,000 perfectly hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity or carved by a giant, depending on which legend you prefer. You’ll have enough time to descend from the shuttle or walk down yourself (about 20 minutes), and to explore the site.

Some reviews mention that the walk up the steep hill might be challenging for some, but there’s a shuttle bus available for a small fee (£8), which is a helpful option for those less mobile. You can also use this time to take photos, enjoy the incredible formations, and soak in the atmosphere.

While the tour includes a visit to the Causeway Visitor Centre, it’s at your own expense to explore it fully. Here, you can learn more about the rocks’ scientific formation and the legends surrounding them. We think the centre adds a nice touch if you’re curious about the history, but it’s not essential to appreciating the site itself.

Dunluce Castle Stop

Next up is a quick but impactful stop at Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic. The ruins offer a glimpse into medieval Ireland, and the wild backdrop makes for some fantastic photos. According to reviews, this is often a favorite stop, with many appreciating the chance to snap memorable pictures against such a striking scene. It’s a brief visit—about 10 minutes—but enough to appreciate the castle’s history and dramatic setting.

Return to Belfast City

In the late morning or early afternoon, the tour heads back towards Belfast for a panoramic city tour. Highlights include City Hall, Queen’s University, St. Anne’s Cathedral, and the Prince Albert Memorial Clock. This part of the tour is about giving you a taste of Belfast’s vibrant atmosphere and architecture.

After the city tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own—shopping, strolling, or sightseeing—depending on your schedule. If your ship departs earlier, the itinerary may be adjusted, so it’s worth planning accordingly to maximize your time.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

Pros

• The small group size makes for a more relaxed, engaging experience.
• Beautiful scenery along the Causeway Coast, with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Knowledgeable guides who can share stories and legends, adding depth to the experience.
• The tour covers both natural wonders and city highlights, offering a well-rounded day.
• Transportation is modern, with WiFi and bottled water provided, making the journey comfortable.

Cons

• Some travelers have experienced vehicle or scheduling issues, which can impact the day.
• The cost might seem high given certain attractions are at your own expense.
• The walking required to reach the Causeway can be steep for some, though shuttle options exist.
• The itinerary may be shortened if your ship’s schedule is tight, limiting some stops.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour appeals most to cruise passengers looking for a convenient, guided way to see the Giants Causeway and Belfast without worrying about transportation logistics. It’s ideal if you enjoy scenic drives, historical sites, and a small-group setting. It’s also good for those who want a balance of natural beauty and city sightseeing, and don’t mind a few potential hiccups along the way.

If you’re traveling with mobility issues, be aware of the walking involved but note that shuttle buses are available for the Causeway. Those wanting a luxury or completely seamless experience might prefer to look elsewhere, especially considering some reviews of transportation problems.

Final Thoughts

This Belfast shore tour offers a solid option for travelers wanting to see Ireland’s iconic natural feature—the Giants Causeway—and enjoy a quick glimpse of Belfast’s lively city streets. Its small group format and scenic drive make it a comfortable, engaging way to spend a day ashore, especially if you value having a guide to enrich your understanding of the sites.

While it’s not perfect—some reviews highlight transportation hiccups and the additional costs at attractions—the overall experience tends to be positive, especially for those eager to capture stunning photos and learn local legends from knowledgeable guides.

If you’re after a well-rounded, guided day trip that combines nature, history, and city sights, this could be a good fit. Just keep your expectations in check regarding transportation and potential schedule adjustments, and you’ll likely enjoy a memorable day exploring Northern Ireland’s highlights.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for those who don’t like walking?
There is some walking involved, especially to reach the Giants Causeway. However, shuttle buses are available for a small fee if you prefer not to walk uphill. The walk from the shuttle drop-off to the Causeway is about 20 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers round-trip transport in an air-conditioned van, a professional guide, bottled water, and WiFi onboard. Attraction entries, like the Causeway Visitor Centre, are at your own cost.

Can I shop during the free time in Belfast?
Yes, after the city tour, you’ll have free time to explore the city center, which is a great opportunity to shop, stroll, or visit local cafes.

Is this a luxury tour?
Not exactly. It’s a small-group tour with comfortable transportation, but some reviews mention issues like vehicle problems, so it’s best viewed as a well-organized but not overly luxurious experience.

How long is the visit to the Giants Causeway?
You will have ample time to explore the site and take photos, usually about two hours including the walk down and time at the visitor center.

What if my ship docks later or departs early?
The tour begins about 30 minutes after docking and ends back at the port around 3 or 4 pm. If your schedule is tight, the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.

What is the experience like with the guide?
Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Many reviewers appreciated their storytelling and tips, which add value to the trip.

Are children allowed on this tour?
While not explicitly noted, the tour is suitable for most travelers who can handle walking and the day’s pace. If traveling with children, consider their comfort with walking and weather, especially at outdoor sites.

In the end, this shore excursion balances scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and city exploration in a way that makes for a fulfilling day out of Belfast. Just be prepared for some variability, and you’re likely to come away with great memories of Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes and lively city streets.