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

Exploring Northern Ireland: A Balanced Look at the Belfast & Giant’s Causeway Tour

If you’re eyeing a trip to Northern Ireland, this Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour offers a solid way to see some of the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It’s a package that combines a full-day trip to one of the most famous natural wonders, the Giant’s Causeway, with a flexible, hop-on-hop-off city tour of Belfast. The blend of nature, history, and city life makes it an appealing choice for those wanting a taste of everything.

What really draws us to this experience is the quality of the guides—they’re generally praised for their knowledge and humor—and the chance to see iconic sights like Carrickfergus Castle and the Dark Hedges. Plus, the flexibility of the 2-day open-top bus pass means you can explore Belfast at your own pace after the main tour. One potential downside? The Belfast city tour only offers multilingual commentary on the city sightseeing portion, which might limit options for some travelers. Overall, it’s well-suited for travelers who value a structured yet flexible day with memorable sights.

This tour appeals most to those who want a comprehensive experience—balancing guided sightseeing with free time—and are comfortable with a day packed with stops and scenic drives. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a mix of history, legends, and stunning landscapes will find this package a good fit. If you’re short on time but want to see the highlights, it might check all the boxes.

Key Points

• All-in-one two-day package combining a scenic coastal tour with a flexible city bus pass
• Expert guides and live commentary enhance the experience, especially with historical and mythological stories
• Scenic stops including Carrickfergus Castle, Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and the Giants Causeway itself, offer plenty of photo opportunities
• The coach journey is comfortable, with a well-organized itinerary and timing
• Limited inclusions: food, drinks, and entry to castles are extra, so budget accordingly
• Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and humor as a key strength, making the long day enjoyable

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Sights

Starting Point and First Stops

The tour kicks off at Belfast City Hall, a central, easily accessible location. From there, your driver and guide set the tone for the day, blending storytelling with practical information. The first stop is Carrickfergus Castle, a fortress that’s been standing since 1177. Here, you can peek inside if you’re willing to pay an entry fee or simply enjoy the impressive exterior and its history of sieges and resilience. The castle offers a glimpse into Norman architecture and a chance to soak in some history before heading further out.

Coastal Views and Scenic Drives

Next, the tour takes you to the viewpoint of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. While crossing isn’t included, the dramatic coastal vistas—imagine 75-foot cliffs over the Atlantic—are plenty for photos. It’s a quick stop, but the views make it worth the brief halt. Then, you’ll pass scenic spots like Glenarm Castle, Ballygalley, and Carnlough Harbour, giving travelers a chance to appreciate Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline and lush landscapes.

The Dark Hedges & Dunluce Castle: Films and Legends

One of the most Instagrammable spots is the Dark Hedges, a tunnel of beech trees that gained fame as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. This stop allows for a generous 65-minute break—ample time for photos, a walk, or grabbing a quick snack in the area. Travelers often mention how atmospheric and almost surreal this place feels, especially with the dappled light filtering through the leaves.

Just beyond, Dunluce Castle clings to a dramatic cliffside. Though you can explore inside for an extra fee, many prefer taking in the panoramic views from outside, admiring its medieval ruins that also served as the House of Greyjoy in Game of Thrones. This stop is roughly 30 minutes, enough for a quick walk and some memorable pictures.

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The Showstopper: Giants Causeway

Finally, the highlight: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giants Causeway. With over 40,000 basalt columns formed 60 million years ago, it’s a natural masterpiece that sparks the imagination—whether you’re into geology or legends. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, enough time for photos, wandering among the stones, and soaking in the views of the Atlantic.

Return Journey and Belfast City Tour

Post-visit, the coach heads back toward Belfast, but not before passing through scenic glens and coastal landscapes. Once back in the city, your 2-day open-top bus pass kicks in, giving you a flexible way to explore landmarks like Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Jail, and the Botanic Gardens. The city tour operates seven days a week with multiple departures each day, though some reviews mention waiting up to 45 minutes for the bus or feeling unsure about the schedule.

Guides and Commentary

Throughout the day, guides are often praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness. Several reviews highlight guides like Gavin, Stuart, and Stephen, who bring the stories alive with their storytelling skills. The live guide on the Giants Causeway tour is in English, but the city tour offers multilingual audio guides in six languages, which is helpful for international travelers.

Is it Worth the Cost?

Considering what’s included—luxury coach travel, expert guides, scenic stops, and a flexible city tour—the value feels fair. Entry fees to castles are extra, so if you plan to go inside, budget that in. The all-day experience, with multiple iconic stops and free time, makes this tour a worthwhile investment for those wanting a comprehensive, guided taste of Northern Ireland.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ professionalism and humor, with one noting how a driver managed to handle unexpected events like traffic jams without losing the group’s enthusiasm. The scenery earns high marks, and many mention the Dark Hedges and Giants Causeway as unforgettable highlights. Some feel the city tour could improve with better scheduling or clearer bus stop signage but appreciate the overall value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers wanting a full-day, guided adventure—especially those who appreciate storytelling, scenic landscapes, and a mix of history and legend. It’s a good option if you’re short on time but still want to tick off major sights. If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy nature and history, they’ll likely find plenty to love here.

It’s important to note that the Belfast city tour is primarily a hop-on-hop-off style experience, perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace afterward. However, the Giant’s Causeway part is an organized, guided day trip, making it ideal for those who prefer not to navigate the area alone.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour provides a balanced, well-organized way to explore some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic sights. It offers excellent guides, scenic stops, and enough flexibility for travelers to personalize their experience. While it might not include everything—like castle entries or meals—it delivers a lot of value through its carefully curated itinerary and scenic variety.

If you love stories, stunning landscapes, and a good mix of guided and free time, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy comfortable transport, engaging guides, and the chance to see both natural wonders and historic sites in one trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Giant’s Causeway tour suitable for families?
While the tour is primarily geared toward adults, families who enjoy scenic landscapes and outdoor walking will find it enjoyable. Keep in mind that some stops involve walking and exploring ruins, so plan accordingly.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers luxury coach transport, a live guide on the Giant’s Causeway tour, and the city sightseeing bus with multilingual audio commentary. Entry fees to castles and food are extra.

How long is the Giant’s Causeway visit?
You have approximately 1.5 hours at the Causeway, enough time to walk among the basalt columns, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.

Can I hop on and off the Belfast city tour?
Yes, the 2-day pass allows you to hop on and off at 19 stops around Belfast’s key attractions, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. There’s a lunch stop at the Dark Hedges area where you can grab something nearby.

Is the tour available in other languages?
The Giants Causeway tour is in English, but the city tour offers multilingual commentary in six languages.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended for this trip, especially for walking around stops like the Causeway and Dark Hedges.

What if I want to explore Belfast more?
Your bus pass makes it easy to spend additional time visiting attractions like Titanic Belfast or Crumlin Road Jail after the main tour.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind if your plans shift.

This tour packs a lot into a day, offering a good mix of guided storytelling, scenic beauty, and flexible exploration. If those elements match what you’re looking for, it’s likely to be a memorable part of your trip to Northern Ireland.

You can check availability for your dates here: