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

Traveling to Northern Ireland? If you’re eyeing a mix of dramatic coastlines and city sights, this Belfast combo tour offers a lot. It combines a full-day trip to the iconic Giants Causeway with a two-day hop-on hop-off bus around Belfast, giving you the chance to see the best of both worlds.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances spectacular scenery with easy city exploration. Plus, the guided elements seem to be pretty well-received, making it a good option for those who prefer not to navigate alone. On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of long coach days or busy group tours, this might feel a bit rushed or overwhelming.

It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a layered sightseeing approach—spending a day immersed in nature and the next two days exploring at their own pace. Whether you’re a history buff, a Game of Thrones fan, or just someone who loves scenic drives and city culture, this tour has something for you.

Key Points

• Diverse experience blending coastal adventures and city exploration
• Guided commentary enhances understanding of sites and stories
• Good value for money with discounts at attractions and flexible transport
• Comfortable transportation with a well-organized itinerary
• Photo opportunities at famous landmarks like Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle
• Flexibility to hop on and off Belfast’s main sights over two days

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of What This Tour Offers

This tour packs a punch by covering Northern Ireland’s most famous sights in a single day, followed by a flexible, two-day city bus pass to soak in Belfast’s character. It’s targeted at travelers who want a structured yet relaxed experience, avoiding the hassle of planning everything independently.

Starting with the Coastal Day Trip

The journey kicks off early from Donegall Square West, right next to Belfast’s City Hall—an easy spot to meet your group. You’ll be on a comfortable coach with a professional guide who keeps the energy lively and the stories interesting (many reviewers sing the praises of drivers like Dave, Louis, and Stuart). Expect to set off at 9 AM sharp, so arriving 15 minutes early is a good idea.

What makes this day special?

Carrickfergus Castle is your first stop—a well-preserved Norman fortress that offers both history and perfect photo ops. It’s a quick but striking introduction to the region’s medieval past. Next, you’ll head to Carnlough Harbour, a tiny fishing village that’s full of charm and known to fans of Game of Thrones as Braavos. This stop combines both scenic beauty and a bit of pop culture.

Then, you’ll visit Portaneevy Viewpoint, which is a superb spot for panoramic shots of the coastline, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the cliffs. While you don’t get to walk across the bridge itself due to coach restrictions, the view from afar is still impressive.

The Dark Hedges and Village Stops

One of the tour’s highlights is the Dark Hedges, an otherworldly avenue of 300-year-old beech trees. Known as the Kingsroad from Game of Thrones, it’s a natural spectacle and a photographer’s favorite. Here, you’ll have a chance to stroll or snap some photos, making it a memorable stop.

Following that, the tour takes you to Bushmills, famous for its whiskey distillery and charming landscape. Even if you’re not into spirits, the village’s ambiance and nearby ruins of Dunluce Castle—a striking medieval ruin perched on a cliff—are worth the visit. Though some reviews mention the castle appearance can be brief, it’s visually impressive and lends a sense of history.

The Main Event: Giants Causeway

Finally, the highlight of the day is arriving at the Giants Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. The legend of Finn McCool adds a fun, mythical flavor—your guide will likely share this story, leaving you to decide how much of it you want to believe.

You’ll have some free time here to walk along the coast, explore the formations, or just soak in the scenery. Many visitors find this spot truly breathtaking, and the photos are pretty spectacular. The tour wraps up around 6 PM back in Belfast.

A few reviews mention that the trip to the Causeway is “brilliant,” with guides like Louis, Paul, and Stuart making it both fun and informative. One reviewer noted that the walk at Giants Causeway is accompanied by a guided tour, making the experience more immersive.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Exploring at Your Own Pace

After the day trip, your two-day city bus pass kicks in. With 19 stops spread across Belfast, it’s an ideal way to see the city without the stress of navigation. The tour takes about 1 hour 30 minutes if you stay on the full route, but the real benefit is the ability to hop on and off at your leisure.

What You’ll Love About It

Stops include major attractions like Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Jail, and Queens University. Many reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, making the ride more enjoyable. The flexible ticket duration means you can spread your sightseeing over two days, fitting in attractions at your own pace.

People appreciate the discounts offered at key sites, like Titanic Belfast, which can make this a budget-friendly way to explore. The routes also include stops at Botanic Gardens and the political murals, giving a well-rounded picture of Belfast’s history and culture.

Practical tips

Starting at Stop 1 near City Hall is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple. If you’re interested in history or urban culture, this bus tour offers a solid overview without being overwhelming.

Why This Tour Is a Good Choice

Value for money seems to be a recurring theme among reviews—many guests feel they get a lot of quality experiences for the price, especially with the included discounts and the flexible two-day pass. The guided part of the coastal trip adds a layer of context that you might miss if you went solo, and the scenery is truly memorable.

The guides seem to be the backbone of this experience, with reviews praising their knowledge, humor, and ability to keep groups engaged. If you enjoy storytellers who bring sites to life, you’ll likely appreciate their commentary.

The stops are well-chosen to span history, culture, and nature. The Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle offer a fairy-tale vibe, while Giants Causeway provides that awe-inspiring natural wonder. The coastal road itself is a highlight, with stunning ocean vistas throughout.

Possible drawbacks

Some travelers mention that the last stop at the final castle feels a bit less engaging, especially if you’re not interested in that specific site. Others note that, due to coach restrictions, you won’t be able to walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which might disappoint Game of Thrones fans hoping for that experience. Plus, the tour can be long, so if you’re not into coach trips or have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right For You?

This experience offers a comprehensive view of Northern Ireland’s highlights—from dramatic coastlines to lively Belfast streets—all in a well-organized package. The full-day coastal trip is perfect if you want to see the iconic Giants Causeway along with some stunning scenery and a dash of history. The two-day hop-on hop-off gives you the freedom to explore Belfast’s main attractions at your own pace, making it suitable for those who prefer a flexible schedule.

If you’re after value, knowledgeable guides, and memorable sights, this tour packs a lot into a manageable itinerary. It’s especially good for travelers who enjoy a balance of guided stories and free exploration, and for those who appreciate a scenic drive intertwined with cultural stops.

However, if long coach days aren’t your thing or you’re seeking a more personalized, less structured adventure, you might prefer to plan separate activities. Still, for many visitors, this combo delivers a well-rounded, engaging experience of both coast and city.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-focused, the stops like Giants Causeway and Dark Hedges are family-friendly spots where kids can enjoy exploring and taking photos. Keep in mind that the full-day coach ride might be lengthy for very young children.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot as the tour only runs on specific days and times. You can cancel up to 24 hours before if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes are advised, especially considering the variable weather along the coast. Bringing snacks and water can make the day more comfortable since food isn’t included.

Can I explore Belfast independently after the bus tour?
Absolutely. The hop-on hop-off bus makes it easy to visit attractions at your own pace, and you can venture off-route whenever you like using your ticket.

Is there wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, the bus tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What about the guided commentary?
The guides are known to be knowledgeable and engaging, providing stories and context that enrich your understanding of each site.

In all, this tour offers a solid combination of natural wonders and city culture. If you enjoy scenic drives, engaging guides, and flexible city exploration, it’s worth considering for your trip to Belfast and Northern Ireland.

You can check availability for your dates here: