From Belfast: Giants Causeway and Belfast Black Taxi Tour

Exploring Northern Ireland can feel like uncovering a hidden gem, and this tour offers a great way to see both the city’s vibrant history and the breathtaking coast. We haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, but from what we gather, it’s a well-rounded experience perfect for those wanting a taste of Belfast’s stories and the iconic natural wonders just outside the city.

What really catches our eye are the guided Black Taxi tour of Belfast’s murals and peace walls, which promises genuine insights into the city’s recent history, and the chance to see the UNESCO-listed Giants Causeway, one of Ireland’s most celebrated sights. Plus, with the option to visit Dunluce Castle and perhaps stop at the Dark Hedges or Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, it feels like a trip packed with memorable sights.

One thing to keep in mind: this tour runs for about 6.5 hours, so it’s a fairly full day and might be a bit rushed if you’re looking for a more leisurely pace. But for those short on time who want a highlights reel of Northern Ireland, this could be a perfect fit.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local history, loves scenic drives, and wants to see some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail, then this tour could be just right for you.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines Belfast’s city sights with stunning coastal landscapes.
• Insightful Guides: Local guides offer detailed stories, especially about Belfast’s murals and the Troubles.
• Stunning Landmarks: Includes UNESCO-listed Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle.
• Flexible Itinerary: Time for photos, questions, and exploring at each stop.
• Private Group: More personalized experience without the large coach crowds.
• Good Value: Offers a full-day tour with transportation, guiding, and multiple stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Belfast City Tour

The day kicks off with pickup right in Belfast. Your guide, probably someone passionate and knowledgeable about the city, will take you on a roughly one-hour driving tour through Belfast’s streets. Expect to see landmarks like Belfast City Hall, Queens University, Belfast Castle, and the Titanic Quarter.

What’s great here is the perspective your guide provides—stories that bring Belfast’s recent history to life. The murals and peace walls are highlights, revealing the city’s complex past and its ongoing journey toward peace. Many reviews praise the guides’ ability to share stories with warmth and clarity, with one reviewer noting, “We loved the way our guide explained the murals—they were passionate and genuine.”

Belfast Murals & Peace Walls

Following the city tour, you’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring the murals and peace walls. These are much more than just colorful walls; they’re visual stories of Belfast’s Troubles, peace, and hope. This part of the tour helps you understand the city’s recent history in a visceral way, and guides often share personal or local perspectives, which adds depth.

Leaving the City for the Causeway Coast

Once Belfast’s stories are shared, your journey heads north along the scenic Causeway Coast. This drive is a highlight in itself, as you get to enjoy Ireland’s natural beauty through the window. The scenery is often praised for its rugged charm, with reviewers mentioning that the landscape feels like a different world compared to the city.

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Dunluce Castle: A Photo Stop

About halfway through the trip, you’ll visit Dunluce Castle, a dramatic ruin perched on the coast. It’s a quick stop—around 15-20 minutes—perfect for photos and stretching your legs. The castle’s story is fascinating, and many find the view breathtaking, especially with the sea crashing below.

The Giants Causeway

The main event is the UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Giants Causeway. You’ll get approximately an hour here to explore the unique hexagonal basalt formations, walk along the coast, and listen to legends of Finn McCool. Many visitors comment on how surreal it looks, like nature’s own sculpture park. The guided explanation helps you appreciate the geological marvel and the local legends, making the visit more meaningful.

Additional Stops (Time Permitting)

Depending on timing, the tour may include a stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can snap photos of the dramatic viewpoint, or the Dark Hedges, made famous by Game of Thrones. These optional stops are often appreciated, though some reviews mention that tight schedules mean limited time at each.

Returning to Belfast

The trip wraps up with the drive back to Belfast, with the guide sharing more stories or answering questions. Many reviews note the comfort of the private group setup, which feels more personalized than a big coach.

How the Experience Comes Together

From the reviews and descriptions, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, scenery, and local culture. The guides are highlighted as knowledgeable and engaging—important because understanding Belfast’s murals and Troubles is a key part of the experience. The scenic drive along the coast provides a chance to relax and take in Ireland’s rugged beauty, while the stops at Dunluce Castle and the Giants Causeway are genuine highlights.

The tour’s duration of 6.5 hours strikes a good compromise. It’s long enough to see the main sights without feeling overly rushed, though some might find the schedule tight if they want more time at each location. The private group element offers a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos.

Price and Value

While the specific cost isn’t listed here, given that it’s a private tour with a knowledgeable guide covering multiple major sights, it’s likely to be a good value for travelers who want a curated experience. It includes transport, guide services, and entry to major sites, which adds convenience and depth, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

What’s Notable

One of the biggest strengths is the local guide’s storytelling ability—reviewers mention how genuine, passionate, and informative they are. The flexibility to ask questions and the chance to stop at various viewpoints make this feel more like a personalized adventure rather than a rigid tour.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided overview of Northern Ireland’s highlights in one day. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want meaningful insights and memorable sights. History buffs, nature lovers, and those interested in Irish culture will find this particularly engaging.

It may not be perfect for those seeking a very relaxed pace or wanting to spend more time at each site. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or mobility concerns, it’s worth considering the walk at Giants Causeway or Dunluce Castle, though most stops are brief.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Belfast offers a well-rounded snapshot of Northern Ireland’s rich tapestry—combining Belfast’s vibrant street art and historical landmarks with the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Causeway Coast. The private guide setup ensures a personalized experience, with plenty of stories and scenic moments along the way.

If you’re looking for an efficient way to see the main highlights, learn about Belfast’s past, and marvel at one of Ireland’s most famous natural wonders, this tour hits all those marks. Just be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and some walking, and you’ll come away with plenty of photos and stories to tell.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting to maximize their short trip to Northern Ireland without sacrificing depth or comfort.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour doesn’t specifically mention family-friendliness, the stops like Dunluce Castle and Giants Causeway are generally enjoyable for all ages. Just keep in mind the walking involved and weather conditions.

How long is the drive between Belfast and the Causeway Coast?
The entire tour includes scenic travel along the Causeway Coast, but specific driving times aren’t listed. Expect a comfortable scenic journey from Belfast to the key stops.

Can I see the murals and peace walls in Belfast on this tour?
Yes, the guide takes you on a Black Taxi-style tour through Belfast’s murals and peace walls, providing insights into the city’s recent history.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The weather can change quickly along the coast.

Is there enough time at Giants Causeway?
Most visitors get about an hour to explore the formations and take photos, which should be enough for a quick visit and some memorable shots.

Are there optional stops at other attractions?
Yes, time permitting, the tour may include stops at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or the Dark Hedges.

How personalized is the experience?
Being a private group, the tour allows for questions and flexibility at each stop, making it feel more tailored to your interests.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some peace of mind if your plans change.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is conducted in English.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility to plan your trip.

Whether you’re after history, landscape, or a little of both, this Belfast and Giants Causeway tour offers a well-balanced itinerary that delivers an authentic taste of Northern Ireland.

You can check availability for your dates here: