Derry Londonderry is a fantastic base for full-day tours that reveal Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and film-famous locations. Its central location makes it easy to explore the nearby Causeway Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and geological marvels, or Inishowen and Donegal, known for rugged beauty and cultural sites. One of our favorite experiences is the luxury private tour of the Causeway Coast, which combines personalized service with spectacular views and stories. Meanwhile, fans of Game of Thrones will love the immersive full-day tour that visits iconic filming spots, and those seeking a more relaxed, scenic day will enjoy exploring Inishowen with a luxury touch.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best full-day tours, each offering a different way to experience the region’s natural beauty, history, and pop culture. Whether you prefer private luxury, cinematic adventures, or historical exploration, there’s a perfect day trip waiting.
Types of Tours on Our List
Our top picks cover three main types of full-day excursions: luxury private tours, film-location adventures, and cultural and scenic explorations. For a more personalized experience, check out the Full Day Private Luxury Tour of Causeway Coast, which offers a small-group, customized day with GPS audio guides. Fans of Game of Thrones will appreciate the full-day private tour from Game of Thrones Odyssey, which visits key filming locations like Ballintoy Harbour and Dunluce Castle. Lastly, for those interested in Donegal and Inishowen, the Full Day Private Luxury Tour in Inishowen Donegal offers a deep dive into Ireland’s wild coast and cultural sites.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these exceptional options.
1. Full Day Private Luxury Tour of Causeway Coast
This private luxury tour is ideal for travelers seeking a highly personalized experience with a touch of elegance. For around $822 per group (up to 7 people), you get a 9-hour journey exploring Gortmore Viewpoint, Mussenden Temple, Dunluce Castle, and the famous Giant’s Causeway. The tour offers small-group intimacy, with your own driver-guide sharing stories and local insights.
What makes this tour stand out is the incorporation of GPS Audio Guides—an innovative way to enhance your experience with curated narratives. The stops are carefully chosen: from the panoramic vistas at Gortmore Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Irish coast, to Mussenden Temple, perched dramatically on a cliff. The highlight is undoubtedly the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity.
Guests consistently praise the tailored approach, with one reviewer noting, “Shea has taken me to incredibly beautiful places I wouldn’t have found on my own.” This tour is perfect for couples or small groups who want flexibility and comfort, with a bit of luxury thrown in.
Bottom line: If you’re after a private, immersive, and comfortable day exploring Ireland’s landscape with expert guidance, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Full-day private tour from Game of Thrones Odyssey
At number 2, this Game of Thrones-themed tour offers a full 9.5-hour journey into the filming locations that brought Westeros to life. For about $2,051 per group (up to 4), you’ll visit Londonderry, Downhill Strand, Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, and the Giant’s Causeway. The tour is tailored for fans eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters and see the rugged Irish coastline that doubles as the backdrop for many scenes.
This tour stands out thanks to its focus on the Game of Thrones filming sites, with the guide providing context about how each location was used in the series. The stop at Ballintoy Harbour, with its striking harbor and rugged cliffs, is a highlight—frequently featured in the show. You’ll also get outside views of Dunluce Castle, which looks like it could be a Stark stronghold, plus a scenic stroll along Downhill Strand.
Reviewers describe the experience as “captivating,” especially noting how the guide’s storytelling brings the locations to life. It’s best suited for die-hard fans or travelers interested in both film and breathtaking scenery. Keep in mind the higher price reflects the specialized focus and exclusivity—perfect for a memorable, themed adventure.
Bottom line: This tour offers a deep dive into Westeros, combined with spectacular coastal scenery, ideal for Game of Thrones enthusiasts and scenery lovers willing to pay a premium.
3. Full Day Private Luxury Tour in Inishowen Donegal
Rounding out our list is the luxury tour of Inishowen and Donegal—a full-day journey perfect for travelers wanting to explore Ireland’s rugged north coast in style. At roughly $824 for up to 7 people, this 8-hour trip combines scenic drives with cultural stops like Grianan of Aileach and Fort Dunree Military Museum.
This tour’s charm lies in its luxury Mercedes Benz V Class transport and the in-car narrative system, which shares stories about the landscape and history as you go. The stops are thoughtfully selected: Mamore Gap offers stunning views and photo opportunities, while Doagh Famine Village provides insight into local history and traditional life. The Grianan of Aileach ring fort crowns the day with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
One reviewer summed it up nicely, saying, “Shea took me to incredibly beautiful places I wouldn’t have found on my own,” highlighting the journey’s personal touch and the region’s breathtaking scenery. Best suited for those interested in culture, history, and scenic drives with a touch of luxury.
Bottom line: For a comfortably paced day exploring both natural beauty and cultural sites with expert narration, this tour is a perfect choice.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend in specific areas. If luxury and customization are priorities, the Causeway Coast private tour offers an elegant experience. For Game of Thrones fans, the film locations tour immerses you in Westeros, while the Inishowen Donegal trip provides a comprehensive cultural and scenic experience at a more relaxed pace.
Think about your fitness level and travel style—these tours involve some walking and outdoor time, especially at sites like the Giant’s Causeway and Mamore Gap. Book early during peak seasons (May to September) to secure your preferred date, and consider combining tours if you want a broader experience.
Final Thoughts
Derry Londonderry’s location makes it an ideal starting point for a variety of full-day adventures. The luxury private tour of Causeway Coast is perfect for those seeking upscale, personalized service. The Game of Thrones tour is ideal for fans eager to connect with the series’ iconic filming locations. Meanwhile, the Inishowen and Donegal experience offers a more laid-back but equally impressive journey into Ireland’s wild landscape and history.
Whatever your interests, these tours provide memorable ways to see the best of Northern Ireland in one day. To ensure your spot, especially during busy months, consider booking early and confirming details directly with the tour providers. Happy exploring!