Shore Excursion: Giant’s Causeway Tour Including Belfast City Tour

If you’re planning a cruise or a day trip to Northern Ireland, a shore excursion that combines natural wonders and cultural sights sounds perfect. This particular tour, offered by Citysightseeing Belfast, promises an efficient way to see the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast’s famous murals, and some scenic stops along the coast—all in around 9 hours.

What immediately catches the eye is the excellent rating of 5.0 based on over 230 reviews, with 96% recommending it. That kind of feedback suggests this tour hits the mark for most travelers. We love the focus on visiting the Giant’s Causeway early—beating the crowds—that’s a thoughtful touch. Plus, the inclusion of photo stops at key spots like Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle adds a bit of variety.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour, while comprehensive, is quite packed. If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers a leisurely pace or more free time in Belfast, this might feel a little rushed. Still, for those who want a well-organized, value-packed day, this trip has a lot to offer.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who appreciate a good mix of nature, history, and scenic drives, especially if you’re trying to make the most of a short visit. It’s also great for those who prefer hassle-free pickups and drop-offs and good guide commentary. If you’re okay with a full schedule and want to see many highlights without stressing about logistics, this tour deserves a spot on your list.

Key Points

• Excellent value for money at around $41, considering multiple stops and guided commentary.
• Early visit to the Giants Causeway helps avoid the biggest crowds and enhances your experience.
• Diverse itinerary covering castles, coastal scenery, and Belfast murals offers a well-rounded overview of Northern Ireland.
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioning and a local guide make the day smooth.
• Time management is key, as some reviews mention the tour feeling a bit rushed, especially on longer travel stretches.
• Good for history and scenery lovers who want a rundown in a single day.

The Itinerary: What to Expect During Your Day

Dunluce Castle: The First Stop

Your journey begins with a quick visit to Dunluce Castle. Sitting perched on a basalt cliff, this now-ruined medieval fortress is one of Ireland’s most photogenic sites. You’ll get about ten minutes here, enough to snap a few photos and marvel at its dramatic setting. The castle’s ruins are free to explore, so you can take in the views and imagine its past grandeur. Multiple reviews praise the castle’s picture-perfect location, with one traveler calling it “the most picturesque castle anywhere in Ireland.”

The Giants Causeway: The Main Event

Next, you arrive at the highlight of the trip—the Giants Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often called the 8th wonder of the world, thanks to its thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. You’ll have about an hour and a half here, which is plenty of time to walk among the stones, take photos, and soak in the mythic atmosphere.

Travelers consistently mention how the early visit makes a big difference—beating the crowds and giving a more peaceful experience. One review notes, “The walk at the Causeway was beautiful and doable for anyone in decent shape.” The stones are fascinating to observe up close, and you might find yourself imagining the legends of giants and gods that surround this unique landscape.

Scenic Drive Along the Antrim Coast Road

After exploring the Causeway, the tour takes you along the famous Antrim Coastal Road—widely hailed as one of the world’s top scenic drives. Expect breathtaking seaside views, unspoiled beaches, and rugged cliffs. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Scotland across the water. This is the part of the trip where you sit back and admire some of the most stunning coastal scenery Northern Ireland has to offer.

Cushendall & Harry’s Restaurant

Depending on the schedule, there’s a stop at Harry’s Restaurant in Cushendall, nestled in the Glens of Antrim. This is a chance to enjoy some local food, especially their seafood, sourced from nearby outlets. Travelers who’ve eaten here rave about the freshness, and it’s a great way to taste authentic regional flavors. The stop lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and perhaps snap some more photos.

Carrickfergus Castle: A Medieval Marvel

The final stop is at Carrickfergus Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress dating back to the 12th century. It’s an excellent photo opportunity and a tangible link to Ireland’s medieval past. The castle’s location on Belfast Lough offers scenic views, and with about 10 minutes on site, you can appreciate its architecture and history without feeling rushed.

Belfast Murals & Peace Wall

Finally, the tour includes a brief visit to Belfast to see the famous murals and Peace Walls. The guide offers commentary on the city’s political history and the murals’ significance. While this part is shorter (about 30 minutes), it provides useful context to understand Belfast’s complex story. Some reviews describe the guide’s commentary as informative and engaging, offering insights into local culture and politics.

Transportation & Group Size

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the long drive between stops. The group size is limited to 50 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, manageable atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the driver and guide, with some calling out specific individuals for their knowledge and humor.

How is the Schedule Managed?

The tour does a good job of balancing sightseeing with travel time, but some find it a little rushed, especially the longer bus stretches. It’s important to keep in mind that the overall experience hinges on efficient time management—so don’t expect hours at each stop. Many reviews mention that the guides do their best to keep on schedule, maximizing your sightseeing time.

The Value Proposition: Does It Make Sense?

At roughly $41 per person, this tour is quite affordable considering the number of stops and the inclusion of guided commentary. It’s especially appealing for cruise passengers, given that pickup and drop-off at Belfast Port are included, eliminating logistical worries.

The inclusion of free admission at sites like Dunluce Castle, Giants Causeway, and Carrickfergus Castle adds to the value. Plus, the scenic drives and the knowledgeable guides bring the experience to life, making the cost well worth it for many.

Some reviews suggest that the price is very reasonable for what you get, especially compared to alternative tours that may cost more but offer less variety in stops or fewer scenic views. Food and drinks are not included, but that allows you to choose your own meal options, perhaps at the Cushendall stop.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want to see multiple highlights in one day without the hassle of organizing transport or guides themselves. It’s perfect for those interested in scenery, castles, and cultural sights—but who are also okay with a full and sometimes rushed schedule.

If you’re traveling with a moderate level of physical fitness, you’ll find the walking manageable, especially since the main sites are accessible. The tour’s pace, guided commentary, and scenic stops make it worthwhile for history buffs, nature lovers, and photo enthusiasts alike.

The Sum Up

In essence, this Giant’s Causeway and Belfast City Tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to experience Northern Ireland’s most iconic sights. With a knowledgeable guide, scenic coastal drives, and stops at historic castles, it’s a well-rounded trip that appeals to travelers wanting a taste of everything. The early visit to the Causeway and the scenic drive stand out as particular highlights.

While some might find the schedule a little tight or the bus rides lengthy, the overall value, comfort, and diversity of sights make this tour a solid choice. It’s especially suited for cruise travelers or visitors with limited time who still want to pack in the best of Northern Ireland.

If your goal is to see the natural wonders, learn some local stories, and enjoy stunning coastal views—all without breaking the bank—this tour will likely check most boxes.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the stops and walking distances are manageable for travelers of moderate physical fitness. It’s best suited to older children or teenagers who enjoy history and scenery.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. However, there’s a stop at Harry’s Restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes.

How long is the drive between stops?
Travel time varies, but the bus is generally comfortable and air-conditioned. Some reviews mention the bus rides can be lengthy, so prepare for a fair amount of time on the road.

What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour operates year-round, with hours from early morning to evening. Good weather is recommended, as the sites are outdoor and scenic.

Are the sites accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness. Some sites, like Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle, are accessible for most visitors, but specific accessibility details aren’t provided.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour. Make sure to cancel in time to receive a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and perhaps a light raincoat, depending on the weather. No food or drinks are included, so plan accordingly.

Will I have free time at the Giants Causeway?
You’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes here, which is enough to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Is the Belfast city tour in-depth?
It’s a brief 30-minute overview focusing on murals, peace walls, and some key neighborhoods, meant to complement the main sights rather than serve as a full city tour.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re looking for a well-organized day trip that covers the essentials of Northern Ireland’s coast and history at a fair price, this tour looks like a solid choice. Just prepare for a full day and some bus time, but rest assured, the sights are worth it.