<!–
Belfast is a city that packs a lot into a small space—from the rugged coastlines and ancient castles to powerful murals and the scenes of Game of Thrones. With so many options, choosing the right tour can seem overwhelming, but there’s something here for every interest and schedule. For example, a full-day trip to the Giant’s Causeway offers a spectacular natural experience, while a Political Taxi Tour provides an insightful look into the city’s turbulent past. We love how accessible these tours are, often including local guides who bring stories and history vividly to life. If you’re into movies, the Game of Thrones locations tour is a fun way to see the filming sites, and the Murals Taxi Tour offers a deep dive into Belfast’s political art.
Belfast’s tours fall into several categories: full-day scenic trips along the Causeway Coast, focused political and historical explorations, and themed adventures like Game of Thrones filming locations. Each provides a unique angle on the city’s landscape, history, and culture. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of the best options, including insider tips and what makes each one worth your time.
1. From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Guided Trip
This full-day tour takes you along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route to some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic sights. It’s a 9.5-hour journey that includes stops at the Dark Hedges, Carrickfergus Castle, Cushendun Caves, and Dunluce Castle, finishing at the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. The guide’s commentary is a highlight, blending local folklore with historical facts, making the scenery come alive. You’ll climb the basalt columns of the Causeway, capturing photos of this natural wonder, and even stop at Bushmills Distillery to sample Ireland’s oldest whiskey. Reviews praise the well-organized itinerary and passionate guides like Wilson and Patrick. For around $32.53, this tour offers excellent value for a comprehensive day out.
Bottom line: If you want a full immersion into the coast’s natural beauty and history, this trip is hard to beat. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see highlights without rushing and enjoy engaging storytelling.
2. Belfast: Political Taxi Tour
This political taxi tour lasts about an hour and offers an up-close look at Belfast’s Troubles with a knowledgeable local driver. It’s an affordable option at $48.04 per person, and the intimate setting allows for personalized stories and questions. You’ll see murals from both sides of the conflict, visit the Peace Wall, and learn about the history behind these powerful symbols. Guides like Jimmy and Tony share firsthand insights, making this tour especially compelling. The reviews highlight how informative and sensitive the experience is, with many callers it their favorite Belfast activity.
Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in politics or conflict resolution, this tour offers a personal perspective that’s both educational and respectful.
3. Belfast: Murals Taxi Tour
Explore Belfast’s murals on an 1.5-hour taxi tour that dives into the city’s political art. Visiting the Falls and Shankill Roads, you’ll see striking murals that tell stories of the Troubles and peace efforts. Your guide will explain the murals’ significance, from memorials to propaganda, and you’ll get chances to photograph these powerful images. The tour is praised for its insightful commentary and the opportunity to see landmarks like Divis Tower and Bombay Street. Jim, the guide, makes the history accessible, even for those who know little about Belfast’s past.
Bottom line: If you want a quick but meaningful look at Belfast’s political murals, this tour is an eye-opener and excellent value.
4. From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour
This day trip combines the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway with the magic of Game of Thrones filming locations. It’s roughly 8.5 hours, with stops at Carrickfergus Castle, Cushendun Caves, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The highlight is walking among 40,000 basalt columns at the UNESCO site. Guides weave folklore and legends into the scenic drive along the coast, making it both educational and visually stunning. The tour also visits Game of Thrones sites like Ballintoy Harbour and Dunluce Castle, with guides who have appeared as extras on the show, adding insider stories. With a typical rating of 4.4/5, guests praise the spectacular scenery and value.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for nature lovers and Game of Thrones fans alike, offering a full day of exploration with a touch of storytelling and film history.
5. Belfast’s Political Mural Taxi Tour
For a more personalized experience, consider this private mural tour. At $112.56, it’s a premium but highly tailored way to see Belfast’s murals, Peace Wall, and key political sites. Led by a certified guide, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and get detailed explanations. Many reviews mention guides like Barry and Tony who explain both sides of the conflict with honesty, offering a nuanced perspective. It’s ideal for travelers interested in deep, personal stories rather than a broad overview.
Bottom line: If you value an in-depth, flexible experience with an expert guide, this private tour delivers.
6. Belfast black taxi tours
This black taxi tour is a 1.5-hour private journey, perfect for those wanting a condensed but comprehensive visit. Costing around $54.91, it covers murals, Clonard Monastery, the Peace Wall, and Crumlin Road Gaol. The guide, Mark, is praised for his knowledge and balanced approach, making it suitable for travelers with limited time. The stops include key landmarks and stories about Belfast’s Troubles, with reviews emphasizing how insightful and engaging the experience is.
Bottom line: Ideal for a quick yet meaningful introduction to Belfast’s complex history and sights, especially if you prefer a private, flexible outing.
7. Game of Thrones – Iron Islands & Giant’s Causeway from Belfast
This GOT-themed tour is a favorite for fans of the series. Led by guides who appeared as extras, it takes you to filming locations like Portaneevy View Point, Ballintoy Harbour, and Dunluce Castle. The highlight is the visit to the Giant’s Causeway, where guides use tablets to show how scenes appeared on screen. The tour lasts about 9 hours and includes costume props and insider stories, making it vibrant and fun for those who love the series or just want stunning scenery. Guests mention Robbie’s engaging storytelling and the breathtaking locations.
Bottom line: Best for Game of Thrones enthusiasts and scenery lovers, this tour combines filming secrets with spectacular coastlines.
8. From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Guided Day Tour With Castles
This guided day tour offers a scenic 8.5-hour journey along the Causeway Coastal Route. You’ll visit Carrickfergus Castle, Cushendun Caves, and Dunluce Castle before reaching the Giant’s Causeway. The live commentary shares legends like Finn McCool’s, making the geology and history engaging. Guests praise the stops at picturesque castles and caves, along with the scenic drive. With a friendly guide, the tour balances sightseeing and storytelling, making it perfect for history and nature buffs.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded trip with cultural and natural highlights, this tour is a great pick.
9. Belfast: Political Conflict 3-Hour Walking Tour
This walking tour covers Belfast’s Troubles and the city’s punk scene in three hours. Led by guides with direct experience, it takes you through neighborhoods like Falls Road and Shankill Road to see murals and Peace Walls firsthand. The reviews praise the balanced, honest narration and how it offers a deep understanding of the conflict from those who lived through it. It’s suited for travelers wanting a detailed city walk that touches on both history and culture.
Bottom line: For a concise, personal exploration of Belfast’s troubled past and its ongoing story, this tour is excellent.
10. Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour
This private taxi tour lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours and costs $112.56. It’s a personal way to see the murals, Peace Wall, and other key sites with a guide who shares 800 years of history. The tour includes opportunities to sign the Peace Wall and learn about Belfast’s conflict with insights from someone who understands the nuances. Guests mention the intimate experience and the guide’s engaging storytelling, making it a memorable way to get a close-up view of Belfast’s complex past.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a flexible, customized tour with a detailed local guide.
11. Belfast: A History of Terror Walking Tour
This walking tour lasts about 2.5 hours and focuses on Belfast’s Troubles through the lens of war and peace. Led by guides like Steve, who grew up in Belfast, it walks through key sites and shares stories of the conflict’s impact. The reviews highlight how balanced and moving the experience is, giving a clear picture of the city’s path to reconciliation. It suits travelers interested in understanding the Troubles’ origins and ongoing impact.
Bottom line: If history and personal stories are your priority, this tour offers a stirring, educational experience.
12. Belfast: Walls and Bridges
This private walking tour explores Belfast’s Walls and Bridges over about three hours. Guided by local ex-political prisoners, you’ll walk through neighborhoods and visit murals, Peace Walls, and memorials. It’s a personal and immersive experience, praised for its honest storytelling and engaging guides like Arthur. It’s particularly suited for those who want to see the city’s neighborhoods up close and hear first-hand accounts.
Bottom line: Best for travelers interested in a detailed, personal perspective on Belfast’s divided communities.
13. Belfast: A History of Terror Walking Tour
Offering an in-depth look at Belfast’s Troubles, this walking tour lasts about 2.5 hours. Guides like Steve and Mylie share personal stories, important sites, and the journey toward peace. Reviewers emphasize how sensitively it’s handled and how it enriches understanding of Belfast’s complex history. It’s timed well for travelers who want a profound, thought-provoking experience.
Bottom line: A compelling choice for those eager to understand Belfast’s troubled history from local voices.
14. Game of Thrones – Winterfell Trek from Belfast
This GOT tour takes you to Winterfell and other filming sites on a 9.5-hour day with insider stories from extras. It visits Inch Abbey, Old Castle Ward, and Tollymore Forest, with scenic ferry rides and walks through film locations. Guides like Robbie, who appeared in the series, add fun anecdotes, making it not just about scenery but also about behind-the-scenes magic. Reviewers love the immersive experience and guide’s enthusiasm.
Bottom line: Ideal for Game of Thrones fans and lovers of castle and forest scenery, this full-day adventure combines filming locations with Irish castles and landscapes.
15. Guided Day Tour: Giant’s Causeway from Belfast
This day tour offers a relaxed way to see Giant’s Causeway, with additional stops at Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Traveling by a comfortable coach, you’ll have about 2 hours at the Causeway to explore freely. The guide shares local myths like Finn McCool, enriching the experience. Guests consistently praise the scenic drive along the coast and the well-paced stops. It’s a solid choice for those who want a straightforward, scenic day combined with myth and legend.
Bottom line: A good, balanced tour for travelers who want to see key sites with personal commentary without overloading the schedule.
How to Choose Your Perfect Belfast Tour
When deciding which tour to pick, consider your main interests, time constraints, and how much you want to learn. If your focus is natural beauty and geology, the Giant’s Causeway or Guided Day Tour offers comprehensive scenic experiences. For those curious about history and politics, the Murals Taxi Tour or Walls and Bridges explore Belfast’s divided past with depth. Movie fans should look at the Game of Thrones or Winterfell Trek for behind-the-scenes magic. Budget-minded travelers may prefer shorter tours like the Political Conflict Walking or Official Taxi. Book early—these popular tours fill quickly, especially in summer.
Final Thoughts
Belfast offers a diverse menu of tours that fit different interests and schedules. For a panoramic experience blending natural beauty and folklore, the Giant’s Causeway trips are unbeatable. History buffs and those interested in the city’s political landscape should check out the Murals and Walls tours. Movie fans will enjoy the Game of Thrones adventures, which combine scenery with behind-the-scenes stories. Whatever you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Prepare to be surprised—Belfast’s tours reveal a city full of stories, resilience, and stunning landscapes.
