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

Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour — A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? If stunning landscapes, historic sites, and lively city scenery sound appealing, this combined tour offers a fantastic way to see the best of Belfast and the legendary coast. This package, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 65 reviews, balances a full-day adventure with flexible city exploration over two days.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we love that it covers the iconic Giant’s Causeway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—along with scenic stops like Dark Hedges and Carrickfergus Castle. Second, the hop-on hop-off bus provides the freedom to explore Belfast at your own pace, hitting key attractions like Titanic Belfast and Crumlin Road Jail. Finally, the guided commentary from friendly, knowledgeable guides makes each stop more memorable.

Of course, one thing to consider is that access to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge isn’t included in this tour, which might be a slight disappointment for those hoping to cross it. Still, the overall value and the variety of sights make for an enriching experience suited for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and fans of filming locations alike.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic introduction to Northern Ireland’s coast and capital, this tour will suit travelers who appreciate a balance of guided insights with the flexibility of a city sightseeing pass.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary including the Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Carrickfergus Castle, and Bushmills.
• Two-day hop-on hop-off Belfast city tour with 19 stops, offering flexibility to explore at leisure.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with interesting anecdotes and local knowledge.
• Packed with photo opportunities at scenic viewpoints and historic landmarks.
• Value for money with discounted attractions and an extra ticket exclusive to GetYourGuide.
• Convenient meeting points and well-timed departures make logistics easy.

Introduction: A Well-Rounded Northern Ireland Experience

If you’re dreaming of exploring Northern Ireland’s rugged coast and vibrant capital without the stress of planning every detail, this tour offers a practical and engaging solution. It combines a scenic, full-day trip to the famous Giants Causeway with two days of open-top bus sightseeing through Belfast, giving you a taste of both natural beauty and city life.

What we particularly like about this experience? First, the diverse stops along the Causeway Coastal Route let you see everything from ancient castles to filming locations from Game of Thrones. Second, the guided commentary—delivered by guides like Louis, Paul, and Stuart—adds layers of storytelling that bring each site to life. Third, the two-day bus pass provides great value, allowing you to explore Belfast’s top attractions on your own schedule.

One minor consideration? The tour doesn’t include access to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge itself, due to current restrictions, meaning you’ll get stunning views from a distance but won’t be able to walk across. Still, this shouldn’t detract much from the overall experience, especially given how many other highlights this tour packs in.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a mix of guided adventure and personal exploration. History buffs, nature lovers, and Game of Thrones fans—this tour pretty much has a lot to offer.

The Itinerary Explained

Day 1: Discovering the Giants and the Scenic Coast

Your day starts early at Donegall Square West, outside Belfast’s City Hall, where the “Big White Bus” awaits at 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM departure. From there, the journey kicks off with a visit to Carrickfergus Castle, a fortress dating back to 1177. Its well-preserved medieval structures make for fantastic photos and give a tangible sense of Ireland’s turbulent past.

Next, the coach winds along the coast to Carnlough Harbour, a charming fishing village that’s also recognized as the fictional Free City of Braavos from Game of Thrones. Reviewers mention how the guides, like Louis and Paul, make these stops lively with interesting anecdotes, making the scenery more meaningful.

A highlight of the day is Portaneevy Viewpoint, where you can snap photos of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge from afar—since access to crossing isn’t permitted—plus breathtaking rugged coastlines. This stop is perfect for those memorable landscape shots and soaking in the wild beauty of Northern Ireland’s coast.

From there, you’ll visit Dark Hedges, a surreal avenue of 300-year-old beech trees that creates a tunnel of nature’s artistry. Known as the Kingsroad from Game of Thrones, it’s a magnet for photographers, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.

Lunchtime is at the Hedges Hotel, where you can enjoy your pre-packed meal or order from the menu, giving you a break before the afternoon’s adventures. Many travelers appreciate the flexible timing to suit their pace and appetite.

The drive continues through Bushmills, famed for its whisky distillery and quaint village charm. You’ll get a quick look at Dunluce Castle, dramatically perched on a cliff, which has appeared in Game of Thrones and makes a perfect photo stop.

Finally, the day culminates at the Giants Causeway, an otherworldly landscape of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. This UNESCO site is often called the 8th Wonder of the World—and for good reason. The legend of Finn McCool adds a fun storytelling element, which guides eagerly share, making the visit both educational and entertaining.

The group heads back to Belfast around 6 PM, tired but full of stories and stunning visuals.

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Days 2 and 3: City Exploration with Hop-On Hop-Off

The following days are dedicated to exploring Belfast itself with the 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass. Starting at City Hall or any designated stop, you can hop on for a 1.5-hour route looping around 19 key attractions. From Titanic Belfast to Crumlin Road Jail and the Queen’s University, the tour hits all points of historical and cultural interest.

Reviewers praise guide Louis and driver Stuart for their friendliness and wealth of stories, which make the ride engaging. Many mention how the commentary keeps the history alive, especially when passing political murals that tell Belfast’s complex story.

The flexibility is a major plus—if you’re a photo enthusiast, you can hop off at specific stops to explore in detail, then catch the next bus. The discounted entry to attractions like Titanic Belfast adds value, especially for those keen to explore the city’s maritime heritage.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour package is well-rounded, covering transportation, professional guides, and discounted attraction entries. Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or planning meals at stops is recommended. The bus tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.

The departure points are straightforward: the initial trip departs from Donegall Square West, and the city tour stops can be boarded at any of the designated points along the route.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Numerous reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, often mentioning staff like Louis, Paul, and Stuart, who keep the experience lively and informative. The scenic stops along the coast, especially at Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle, are consistently described as breathtaking, giving travelers plenty of picture-perfect moments.

Many reviewers emphasize the value for money—paying a reasonable price for a full-day trip with so many iconic sights included. The 2-day bus pass is seen as a smart addition, allowing flexibility and deeper city exploration.

Some travelers appreciate the delicious lunch options and the opportunity to relax in charming settings, especially when they have the freedom to choose their pace during the city days.

Notable Mentions from Reviews:

• “Our driver Dave made the trip with his funny and interesting commentary.”
• “Louis and Paul were excellent, full of fun and anecdotes.”
• “The guided walk at the Giants Causeway was very informative.”
• “Lunch served quickly and efficiently at the pub was a highlight.”

A Few Cautions:

• The final castle stop was noted as less engaging for some, with limited activities during the wait.
• Access to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge isn’t available, which disappointed some Game of Thrones fans eager to walk across it.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point to ensure you don’t miss the departure.
• Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes—many stops involve walking and uneven terrain.
• Bring cash or card for optional extras, like the small fee for the bus down to the Causeway.
• Carry a camera or smartphone—the scenery and sites are incredibly photogenic.
• If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, note that the actual rope bridge is not accessible, but views are still spectacular.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour for You?

This combination of a full-day scenic trip plus two days of flexible city sightseeing offers excellent value and convenience. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a structured yet flexible way to experience Northern Ireland’s highlights without the stress of navigating alone.

If you love stunning coastlines, historic castles, and engaging guides, you’ll find this tour a rewarding introduction. The included discounts and the ability to explore Belfast at your own pace make it a smart choice for those who want to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

For visitors interested in a mix of natural wonders and urban culture, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s especially practical for first-timers or those with limited time who want a rundown of what Northern Ireland has to offer.

FAQ

Is the Giant’s Causeway tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most travelers, and many reviews mention children enjoying the stops. Wear comfortable shoes, as some walking is involved.

What is included in the tour?
The package covers transportation, a professional guide, and discounted entrance to attractions. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I hop on and off the bus at any stop?
Yes, the 2-day bus ticket allows you to hop on and off at any of the 19 designated stops along the route, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Louis, Paul, and Stuart for their engaging stories and helpful insights, making each site more meaningful.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially for scenic sites and walking tours. Carry a camera for the stunning views.

Does the tour include access to Carrick-a-Rede?
No, access to crossing the rope bridge is restricted, but you will still enjoy great views from the viewpoint.

How long does the entire day last?
The first day’s trip departs at 9:00 AM and returns around 6:00 PM, giving you a full day of sightseeing.

Is wheelchair accessibility available?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended. You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience Northern Ireland’s highlights, combining iconic scenery with the convenience of guided commentary and flexible city exploration. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or Game of Thrones enthusiast, it’s a solid choice for a memorable trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: