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

Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? You’ll want a tour that combines iconic sights with relaxed, flexible exploration. The Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Tour and 2-Day Open Top-Bus Tour offers just that—a well-balanced mix of awe-inspiring natural beauty and city discovery, all in a convenient package.

What we love about this experience is its value for money — combining a full-day guided trip to the World Heritage Site with a two-day city hop-on-hop-off bus pass. The luxury coach ride makes the long journey comfortable, while the knowledgeable guides bring each stop alive with stories and legends. Plus, the multi-lingual commentary on the city tour makes it accessible for international travelers. The only potential downside? If you’re looking for an extremely flexible schedule or want to explore in your own pace without guided commentary, you might find some limitations.

This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive experience of Northern Ireland without the hassle of planning every detail. It suits travelers who value guided insights, stunning scenery, and the chance to explore multiple sites on a single trip. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a Game of Thrones fan, this tour offers something memorable for everyone.

Good To Know

• All-in-One Experience: Combines a full-day trip to Giants Causeway with a 2-day Belfast city bus pass.
• Comfort and Convenience: Travel in a luxury coach with a live guide and multilingual commentary.
• Variety of Stops: From medieval castles to natural wonders like the Causeway, plus scenic coastal views.
• Authentic Insights: Guides share legends, myths, and historical anecdotes, enriching the experience.
• Flexible Exploration: Hop-on-hop-off city tour allows you to explore Belfast at your own pace.
• Value for Money: The combination ticket offers a lot of highlights for a reasonable price, especially considering the entry fees to castles aren’t included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary and Highlights

Starting Point & Early Excursions

The adventure kicks off from Belfast City Hall at Donegall Square West around 9:00 AM. From the start, the guide sets the tone with engaging commentary about the city’s history and legend, making the 25-minute coach ride to Carrickfergus Castle fly by. This Norman fortress, built in 1177, offers a glimpse into medieval life and has been through numerous sieges, which guides like Gavin or Stuart make come alive with stories. Reviewers praise the guides for their knowledge and humor, making the history interesting rather than dry. One traveler mentioned how their guide was “full of jokes and facts,” which kept everyone entertained.

Carrickfergus Castle & Coastal Views

Arriving at Carrickfergus, visitors can opt to explore the castle itself (additional fee) or simply enjoy the well-preserved exterior and scenic surroundings. It’s a good spot for photos and soaking up the early morning sea breeze. The castle’s walls have endured centuries of conflict, and the site’s evocative atmosphere offers a tangible sense of history.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge & the Dark Hedges

Next, the coach takes you to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint, where the dramatic coastline and the 75-foot chasm below make for incredible photos. Crossing the bridge isn’t part of the tour, but viewing from the safe distance provides plenty of the thrill. Reviewers love the stunning coastal views and appreciate the short stop, which feels just enough to capture the moment.

A lunch break at the nearby Dark Hedges offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the haunting beauty of this beech tree tunnel—famous from Game of Thrones. Many travelers say this stop is a highlight, with one reviewer noting they spent over an hour exploring and taking photos. The nearby Hedges Hotel provides a cozy spot for lunch, and the scenery alone makes it worth the stop.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Dunluce Castle & the Giants Causeway

From there, the coach heads to Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff edge. It’s a visual treat whether you explore inside (extra fee) or admire its ruins from the outside. The castle’s appearance as the Greyjoys’ stronghold in Game of Thrones adds a layer of fantasy for fans.

Finally, the star attraction: the Giants Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features 40,000 basalt columns formed about 60 million years ago—an awe-inspiring natural sculpture. Visitors get around 1.5 hours here to walk on the basalt formations, take photos, and absorb the legends of Finn McCool. Reviewers consistently mention how stunning and surreal the Causeway looks, often comparing it to stepping onto another planet.

The Return Journey & Belfast City Tour

Back in Belfast, the 1 or 2-day hop-on-hop-off bus allows you to explore at your own pace. With stops at Titanic Belfast, the Crumlin Road Jail, and Botanic Gardens, it’s a flexible way to see the city’s highlights without the stress of planning. The commentary, available in six languages, makes the city’s stories accessible, though some reviews mention the waiting times for buses can be a little frustrating—waiting around 45 minutes at times.

Guide Gavin stands out in reviews for his enthusiasm and storytelling, often blending humor with historical facts. One reviewer praised how Gavin’s attention to each passenger made the city tour more personal and engaging.

Note: You’ll need to check in 15 minutes prior to the Giants Causeway departure, and the city tour runs every 30 minutes, so planning your day around these times helps.

Transportation, Timing, and Practical Tips

Traveling in a luxury coach means comfort on the long day trip, which is about 4 hours of travel each way, including stops. The guide’s commentary makes the journey enjoyable, with plenty of interesting facts and stories. The itinerary is well-paced, with enough time at each site to explore without feeling hurried—though some might wish for a bit more time at certain stops like the Dark Hedges or Dunluce Castle.

The cost of entry fees for castles isn’t included, so if you want to explore inside, be prepared for additional expenses. The open-top bus tickets are valid for two days, allowing you to revisit spots or explore further at your own pace with the flexibility of hop-on-hop-off.

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes are a must—many stops involve walking on uneven surfaces. Sunglasses and cameras are recommended to capture the scenery. Also, bringing a light jacket can be helpful, especially near the coast where it can get breezy.

Value for Money

Considering the full-day coach trip and the two-day city bus pass together, the price offers excellent value. The guided trip to the Causeway includes multiple scenic stops, and the city tour covers the key sights with ease. Reviewers note that, despite some waiting times, the guides’ knowledge and the scenery make the overall experience well worth it.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

Many travelers rave about the guides, with comments like “Stuart’s storytelling made the day,” and “Gavin’s humor and expertise elevated the tour.” The personal touches — from engaging commentary to handling unforeseen events like traffic delays — show how dedicated the team is to delivering a memorable experience.

The scenic stops like the Dark Hedges and Carrick-a-Rede are consistently praised for their beauty and photographic potential. The Giants Causeway’s natural wonder remains a top highlight, with visitors feeling lucky to stand among the 40,000 basalt columns.

One traveler shared that her guide, Stephen, provided “full commentary with humor,” and she appreciated the way each site was allotted just enough time to enjoy without feeling rushed. Others noted the well-organized nature of the trip, making it easy to relax and soak in the scenery.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive taste of Northern Ireland, combining natural beauty with cultural sites. It’s great for those who prefer guided experiences but still want some flexibility to explore at their own pace with the city bus pass. If you’re interested in Game of Thrones locations, castles, or stunning coastlines, this trip hits all those marks.

Travelers who value comfort and detailed storytelling will find the guided parts especially rewarding. Meanwhile, those on a tight schedule will appreciate the clarity and structure of the day, knowing they’re covering major highlights efficiently.

FAQ

Is the Giants Causeway tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor photo opportunities and scenic stops that appeal to all ages. Just be mindful of walking on uneven surfaces at some sites.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so it’s best to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during the stops, especially at the Dark Hedges area.

Can I explore inside the castles?
Entry fees to castles are not included, so if you want to go inside, you’ll need to purchase tickets on the day. The guides often highlight the castles’ stories even from outside.

How long is the Belfast city tour?
The city tour lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes if you don’t hop off, with departures every 30 minutes. The two-day ticket allows you to explore more at your own pace.

What languages are available for commentary?
Multilingual commentary on the city tour is available in six languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, and Italian.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, as much of the experience is outdoors. Check the forecast and dress accordingly—layers and waterproofs are recommended.

Final Thoughts

This combo tour of the Giants Causeway and Belfast offers a chance to see some of Northern Ireland’s most breathtaking sights comfortably and informatively. The guided day trip provides a perfect introduction to the region’s legends, history, and stunning landscapes, while the open-top bus pass adds flexibility to explore Belfast at your own pace.

It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a structured yet flexible experience, with guides who bring charm and expertise to every stop. The value packed into this two-day package makes it a smart choice for those wanting to maximize their time and see the essentials without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to discover new angles, this tour balances guided storytelling with scenic exploration, making it a memorable part of any Northern Ireland adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: