Home > Baltic > Ireland > Belfast >

The Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast
Belfast Shore Trips - The Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast
 



This 8 / 8.5 Hour Private Shore Excursion Includes:
  • Pick up from your Hotel or the Port in Belfast
  • Private Vehicle with Licensed English Speaking Guide
  • Included Interior Visits- Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle
Please Note: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is optional and not included in tour price. For those who wish to cross the bridge, you will need to pay entrance fee on the spot. Otherwise a photo stop is included.
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
IBELF-03


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $686 Per Person
3 People - $514 Per Person
4 People - $396 Per Person
5 People - $324 Per Person
6 People - $276 Per Person
7 People - $336 Per Person
8 People - $299 Per Person



Port / City*:


Month*:


Day*:


Year*:


Pick Up Time*:


Pick Up Location*:


Name of Ship or Hotel*:


TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Belfast Shore Excursion

This private Belfast tour is an excellent option for those who wish to see Northern Ireland's beautiful wonders including the Antrim Coast, the famous Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle. You have the option to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (if you are brave enough).

After meeting your private guide you drive along the beautiful Antrim Coast which runs north from Larne and curves around the base of steep headlands, through which the beautiful green glens of Antrim open to the sea. During the drive there is a short comfort stop, if needed.

You enjoy a stop to see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Those who wish to cross the bridge may choose to do so (and pay entry fee on the spot). This rope bridge spans a chasm along the coast some eighty feet deep. Primarily a seasonal working bridge for fishermen, it connects a small island to the mainland. Its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats, which the fishermen would cross to bring ashore salmon caught off the island. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by today's two-handed railed bridge. Although no one has ever been injured falling off the old bridge, there have been many instances of visitors being unable to face the return journey across the bridge, resulting in the return journey being made by boat. Underneath the bridge are large caves which served as a safe haven for fishermen escaping winter storms.

Next you visit Giant's Causeway which was formed more than 60 million years ago when red-hot lava erupted onto the surface of the earth. It was quickly cooled by the sea, which crystallized it and formed it into the 40,000 basalt polygonal columns, which today form the Giants Causeway. A must-see on any visit to the North of Ireland, the Causeway is an UNESCO World Heritage site, and is often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World". You start your tour at the Visitor Center where you watch a show which explains the origin of the Causeway as well as the various legends about the Giants Causeway. After the show you walk to the impressive causeway.

After an exciting morning you have free time to enjoy a snack (not included) before visiting the Dunluce Castle which is located on the North Antrim coast and stands proudly on a 90 foot high column of basalt rock. The ruins portray the air of strength this site commanded. Before the advent of gunpowder it would have been almost impossible to conquer. The castle dates largely from the 16th and 17th centuries, however the outer walls with round towers are attributed to being built in the 14th century by the MacQuillans. The castle can only be reached over a bridge, which now replaces an original rocky connection. The bridge leads to the "New" Scottish style gatehouse built after cannons destroyed the original in 1584. In the two openings of the old gatehouse wall you see cannons salvaged from the Girona, a Spanish Armada Galleon ship which sank nearby in 1588.

On the mainland area of the castle complex are the remains of the earl's garden laid out in three terraces. This area also included the lodgings for the many visitors who graced the castle in the 17th century.

Unfortunately this delightful tour has to end some time. You return to the pier in Belfast later this afternoon.

Mobility: NO wheelchair
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Belfast tours and Belfast Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Belfast tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Coastal Drive with comfort stop - 2.5 Hours
  • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge - 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
  • Drive to Giants Causeway - 30 Minutes
  • Visit Giants Causeway - 1 Hour and 45 Minutes
  • Free time for Snack- 30 Minutes
  • Visit Dunluce Castle - 1 Hour
  • Return to Belfast - 1.5 Hours

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 9 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Belfast June 7, 2026
Reviewer: Dannelle M from Mission Viejo, California  
Again, Private Shore Trips did not disappoint. Been using them since 2009. Steven is so great to work with - and his team of tour guides all over Europe have been amazing. This time we used them in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. David in London, Ricky in Edinburgh, Ricky and Graeme in Glasgow and Paul in Belfast. All were personable, friendly, very knowledgeable, and flexible.

Was this review helpful to you?

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Belfast May 7, 2026
Reviewer: Jeff S from Sanlando Travel, Inc  
Everything was great during the tour. I would like to thank you for the guides who took my family group around during their holiday trip. Thank you very much for all your help.

Was this review helpful to you?

  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Belfast May 3, 2026
Reviewer: Roger F from Indian Trail, NC  
Our tour guide Maria in Belfast and Ronni in Cork were waiting for us at the dock and we quickly boarded the vans and started our wonderful tours in ireland. Our guides were very knowledgeable and flexible allowing us to stop and take photos at highlighted points of interest. Although we could have seen more of the country our group decided that a great lunch was in order so Maria called and made us a reservation at a wonderful restaurant in belfast. There we enjoyed a excellent meal and shopping.

Was this review helpful to you?

  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Belfast September 7, 2025
Reviewer: Ed J from Ed J. Ventura CA  
Just returned from London yesterday. Just wanted to let you know that all went well and the guides were outstanding. Had a fabulous time and looking forward to working with you again. The guides were very professional and on time. One was 30 minutes late, but we forgave him... He turned out to be a very good guide. I think it was in Belfast. Leaving for Honolulu for the month of August Wed, so have a lot to do before that date. Thanks again.

Was this review helpful to you?

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Belfast July 20, 2025
Reviewer: Gilda S from Jonesborough TN  
We had a wonderful tour in Ireland. Our guides Mary and  Phillip were both very knowledgeable and accommodating. We were always dropped off very close to the venue we wanted to see. Everything ran very smoothly and we were able to see everything we had requested and more. We will be certain to recommend your company in the future to any friends going to Ireland and hope someday to make a return trip. Thank you again for such a pleasurable experience.

Was this review helpful to you?

View All Customer Reviews