Dublin to Giant's Causeway & Belfast: Day Trip with Dunluce Castle

The Antrim Coast in One Day: Dunluce, the Causeway, and Belfast

You travel north from Dublin on a full-day coach tour that includes entry to Dunluce Castle, over two hours exploring the Giant's Causeway's basalt columns and coastal trails, a guided walk through Belfast with a local, and free time to explore the city on your own. The day is long (you leave at 7:15 AM and return at 8 PM), but it covers three major stops and handles all the transport and entry fees, so you don't have to arrange any of it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Dunluce Castle30m · entry included
2. Giant's Causeway2h 15m

Dublin to Belfast via Antrim Coast

• Depart Dublin at 7:15 AM
• Rest stop at Park Centre, Belfast
• Explore Dunluce Castle ruins
• Visit Giant's Causeway and walk columns
• Guided walking tour of Belfast city
• Free time in Belfast city centre
• Return to Dublin, arrive around 8:00 PM

The experience

You don't expect a clifftop castle to be that close to the edge. Dunluce sits on the Antrim Coast like something from a different era, and it actually was a Game of Thrones filming location, which somehow makes the 30 minutes you spend there feel even shorter. The luxury coach leaves Dublin at 7:15 AM from O'Connell Street, and after a quick stop in Belfast around 9:15 AM for coffee and a bathroom break, you're at the castle by 11 AM. The entrance is included, so you just walk straight in and spend your time on the ruins themselves, the Atlantic views, and trying to frame a photo that does the drop-off justice.

Then comes the Giant's Causeway, and this is where the day actually opens up. You get roughly two hours and fifteen minutes to walk the hexagonal basalt columns. These geometric stone pillars that formed 60 million years ago and somehow still look unreal when you're standing on them. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has coastal trails you can wander, and on a clear day you can see across to Scotland. There's a pub nearby, The Nook, if you want lunch (not included in the tour), or you can just walk the rocks and let the sea air do the work. The coach picks you up around 2 PM and heads south toward Belfast.

Belfast arrives just after 3 PM, and here's where the day gets social. A local guide meets you at Belfast City Hall (bathrooms are right there), and leads a 70-minute walking tour through the city. You'll see the market, Victoria Square, the landmarks that shaped the place. After that, the time is yours. Some people shop, some eat, some just sit and watch the street. The coach leaves you on D'Olier Street around 8 PM, right in the city centre near Temple Bar, so you're close to transport, restaurants, and the rest of Dublin if you want to keep the evening going.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel or city pickup at 7:15 AM from O'Connell Street, transport on a luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi and live commentary, entrance to Dunluce Castle, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes at the Giant's Causeway, a 70-minute walking tour of Belfast led by a local guide, and drop-off on D'Olier Street around 8 PM.
• All fees and taxes are included.
• Lunch is not included, but food options are available at rest stops and near the attractions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:15

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.Operator's directions: “Departure is at 7.15 AM. Please make sure you arrive to the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. No need to print the voucher, a digital version works too.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wild Rover Tours

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Dublin who want to see the Antrim Coast and Belfast without renting a car or planning transport: the fixed schedule and included entry fees mean you just show up and the day unfolds. The long coach journey (you're traveling roughly 11 hours total) works best if you're comfortable with extended time on winding roads.

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Top questions

What time does the tour leave Dublin?

7:15 AM from Dublin Bus Office, 59 O'Connell Street. Arrive 10 minutes early.

Is Dunluce Castle entry included?

Yes. You have about 30 minutes to explore the clifftop ruins.

How long do you spend at the Giant's Causeway?

Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. You can walk the basalt columns and coastal trails at your own pace.

What's included in Belfast?

A 70-minute guided walking tour led by a local guide, starting at Belfast City Hall. After that, free time to explore the city independently.

When does the coach return to Dublin?

Around 8 PM, dropping you on D'Olier Street in the city centre near Temple Bar.

Is lunch included?

No. There's a café at the rest stop in Belfast, and a pub near the Giant's Causeway, but meals are not included.

Is there a bathroom on the coach?

No. There's a rest stop with facilities around 9:15 AM, and bathrooms at Belfast City Hall.

Can you sit where you want on the coach?

Seat allocation is managed by the tour operator for safety and comfort. Front seats are not guaranteed.

What if I get motion sickness on long coach journeys?

This tour involves extended travel on winding roads. If motion sickness is a concern, review the itinerary carefully before booking and bring any medication or travel aids you need.

Is WiFi available?

Yes, WiFi is available on board the coach.