Belfast: Giants Causeway Tour, Antrim Coast & Dunluce Castle

Summary

Giants causeway day trip from belfast port with castle stop

You’ll start early from Belfast port for a day trip up the Antrim Coast with a local guide — touching ancient stones at Giants Causeway before most crowds arrive, tasting real Irish chowder in Ballycastle, hearing old legends at Dunluce Castle ruins, and winding through green glens back to Belfast. It’s equal parts myth and real life.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the pickup at Belfast port because I was fussing over which rain jacket to bring — classic me. Our driver, Eamon, just grinned and waved me in, no rush at all. We left earlier than the other buses (I could see them still queuing up behind us), and Eamon said it’s the only way to beat the crowds at the Giant’s Causeway. He was right — when we pulled up, there was this strange quiet except for wind and distant gulls. The basalt stones felt cold and almost sticky under my hands. I tried to picture Finn McCool stomping around here; Eamon told the story like he’d heard it as a kid.

Lunch in Ballycastle was not what I expected — I thought we’d get some touristy sandwich but ended up wedged between locals in a pub, nursing a bowl of seafood chowder that tasted like salt air and something buttery. The bartender teased me for my accent when I ordered “chips” instead of “crisps.” After that we wandered along the beach, shoes sinking into pebbles. There was this sharp smell of seaweed everywhere. Someone’s dog barked at the waves and nobody seemed to mind.

Dunluce Castle looked like it might fall into the sea any second — honestly, I didn’t expect it to feel so dramatic in person. Eamon pointed out where part of the kitchen actually did collapse centuries ago (he swore his granny used to say you could still hear pots clanging on stormy nights). Driving back along the Antrim Coast Road, I kept trying to catch every bit of green between rain showers on the window. The glens felt endless; Eamon told stories about banshees and old feuds while we all half-listened, half-dozed off. The city felt different when we rolled back into Belfast — louder, somehow colder after all that wildness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Giants Causeway and Antrim Coast Tour

• Depart early from Belfast port
• Visit Giants Causeway site
• Stop for lunch in Ballycastle
• View Portaneevy viewpoint
• See Dunluce Castle ruins
• Comfort break in Cushendall
• Drive along Antrim Coast Road
• Travel through nine Glens of Antrim
• Tour Belfast city and attractions
• Return to Belfast port

Top questions

How long does the Giants Causeway tour from Belfast port take?

The tour lasts a full day, starting early from Belfast port and returning before cruise ship departure time.

Is lunch included on this Giants Causeway day trip?

Lunch is not included but there’s an hour stop in Ballycastle with options for traditional Irish food or snacks.

Are entry fees for Giants Causeway covered?

Yes, free access to Giants Causeway is included in your tour.

Does this tour include pickup from Belfast cruise port?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at Belfast port are included for cruise passengers.

What else do you see besides Giants Causeway?

The tour also stops at Dunluce Castle ruins, Ballycastle town for lunch, drives along Antrim Coast Road and visits Glens of Antrim.

Is there commentary during the drive?

Yes, your local guide provides live commentary about history and folklore throughout the journey.

Can travelers with limited mobility join this tour?

The tour can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs if accompanied by someone who can assist boarding/disembarking.

What’s included

Your day includes early pickup and drop-off right at Belfast port, free access to explore Giants Causeway’s basalt columns before crowds arrive, live storytelling from your local guide throughout Antrim Coast Road and Glens of Antrim drives, plus stops at Dunluce Castle ruins and time for lunch in Ballycastle before heading back to your ship.