Belfast Giants Causeway Tour: Small Bus, Port Pickup & Antrim Coast

Summary

Giants causeway tour from belfast port with small group and coastal drive

You’ll step right off your cruise ship into a small group tour along Northern Ireland’s wild coast, with extra leg room on board and a local guide sharing stories as you go. Walk the Giant’s Causeway stones, eat lunch in Ballycastle, feel sea air on your face driving the Antrim Coast Road — it’s more personal than you might expect, and somehow lingers after you’re back on board.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping off the ship in Belfast, I was honestly just relieved to spot our little bus — not one of those huge coaches that swallow you up. The driver, Paul, waved us over and joked about the “extra leg room” (he wasn’t kidding — my knees actually had space). We set off along the Antrim Coast Road, windows open a crack. There’s this salty, grassy smell up here that’s hard to describe but it got stuck in my nose all day. Paul kept tossing out stories about Finn McCool and giants — half myth, half history, all delivered with that dry Northern Irish humor. I didn’t expect to laugh so much before 10am.

The first real stop was the Giant’s Causeway itself. I’d seen photos but it’s different when you’re standing on those hexagon stones — they’re cold and surprisingly smooth under your hands. Some folks went straight for the visitor center (you don’t have to pay unless you want to), but I just wandered down by the water and listened to the wind whistling through those weird rock columns. There was a couple from Spain trying to take a selfie with a stubborn seagull photobombing them — made me smile for no reason.

Lunch was in Ballycastle — we had just enough time for fish pie at a tiny pub where everyone seemed to know each other. The bartender called me “love,” which felt oddly comforting when you’re far from home. After that, we stopped at Dunluce Castle perched right on the edge of these wild cliffs; I kept thinking how anyone ever built anything there without falling off is beyond me. The sky kept shifting between sun and drizzle so everything looked washed and bright and then suddenly grey again.

On the way back, Paul drove us through the Glens of Antrim and pointed out places with names I couldn’t pronounce (he tried teaching us one — total failure on my part). He shared bits about old feuds and folklore; at some point I just leaned back and watched sheep grazing under low clouds. We squeezed in a quick stop at Cushendall for coffee and then rolled into Belfast just as my legs started to get restless again. If you’re worried about making it back to your ship on time — don’t be. They’ve clearly done this before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Giants Causeway and Coastal Sights

• Visit Giants Causeway
• Stop at Dunluce Castle
• Lunch in Ballycastle
• View Portaneevy viewpoint
• Comfort break in Cushendall
• Drive along Antrim Coast Road
• Travel through nine Glens of Antrim
• Tour Belfast city attractions

Top questions

How long is the Giants Causeway tour from Belfast port?

The full day trip lasts several hours, returning you to Belfast port before cruise departure time.

Is entry to the Giant's Causeway included?

Access to walk on the Giant's Causeway is free; entry to the visitor centre is optional and not included.

Does this tour include pickup from Belfast cruise port?

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

How many people are on each bus?

The buses seat 19–27 passengers maximum for a more personal experience.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time in Ballycastle with several local pubs or cafes available.

Are there stops besides Giant's Causeway?

Yes, stops include Dunluce Castle viewpoint, Ballycastle for lunch, Cushendall for coffee break, Portaneevy viewpoint, plus scenic drives through Glens of Antrim and along Antrim Coast Road.

Can infants or wheelchair users join this tour?

Infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap; collapsible wheelchairs are allowed if accompanied by someone able to assist boarding/disembarking.

Will we see Belfast city highlights too?

If time allows after returning from the coast, you'll pass by key sites like Falls Road murals and Peace Walls before returning to port.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right at Belfast port by small bus with extra leg room seats, live commentary from a local guide throughout scenic drives along Antrim Coast Road and through Glens of Antrim, free access to walk on Giant’s Causeway stones (visitor centre optional), stops at Dunluce Castle viewpoint and Portaneevy lookout over Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge plus free time for lunch in Ballycastle before returning safely back to your ship.