Belfast to Giant’s Causeway Day Trip & Dark Hedges Route

Summary

Giant’s causeway day trip from belfast with castles, rope bridge and dark hedges

You’ll ride along Northern Ireland’s wild coast from Belfast, stopping for castle photos, walking Carnlough Harbour and Cushendun Caves, and crossing the famous Dark Hedges avenue before reaching Giant’s Causeway itself. With a local guide leading stories and laughs plus a hearty pub lunch included, you’ll feel both windswept and welcomed by day’s end.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my morning staring up at Carrickfergus Castle — it looks almost too solid for how old it is. Our guide, Paul, had this way of tossing in odd facts (apparently someone once tried to break in using a goat?) while we shuffled off the coach into that cold Northern Irish air. The stones underfoot were slick, smelled faintly of seaweed. I remember thinking my coffee hadn’t kicked in yet but the wind did the job for me.

The drive along the Antrim Coast Road was all green cliffs and sudden flashes of blue water. We stopped at Carnlough Harbour — I recognized it from Game of Thrones but honestly, it felt quieter in real life. There was a woman hanging laundry near the boats; she waved when she saw us gawking. At Cushendun Caves, Paul pointed out weird rock shapes and told us about smugglers (I half believed him). My shoes got muddy and I didn’t care.

Lunch was at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy — proper pub grub. I ordered something called champ (mashed potatoes with scallions?) and tried not to inhale it too fast. Someone at our table attempted to pronounce “Bushmills” like a local; everyone laughed, including our server. After that we had just enough time for a quick stop at Old Bushmills Distillery — you could smell malt in the air even from outside. Didn’t do a tasting, but maybe next time.

When we finally reached Giant’s Causeway, it felt almost unreal: all those volcanic stones stacked like puzzle pieces by some bored giant (or so Paul said). The wind whipped up sharp and salty, and I kept running my hands over the hexagons — cold, rough edges everywhere. Kids were hopping between rocks; an older couple sat quietly watching waves crash. I still think about that sound sometimes. On the way back we stopped at Dunluce Castle ruins (looked haunted) and then wandered under the Dark Hedges — trees twisted overhead like something out of a storybook or maybe just someone’s dream after too much whiskey.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to Giant's Causeway

• Photo stop at Carrickfergus Castle
• Drive along Antrim Coast Road
• Comfort stop at Game of Thrones location
• Visit Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge viewpoint
• Lunch at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy
• Visit Old Bushmills Distillery gift shop
• Explore Giant's Causeway volcanic rocks
• Photo stop at Dunluce Castle ruins
• Walk through Dark Hedges tree avenue

Top questions

How long does the Giant's Causeway day trip from Belfast take?

This is a full-day tour with multiple stops along the Antrim Coast before returning to Belfast in the evening.

Is lunch included on this tour?

The tour includes a stop for lunch at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy where you can purchase traditional pub food.

What attractions are visited on this day trip?

You’ll see Carrickfergus Castle, Carnlough Harbour, Cushendun Caves, Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge viewing point, Old Bushmills Distillery (photo stop), Dunluce Castle ruins, Dark Hedges avenue, and Giant’s Causeway.

Is there hotel pickup available?

The tour includes pickup from central Belfast locations; check your booking confirmation for details.

Are entry fees included for Giant's Causeway?

Visiting the stones is free; entry to the Visitor Centre requires an extra National Trust fee if you choose to go inside.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride on laps or in prams/strollers and service animals are allowed.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

You can bring snacks or drinks for the coach journey but there are planned stops for meals and refreshments.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by modern air-conditioned coach with a local guide sharing stories along every stop: castle photo ops, walks at harbours and caves, time at Giant’s Causeway itself (free access to stones), plus a hearty lunch break at The Fullerton Arms before returning to Belfast in the evening.