Belfast to Giant's Causeway: Day Trip with Distillery & Dark Hedges

Summary

Giant stones, crashing waves & whiskey warmth on the antrim coast

You’ll ride from Belfast along the wild Antrim coast with a local guide—walking on ancient stones at Giant’s Causeway, tasting whiskey at Bushmills distillery, wandering castle ruins and tree tunnels made famous by TV. Expect laughter, sea air, and stories that linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice leaving Belfast was how green everything gets so quickly. Our guide, Michael, had this way of weaving stories into the drive—like how Finn McCool supposedly built the Giant’s Causeway to fight a Scottish giant. I’m not sure if I buy it, but standing out there with salty wind in my face and those weird hexagonal rocks under my shoes, it did feel like anything was possible for a minute. There were kids leaping from stone to stone and a woman nearby quietly sketching. The sea smelled sharp and cold. I tried to imagine what this place looked like before tourists and buses and cameras.

We stopped at Carnlough for tea—tiny harbor, fishing boats bobbing, a few locals chatting about football (I caught maybe half of it). Michael pointed out where they filmed that Game of Thrones scene; I’ve never watched it but snapped a photo anyway because everyone else did. At Portaneevy viewpoint you can see Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge swinging out over the water (it’s closed for now), with Rathlin Island lurking in the mist beyond. Someone behind me said it looked like something from a storybook—honestly, yeah.

The Bushmills distillery was warmer than I expected inside—smelled sweet and woody. I tried their whiskey (just a sip, promise) and coughed embarrassingly loud; Michael laughed and said “that’s how you know it’s proper.” Dunluce Castle was just ruins against grey sky but somehow felt romantic anyway—maybe it was the wind or just too many movies as a kid. We ended at the Dark Hedges, all twisted branches overhead, people whispering even though there wasn’t really anyone to disturb except some crows.

I still think about that stretch of coast road back toward Belfast—the light changing every few minutes through rain clouds and sun breaks, sheep scattered across impossible hillsides. It’s hard to explain why places stick with you after you leave them, but this one does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast Tour

• Visit Giant's Causeway and learn myths
• Stop at Portaneevy viewpoint
• Visit Dunluce Castle for photos
• Whiskey tasting at Bushmills Distillery
• Visit Dark Hedges from Game of Thrones
• Comfort break at Carnlough village
• Drive through Nine Glens of Antrim
• Return to Belfast via scenic coast road

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Belfast to Giant's Causeway?

The tour lasts approximately one day with multiple stops along the Antrim Coast before returning to Belfast in the evening.

Is pickup included for this Giant's Causeway tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Belfast are included.

Can you walk across Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge on this tour?

No, currently tour buses cannot access Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge; you’ll view it from Portaneevy viewpoint instead.

Is entry to Giant's Causeway free on this tour?

Yes, access to Giant's Causeway is free of charge during your visit.

Does this day trip include whiskey tasting at Bushmills?

Yes, there is time for whiskey tasting at Old Bushmills Distillery unless closed for holidays.

Are Game of Thrones filming locations included?

Yes, stops include Carnlough village and the Dark Hedges featured in Game of Thrones scenes.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included; however there are comfort breaks where you can purchase food.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The terrain at some stops is uneven; crossing rope bridges is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or wheelchairs.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from central Belfast meeting points, live commentary from a local guide who keeps things lively (and honest), free access to walk the Giant’s Causeway stones, time for whiskey tasting at Bushmills Distillery when open, short stops at castle ruins and scenic viewpoints—including those famous Dark Hedges—before heading back through villages along the Antrim Coast Road.