Belfast: Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Whiskey Day Tour

Six stops, one unforgettable day along Northern Ireland's most dramatic coastline

You spend a full day traveling by comfortable coach from Belfast through Northern Ireland's most striking coastal scenery, visiting the Giant's Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle, and Game of Thrones filming locations. The small group size means shorter waits at each stop, and free entry to the Causeway is included. You're back in Belfast by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Giant's Causeway1h 45m
2. Old Bushmills Distillery30m
3. Dunluce Castle10m
4. Dark Hedges30m

Giant's Causeway and Coastal Sights

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

The experience

There's something about standing in front of those hexagonal basalt columns that makes you understand why people have been telling stories about them for centuries. The Giant's Causeway isn't just a geological oddity. It's the kind of place where the landscape itself feels like it's narrating something. You get to walk among the stones and hear the myths of Finn McCool while the guide points out the details most visitors miss, and because the group stays under 28 people, you're not shuffling through crowds. The Causeway is free to enter, which means more of your day goes to actually being there instead of waiting in a ticket line.

After that, the coach takes you inland toward Bushmills Distillery: the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, operating since 1608. You'll have time to wander the gift shop and, if you want, sit down for a whiskey tasting (it's optional, so no pressure if that's not your thing). The drive itself is part of it: you're moving through the Nine Glens of Antrim, past small villages and valleys that don't look like anywhere else. Then comes Dunluce Castle, a 14th-century ruin perched on a cliff edge. You get about ten minutes to photograph it and let the scale of the place sink in. The guide will tell you it's one of Ireland's most romantic castles, and standing there looking out over the coast, you start to see why.

The return route is where the day really opens up. You stop in Carnlough, a fishing village on the coast that was also a Game of Thrones filming location, for a 30-minute comfort break. Then there's Portaneevy viewpoint, where you can see the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and Rathlin Island stretched out below you. The Dark Hedges (those tunnel-like rows of beech trees that HBO used in Game of Thrones) come near the end, and by then you've already seen enough of the landscape that you understand why they chose it. The whole route back to Belfast follows the coast road, which locals will tell you is one of the most scenic drives in Europe, and after a full day of stops and walking, you're ready to sit back and let it all pass by the window.

The coach has extra legroom and keeps groups small, so you're not crammed in with 50 other people. The guide is on board the whole time, giving live commentary as you move between stops, which means you're learning something even during the drive. Pickup is from Belfast City Centre, and the day is structured so you're back by evening. Dress for the weather (Northern Ireland's coast can be windy and wet), but the tour runs in all conditions, so a bit of rain won't cancel it.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or city centre pickup in Belfast, coach transportation with extra legroom, a local guide providing live commentary throughout, free entry to the Giant's Causeway, stops at Bushmills Distillery (with optional whiskey tasting), Dunluce Castle, Portaneevy viewpoint, the Dark Hedges, and Carnlough village for a 30-minute break. The scenic coastal drive back to Belfast is part of the experience.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 28

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Odyssey Coach Tours

Is this one for you?Right for travelers based in Belfast without a car who want to see the main coastal attractions in one day without arranging transport between stops. The small group size and fixed itinerary mean you spend more time at each location and less time waiting for stragglers to return to the coach.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is the Giant's Causeway entry fee included?

Yes, access to the Giant's Causeway is free of charge and included in the tour.

Can I do a whiskey tasting at Bushmills?

Whiskey tasting at Bushmills Distillery is optional and available during your stop there. You'll have time to visit the gift shop regardless.

What's the maximum group size?

Groups are kept between 19 and 28 passengers on a single coach, which is smaller than most full-day tours.

Is Bushmills Distillery open year-round?

Bushmills is open Monday to Sunday, but closes for Christmas holidays from December 23 to January 3.

Are the Dark Hedges a real Game of Thrones location?

Yes, the Dark Hedges were used as a filming location in Game of Thrones Season 6, representing the fictional city of Braavos.

What should I wear?

Dress appropriately for Northern Ireland's coastal weather. The tour operates in all conditions, including rain and wind, so waterproof clothing is recommended.

Is there a comfort break during the day?

Yes, there's a 30-minute comfort break in Carnlough, a fishing village on the coast, during the return journey.