Belfast to Giant’s Causeway: Small Group Day Trip & Bushmills

Summary

Giant’s causeway day trip from belfast with whiskey stop and castles

You’ll ride from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway in a small group coach, hearing local stories as you go. Walk those famous basalt stones, breathe in sea air by Dunluce Castle, sample whiskey at Bushmills Distillery (if you want), and wander under those haunting Dark Hedges — all with a guide who knows every shortcut.

What’s the experience like?

“You know you’re in for something when the driver cracks a joke about giants before you’ve even left Belfast. Our guide — I think her name was Siobhán — had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice, like how the hedgerows change color just before the coast. The coach felt roomy enough that I didn’t get that usual ‘tour bus’ ache in my knees, which was a win already. First real stop: Giant’s Causeway. The wind there actually tastes salty, and the rocks are colder than they look. I tried to imagine Finn McCool stomping around (Siobhán told us his story, but honestly, her accent made it even better).”

Bushmills Distillery was next — and yeah, you can smell that sweet malty thing before you even get inside. Some folks did the whiskey tasting; I just wandered through the shop because it felt right to bring back something local (even if it was just fudge). We only had about 10 minutes at Dunluce Castle, but standing there with sea spray hitting your face and those ruins clinging to the cliff… I sort of forgot to take photos for a second. It’s not all about Instagram anyway.

The drive along the coast road is where it hit me how green everything is here — like every shade you can think of. We stopped at Portaneevy viewpoint (Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge looks scarier from afar than up close), and later at Carnlough village where the boats bobbed so quietly you could almost hear your own thoughts over the gulls. Last bit: The Dark Hedges. Someone quoted Game of Thrones but honestly, it’s just eerie and beautiful on its own. I still think about that tunnel of trees sometimes when it rains back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Giant's Causeway and Coastal Sights

• Depart from Belfast City Centre
• Visit Giant's Causeway and learn myths
• Stop at Bushmills Distillery for tasting
• Photo stop at Dunluce Castle
• Visit Portaneevy viewpoint
• Explore the Dark Hedges
• Comfort break at Carnlough village
• Drive through Nine Glens of Antrim
• Return to Belfast via scenic coast road

Top questions

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

The tour lasts a full day, departing from Belfast city centre and returning in the evening after visiting multiple sites along the Antrim coast.

Is entry to Giant’s Causeway included?

Yes, free access to Giant’s Causeway is included in your tour.

Does this tour include Bushmills Distillery?

Yes, there is a stop at Old Bushmills Distillery with time for optional whiskey tasting or shopping.

Are there Game of Thrones filming locations on this tour?

Yes, both Carnlough Harbour and the Dark Hedges are featured stops known from Game of Thrones.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; however, there are stops where you can purchase food or snacks along the route.

What size is the group for this tour?

The coach holds between 19–28 passengers for a more comfortable experience compared to larger tours.

Is hotel pickup available?

The tour includes pickup from Belfast city centre; check details when booking for exact location options.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed but infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is crossing Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge part of this tour?

No crossing is included; you’ll view Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge from Portaneevy viewpoint instead.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable coach transportation with extra leg room, live commentary by a local guide, free access to Giant’s Causeway itself, stops at Bushmills Distillery for optional tasting or shopping, quick photo breaks at Dunluce Castle and Carnlough village, plus time under the Dark Hedges before returning to Belfast in the evening.