Giant's Causeway & Game of Thrones: Antrim Coast from Belfast

The Antrim Coast Road is the only way to see the Causeway properly, and this tour doesn't skip it

You travel the full Antrim Coast Road by coach from Belfast, stopping at Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint, the Giant's Causeway (where you walk the basalt columns), Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and Old Bushmills Distillery. A professional guide narrates the journey, the coach is air-conditioned, and all major attractions are included. You just pay extra if you want the Visitors Centre at the Causeway. The day runs around 8–10 hours with pickup and return to Belfast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Carrickfergus Castle20m
2. Antrim Coast Roadpassing by
3. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge20m
4. Dark Hedges20m
5. Old Bushmills Distillery30m
6. Giant's Causeway1h 30m
7. Dunluce Castle5m

Coastal tour to Giant's Causeway

• Photo stop at Carrickfergus Castle
• Travel along Antrim Coast Road
• Pass Glens of Antrim and Glen Dun Bridge
• Stop at Portaneevy Viewing Point
• Visit Old Bushmills Distillery
• Walk at Giant's Causeway
• See Dunluce Castle cliffside
• Stop at the Dark Hedges

The experience

"You'll see why people move here just for the drive," our guide said as the coach pulled onto the Antrim Coast Road, the Irish Sea suddenly visible on the right and the Glens of Antrim rising on the left. That stretch alone (with the sea on one side and the green hills on the other) is what separates a real Giant's Causeway tour from a rushed one. Most tours skip it entirely. This one doesn't, and that's the difference between a day you remember and a day you check off a list.

The route takes you past Carrickfergus Castle first, a Norman fortress sitting on the shore of Belfast Lough, then climbs into the Glens. You'll cross the Glen Dun Bridge and climb to the top before dropping into Ballycastle. At Portaneevy Viewing Point, you stop to see Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge hanging over the water below, though the National Trust isn't accepting coach groups to walk it right now. Then comes the Giant's Causeway itself: those hexagonal basalt columns stacked like a giant's staircase, and you actually walk across the stones. The Visitors Centre entry isn't included, but the rocks themselves are free to explore. After that, Dunluce Castle appears on a cliff edge with the sea crashing underneath: another Game of Thrones location, and genuinely dramatic even if you've never seen the show.

Dark Hedges, the tree-lined lane that became famous from the series, is a stop on the way back. And Old Bushmills Distillery sits near the end of the day. You can buy a whiskey, take photos, or just step inside and smell the place. The whole loop travels the entire coast road, which is what makes it work. It's not just about ticking off landmarks. It's about understanding why this corner of Northern Ireland looks the way it does. The coach is air-conditioned, the guide provides live commentary throughout, and there are no hidden charges beyond the Visitors Centre if you choose to enter it.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned luxury coach with live commentary from a professional guide.
• photo stop at Carrickfergus Castle.
• full journey along the Antrim Coast Road with views of the Glens of Antrim.
• viewpoint stop at Portaneevy to see Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
• access to walk the basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway (Visitors Centre entry not included).
• stop at Dark Hedges.
• visit to Old Bushmills Distillery (whiskey purchases optional).
• view of Dunluce Castle.
• return transport to Belfast.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (22 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (16 to 21 years) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 200

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Allens Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see the Giant's Causeway without renting a car or navigating the coast road yourself. The full Antrim route is what makes the day work, and the coach handles all the driving while you take in the scenery.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 21 years); Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6): free.

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 entry to the Giant's Causeway Visitors Centre included?

No. Access to the basalt columns themselves is free, but the Visitors Centre is a separate paid entry if you choose to visit it.

Can you walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge on this tour?

No. The tour stops at Portaneevy Viewing Point to see the bridge from above, but the National Trust is not accepting coach groups to cross it at the moment.

How long is the full tour?

Around 8–10 hours, including travel time and stops at each location.

What's included in the price?

Air-conditioned coach transport, professional guide, live commentary on board, and access to all attractions mentioned (except the Visitors Centre at Giant's Causeway). There are no hidden charges.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not mentioned as included. You'll have time at stops like Old Bushmills Distillery and the Causeway to purchase food or drinks.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for rain and wind, especially at the coastal stops.

Is the coach wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the coach is wheelchair accessible. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the walking involved at each stop.