Giants Causeway and Belfast City tour from Belfast cruise port

40,000 hexagonal basalt columns carved by legend or volcanic fire 60 million years ago

A shore excursion from Belfast Cruise Terminal combines the Giant's Causeway (a World Heritage Site of roughly 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns) with a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road, a photo stop at Dunluce Castle, and a panoramic tour of Belfast city. The tour departs at 08:00 and returns to the ship in approximately 8 hours, with a live English-speaking guide and air-conditioned coach throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Giant's Causeway and Belfast City Tour

• Pickup from Belfast Cruise Terminal
• Scenic drive through Glens of Antrim
• Visit Giant's Causeway site
• Photo stop at Dunluce Castle
• Photo stop at Dark Hedges
• Panoramic sightseeing in Belfast City
• Free time for shopping and sightseeing
• Return to dockside for departure

Stops and time spent at each 7 stops

1. Antrim passing by
2. Giant's Causeway 2h
3. Antrim Coast Road passing by
4. Dunluce Castle 10m
5. Dark Hedges Entry included 30m
6. Belfast City Centre 1h
7. Great Northern Mall passing by

What’s included

• WiFi on board the coach.
• driver-guide providing live commentary in English.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup and drop-off from your cruise ship.
• all transportation between stops along the route.

Times

11 similar tours departing soon ›

Next departure: 1 Apr 2027

Information

Shore excursion from Belfast Cruise Terminal visiting Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site.

Group Up to 25 1 similar private tour ›

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 1 similar tour with pickup › See the exact address

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (under 13)

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Public transport nearby

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

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The experience

The tour starts with pickup at the Belfast Cruise Terminal at 07:30 for an 08:00 departure (or 30 minutes after your ship docks if later). You travel north through the Glens of Antrim in a luxury coach to reach the Giant's Causeway, where you have ample time to walk down to the site itself: a 20-minute descent, though a shuttle bus operates for a small charge if the steep gradient is not comfortable. The hexagonal basalt rocks dominate the landscape, and Irish legend attributes them to the giant warrior Finn MacCoole, though geologists point to volcanic activity 60 million years ago. A visitor center at the site (£11 entry, payable on-site) offers shops, a multimedia show and restaurants.

From the Causeway, the route follows the Antrim Coast Road (recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and views toward Scotland. You stop for photos at Dunluce Castle, a dramatic ruin perched on the coast where part of the structure crumbled into the sea in the 1600s and was once the stronghold of the McDonnell clan. The Dark Hedges, an 18th-century tree-lined avenue planted by the Stuart family, comes next. The site is recognizable to Game of Thrones viewers as King's Road and serves as a photo opportunity.

In the afternoon, the coach returns to Belfast city for a panoramic sightseeing tour covering City Hall, the River Lagan, Queens University, St Anne's Cathedral and the Prince Albert Memorial Clock. Free time follows for additional sightseeing and shopping, depending on your ship's departure schedule. The service ends back at the dockside, timed to ensure you board before departure.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (under 13).

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.

How much time do I actually get to spend at the Giant's Causeway?

The tour allows ample time at the Giant's Causeway to walk down to the site and explore the hexagonal basalt columns. The walk from the drop-off point takes about 20 minutes, though a shuttle bus operates for a small charge if you prefer not to walk the steep gradient.

What is the Dark Hedges and why is it on this tour?

The Dark Hedges is a tree-lined avenue planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress guests arriving at their house. The site is recognizable as King's Road from the TV series Game of Thrones and serves as a photo stop on the route.

Is there an entrance fee for the Giant's Causeway visitor center?

Yes, entry to the Giant's Causeway visitor center costs £11, payable at the site. The center includes shops, a multimedia show and restaurants, but visiting the Causeway rocks themselves does not require a fee.

Will I have time to explore Belfast city, or is it just a drive-by?

After the panoramic sightseeing tour of Belfast city highlights (including City Hall, the River Lagan, Queens University and St Anne's Cathedral), you have free time for additional sightseeing and shopping, depending on your ship's departure schedule.

Operated by Paddywagon Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago