Private Tour Belfast: Giant's Causeway, Castles & Game of Thrones

A Norman castle built in 1177 still stands at the water's edge, and a rope bridge 20 metres long swings above the sea.

A private tour from Belfast covers six major sites across Northern Ireland's coast in nine hours: Giant's Causeway (the only World Heritage Site in the region), Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Distillery, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dark Hedges. Your driver is also your guide, speaking English and sharing local history throughout the day. The vehicle is yours alone, no strangers sharing the seats, and pickup comes from your hotel or cruise ship.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Giant's Causeway2h
2. Carrickfergus Castle30m
3. Old Bushmills Distillery1h
4. Dunluce Castle15m
5. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge2h
6. Dark Hedges30m

Explore Giant's Causeway and Castles

• Visit Carrickfergus Castle
• Tour Old Bushmills Distillery
• See Dunluce Castle ruins
• Walk Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Explore Giant's Causeway
• Visit Dark Hedges

The experience

Giant's Causeway anchors the route: Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site, where you stand among thousands of hexagonal basalt columns that rise from the shore. The tour builds around this centerpiece, threading together the castles and landmarks that define the coast. Carrickfergus Castle, built by Norman invaders in 1177, sits on the water near Belfast itself. Dunluce Castle, a 13th-century ruin, doubled as Castle Greyjoy in Game of Thrones and clings to a cliff edge. Between them you cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a 20-metre span that connects the mainland to a small island and has been rebuilt by fishermen for centuries.

Bushmills Distillery, licensed in 1608 and still working today, sits inland from the coast. You see how they make the whiskey, and the distillery's age (older than most of the castles on the route) anchors the sense of how deep the history runs here. Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees that lines the Kings Highway, closes the loop. Your driver provides live commentary throughout, drawing on years of living in the area. Light refreshments and bottled water travel with you. Entry fees to the major sites are paid separately at each stop, so you control the pace and can skip any attraction that doesn't appeal.

The nine-hour day starts from your hotel or cruise ship (the driver comes to you), and the flexible departure time means you can align it with the rest of your itinerary. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with young children, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, though some of the castle grounds and the rope bridge itself have their own constraints worth checking before you book.

What’s included

• Private vehicle for your party only.
• driver-guide providing live commentary in English (French or German available on request).
• light refreshments and bottled water.
• hotel or cruise ship pickup with flexible departure time.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by RD chauffeur Services

Is this one for you?The driver speaks English and shares local history throughout the day, so anyone comfortable with a guide's conversational pace will follow easily. If you prefer a guide in French or German, request one at booking and the tour adjusts to your language.

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Top questions

What is Giant's Causeway and why is it on the tour?

Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site, a natural formation of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns rising from the shore. It anchors this tour because it is the most significant geological landmark in the region and the centerpiece of the day's route.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes. At the time of booking, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time, and the driver will pick you up from the port and time the return to match your ship's departure.

Do I need to pay for entry to all the castles and attractions?

Entry fees to Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and Bushmills Distillery are paid separately by you at each site, so you decide which ones to enter and which to skip.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes your private vehicle, driver-guide, live commentary throughout the day, light refreshments and bottled water. Hotel or cruise ship pickup is included. Entry fees to attractions are separate.

Is the rope bridge safe for someone who is afraid of heights?

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge spans 20 metres and connects the mainland to an island. The bridge itself is a real rope structure, so if heights are a concern, you can skip this stop and spend the time at another site on the route.

Can I request a guide who speaks French or German?

Yes. French or German-speaking guides are available upon request, so mention your language preference when you book or in the special requirements field.