2-Day Northern Ireland Tour from Dublin Including Belfast and Giants Causeway

Planning a quick getaway from Dublin to Northern Ireland? This 2-day guided tour offers a taste of some of Ireland’s most iconic sights, from Belfast’s Titanic Experience to the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway. With a mix of cultural stops, dramatic landscapes, and a dash of HBO-inspired scenery, it’s designed for travelers who want to maximize their time and see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances guided insights with free time, giving you a chance to explore at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of plenty of natural and cultural sights makes it a well-rounded experience. However, some travelers have noted that logistical hiccups—like pick-up issues and bus changes—can be a bit frustrating. Still, the overall value and breathtaking scenery make it a solid choice for those short on time but eager to see Northern Ireland’s best.

This tour suits anyone who loves a good mix of history, scenery, and lively city life, especially those interested in iconic sights like the Giants Causeway or Belfast’s shipbuilding past. If you’re okay with a bit of a bus journey and want a hassle-free way to see multiple highlights, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Natural Wonders: Includes the Giants Causeway and a scenic visit to Dunluce Castle, renowned for their breathtaking views.
• Cultural Highlights: Offers a detailed look at Belfast’s Titanic history and the city’s murals and peace wall with an optional Black Taxi Tour.
• Authentic Experiences: Stops at Celtic ruins, HBO’s Dark Hedges, and a chance to walk through history with a knowledgeable guide.
• Value for Money: Includes entrance fees to major sites like Giants Causeway Visitor Centre and Titanic Experience, saving you extra costs.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi and pick-up points across Dublin, making the journey smoother.
• Mixed Reviews: Some praise the knowledgeable guides and scenery, but logistics and accommodation quality vary.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Booking and Pricing

At around $231 per person, this tour offers a solid package considering it includes overnight accommodation, entrance fees, and guided commentary. Several reviews highlight the good value, especially with the included visits to Giants Causeway and Titanic Experience, which normally cost extra if booked independently. Travelers have noted booking well in advance—on average 52 days—to secure their spot, which is a good tip for peak seasons.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: From Dublin to Belfast

The tour kicks off early at about 7:50 am from central Dublin meeting points. The departure from Paddy’s Palace, O’Connell Street, or Suffolk Street ensures easy access, and the modern coach is equipped with Wi-Fi, making the two-hour drive to Belfast pleasant.

Our favorite stop is the Monasterboice Monastic Site—a 10th-century ruin that offers a glimpse into Ireland’s Viking-era past. Reviewers love touching the Celtic crosses carved by monks in the 9th century, and many felt this was a peaceful and historic way to start the tour.

Reaching Belfast, the highlight is the Titanic Experience. It’s an interactive and emotional journey through the ship’s story, from construction to sinking. Many travelers, like Ines, praise the guide’s storytelling and how the experience makes history feel alive.

Belfast itself is a lively city with plenty to explore during your free time. Some recommend the Black Taxi Tour (costs about £10 or $12), which takes you into the political neighborhoods, murals, and peace walls—offering a deeper understanding of Belfast’s troubled and resilient history. Several reviews, including Kerri’s, rave about this tour, calling it highly informative and engaging.

The first day concludes with an overnight stay—some reviewers mention the accommodation varies, with some feeling it’s more hostel-like than hotel quality, but generally clean and comfortable.

Day 2: Giants, Castles, and Return to Dublin

Early departure from Belfast, around 9:30 am, gets us straight to one of Ireland’s most iconic sights: the Giant’s Causeway. The new visitor center (included in the tour) offers a modern space with audio guides that tell stories of the hexagonal basalt columns formed during a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. The sight is often called “The Eighth Wonder of the World,” and visitors regularly mention the spectacular views and unique geology—many feel it lives up to the hype.

Next, a quick photo stop at Dunluce Castle offers a chance to marvel at the ruins perched dramatically above the ocean. Although only a quick stop, the scenic vistas and castle’s mysterious reputation as a haunted site keep visitors interested.

The day rounds off with a visit to Dark Hedges, famous for its twisted, tunnel-like avenue of beech trees. Recognizable from HBO’s Game of Thrones, this spot is a favorite for fans and photographers alike. Some reviewers, like Alisha, appreciated the stop, calling it “beautiful” and “a must-see.”

The return journey to Dublin is smooth, with a brief comfort stop, arriving back around 8 pm, giving travelers a chance to reflect on the day’s stunning sights.

Practicalities & Considerations

Transportation & Group Size: The coach is air-conditioned with Wi-Fi, making the roughly 10-12 hour trip manageable. The tour generally caps at 56 travelers, which helps maintain a social atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Guides & Commentary: Multiple reviews mention the guides’ knowledge and storytelling ability. Guides like Brian and Darren have been praised for their engaging narratives and good humor, which enhances the overall experience.

Accommodation: While some found the B&B style lodging acceptable, others felt it was underwhelming and would prefer to book their own stay if given the option. The tour includes one overnight stay in Belfast, which is convenient but might not match all travelers’ comfort expectations.

Value & Extras: Entrance fees to Giants Causeway Visitor Centre and Titanic Experience are included, which can save $40-$50 combined. The optional Black Taxi Tour, though an extra £10, adds significant insight into Belfast’s history—highly recommended based on glowing reviews.

Logistical Tips: Reviewers advise arriving early at the meeting points due to past mix-ups. Confirming pickup details and being prepared for bus changes—sometimes between different tour groups—is wise.

Authentic Experiences & Unique Highlights

Beyond the main sights, this tour offers moments that add depth, such as touching ancient Celtic crosses or walking through the streets of Belfast with a guide who explains murals and political landmarks. Many reviewers appreciated the informative commentary and the chance to learn about Ireland’s complex history in a relaxed setting.

The Giant’s Causeway remains a centerpiece—its natural formation is unlike anything we see every day. Several travelers commented that the audio guides and visitor center’s storytelling greatly enhanced their understanding of this UNESCO site.

Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones will enjoy stops at the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy, where filming took place. Even if you’re not a fan, these scenery-heavy spots are simply stunning and worth the quick photo stops.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Northern Ireland tour from Dublin offers a comprehensive snapshot of Ireland’s northern treasures. For those short on time but eager to see Belfast’s Titanic history, one of the most scenic coastlines in the world, and some of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes, this tour hits the mark. The included entrance fees and guided commentary deliver good value, especially when combined with the memorable stops like Giants Causeway and Dark Hedges.

That said, logistical hiccups and variable accommodation quality mean travelers should go in with flexible expectations. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy engaging guides, scenic drives, and a mix of history and nature. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to tick off Ireland’s must-see sights in a short trip, this tour can be a rewarding choice.

FAQ

Is transportation comfortable? Yes, the coach is air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi, making the roughly 10-12 hour trip more pleasant.

Are the sites worth the entrance fees? Absolutely. The Giants Causeway Visitor Centre costs about £9, and the Titanic Experience is included, saving you around £25. Many reviews highlight how these add value to the overall experience.

Can I do this tour if I don’t like long bus rides? The drive is about 2 hours each way on Day 1 and a longer return on Day 2, but the modern coach and Wi-Fi help pass the time comfortably.

What’s the quality of the accommodation? It varies; some found it acceptable or better than expected, but others say it’s more hostel-like. If staying in Belfast, you might prefer to book your own hotel.

Is the Black Taxi Tour recommended? Yes, many reviewers say it’s the highlight of Belfast, providing insights into the city’s political history and murals.

What should I bring for the Giants Causeway visit? Dress in layers, bring rain gear if needed, and wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking on uneven terrain.

Will I have free time in Belfast? Yes, the first day includes free time for lunch, shopping, or exploring the city’s pubs like the Crown Liquor Saloon.

To sum it up, this tour is a fantastic way to see some of Ireland’s most striking sights in just two days, especially for travelers who value guided insights combined with free exploration. It offers a good balance of natural wonders, historic sites, and lively city scenes, all delivered at a reasonable price point. If you’re eager to experience Ireland’s coast, history, and culture in a short trip, this tour is worth considering—just be prepared for a busy schedule and some logistical quirks.