Giant’s Causeway Tour including Game of Thrones Sites from Belfast

If you’re planning to visit Northern Ireland, this tour promises a full day of spectacular sights, storytelling, and a touch of film magic. Offered by Allens Tours for around $48, this eight-hour journey takes you along the stunning Antrim Coastal Road, visits historic castles, and offers plenty of opportunities to snap photos of some of Ireland’s most famous landscapes. Plus, it includes a stop at the renowned Giant’s Causeway—an absolute must-see for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts alike.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines natural beauty with cultural and cinematic connections, especially for fans of Game of Thrones. The tour’s knowledgeable guides, comfortable air-conditioned coach, and well-paced itinerary make it a practical choice for those wanting a comprehensive day out.

One consideration? The reviews show that experiences can vary depending on the guide and weather conditions, so it’s worth setting expectations accordingly. If you’re after a well-rounded introduction to Northern Ireland’s coast and some Game of Thrones filming locations, this tour suits travelers who love scenic drives, history, and iconic landmarks—all in a single day.

Key Points

• Value for Money: The tour offers a reasonable price considering the number of stops and attractions visited.
• Expert Guides: Reviews praise guides for their friendliness and knowledge, adding depth to the sightseeing.
• Diverse Stops: From castles to film sites, the itinerary covers a rich mix of history, nature, and pop culture.
• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned coaches and luxury transport make the long day more pleasant.
• Limited Free Time: Some reviews mention that the stops could be longer for a more relaxed experience.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour operates in all conditions, so dressing appropriately for the weather is essential.

The Full Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Carrickfergus Castle

Your adventure kicks off with a quick photo stop at Carrickfergus Castle, a Norman fortress standing proudly on the Belfast Lough’s northern shore. From the reviews, it seems to be a neat introduction—an accessible glimpse into Northern Ireland’s medieval past with no extra charge for entry. We loved how this sets the tone for exploring Ireland’s history on the way to the coast.

The Antrim Coastal Road and Glens

The journey along the Antrim Coastal Road is where the scenery truly shines. With the Irish Sea on your right and the lush Glens of Antrim on your left, the views are breathtaking. The coach passes through scenic spots like Glencorp and crosses the historic Glen Dun Bridge before descending into Ballycastle. Travelers have raved about the “fantastic ride” and “scenic highlights,” making this stretch a highlight for many.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Next, you’ll stop at Portaneevy Viewing Point to marvel at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. While crossing the actual bridge is optional and not included in the ticket, the views from the viewing platform give you a sense of adventure and give great photo opportunities. With only 20 minutes here, it’s a quick but memorable stop, and travelers often describe the views as “spectacular.”

The Dark Hedges

Before heading back to Belfast, the tour visits the Dark Hedges, made famous by Game of Thrones and a popular photo spot. The trees form a haunting, twisted tunnel that’s perfect for a quick walk and some Instagram-worthy shots. Reviewers mention this as a “great place for lunch” and a “beautiful, atmospheric spot.” It’s a short stop but leaves a lasting impression.

Bushmills Distillery

A visit to Bushmills Distillery adds a tasty twist to the day. You can browse their whiskey selection and purchase a bottle if you wish. About 30 minutes are allocated for this stop, providing a relaxed break and a chance to learn about Ireland’s whiskey heritage. Many reviews note the friendliness of staff and the opportunity to buy souvenirs.

The Main Event: Giant’s Causeway

The iconic Giant’s Causeway is undoubtedly the star of the show. With about an hour and a half to explore, you can walk among the natural basalt formations and get a sense of their grandeur. The Visitor Centre is accessible but not included in the ticket price, so budget accordingly if you want to stop there. Visitors find the scenery “breathtaking,” and some mention that the weather can impact visibility—something to keep in mind.

Dunluce Castle

Finally, the tour offers a brief glance at Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff. Once home to the MacDonnell Clan and used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, it’s a romantic ruin with crashing waves below. A quick five-minute stop allows you to snap some photos and imagine the castle’s storied past.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert guides like Lindsay and Alex receive positive mentions for their friendliness and storytelling, which add richness to the experience. You’ll hear tales that bring history and folklore alive, and guides often go the extra mile—one reviewer appreciated how patient the driver was, especially with a large group.

Scenic coastal drives are a highlight, with travelers consistently mentioning the “breathtaking views” along the coast and through the Glens. The stops at natural and historic sites are well balanced, giving you enough time to enjoy each without feeling rushed.

Value for money is a common theme. For around $48, you get transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and access to multiple top attractions, which many agree is a good deal considering the overall experience.

Food and beverage options are somewhat limited on the tour, with the Bushmills stop being the highlight for drinks. The tour doesn’t include meals or drinks, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal during the free time at the Dark Hedges or in Ballycastle.

The Practical Side: Logistics and Experience

The tour departs at 9:30 am from Belfast, with no hotel pickup included. This means you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point, which is convenient via public transportation. The coach itself is air-conditioned, which is vital given the reviews mentioning hot days—one traveler pointed out the importance of dressing for the weather, especially as the tour runs in all conditions.

In terms of group size, up to 200 travelers can join, but reviews show that experiences can vary depending on guides and weather. Some guests enjoyed a leisurely pace, while others felt some stops were a bit rushed, particularly at the castle and Giant’s Causeway.

The duration of about 8 hours** packs in a lot, but be prepared for a long day on the bus. Several reviews mention the importance of having a moderate physical fitness level, as walking among the Causeway stones and navigating the sites can require some effort.

The Review of the Guide and Experience

One reviewer raved about how their guide, Marty, was “informative and entertaining,” noting that the commentary added a lot to the trip. Conversely, some reviews mention inconsistent experiences with guides—ranging from very knowledgeable to less engaged. It’s worth noting that some reviews expressed dissatisfaction about the length of stops and the pace, suggesting that if you prefer a more relaxed schedule, you might find this tour a little rushed.

The Challenges

There are a few less-than-positive reviews that highlight issues like coach cleanliness, delays, or overbooking. While these are outliers, they serve as reminders to keep expectations flexible. The tour operates rain or shine, so packing suitable clothing is a must.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for first-time visitors to Belfast or Northern Ireland who want a solid overview of the coastal highlights in one day. It’s also perfect for Game of Thrones fans eager to see filming locations, even if some sites are just glimpsed rather than fully explored. Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning scenery at the Causeway and along the coast, while history buffs will enjoy the stops at castles and the Whiskey distillery.

Budget-conscious travelers will find this an excellent value, especially considering all the sights included. However, if you’re someone who prefers a very relaxed pace or wants to spend more time at each site, you might find the schedule a bit tight.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Northern Ireland’s coast and cultural landmarks at a reasonable price. The highlights — especially the Giant’s Causeway and Dark Hedges — make it a memorable day. The guides, as many reviews highlight, can make or break your experience, so a friendly, knowledgeable guide like Lindsay or Alex adds great value.

While some travelers wish for longer stops or more in-depth exploration, most agree that the tour is good value for money and provides a convenient way to see a lot in one day. If you’re after a fun, scenic, and informative trip with a touch of Game of Thrones magic, this tour could be just the ticket.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from Belfast in an air-conditioned coach, which makes the long day comfortable.

Can I visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre?
The Visitor Centre is not included in the ticket price. You can visit it if you choose to purchase an admission ticket separately.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
Stops typically range from about 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, with the longest at the Giant’s Causeway. Some reviews mention that the time at certain sites could be longer for a more relaxed visit.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. There’s a stop at Bushmills Distillery, where you can buy whiskey or snacks, but you’ll need to bring your own lunch or snacks for other times.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult. Moderate physical activity is involved, so consider your family’s comfort with walking and outdoor exposure.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately, especially in case of rain or wind, and be prepared for potentially damp conditions at outdoor sites.

In the end, this Giants Causeway tour offers a practical, value-packed way to experience Northern Ireland’s stunning coastline, historic sites, and some Game of Thrones magic. Whether you’re eager for natural wonders or cinematic locations, this trip covers a lot of ground in just one day—perfect for those with limited time but big travel ambitions.