Experience the dramatic scenery of the north Antrim coast, from death-defying rope bridges and amazing seascapes to imposing castles and whiskey distilleries and of course, the UNESCO-listed Giants Causeway on this full-day private tour from Belfast.
On your private day trip, you will:
- Relax on the scenic drive out of Belfast along the Antrim Coast Road – with fine views of Rathlin Island;
- Stop at the picturesque fishing village of Carnlough for a quick comfort break;
- Travel to the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, where you will have the chance to cross it;
- Explore the Ballintoy Harbour also known as the Iron Islands;
- Visit the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, Giant’s Causeway with its geological delights and mysteries;
- Explore the most dramatic castle ruins in the world at Dunluce Castle;
- Stop at the most popular natural phenomenon in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges, used as a set for the hit TV series Game of Thrones;
- Enjoy the drive back to Belfast city centre or your hotel where your tour ends.
Your route takes you through the rugged landscape of the Antrim plateau and in just over an hour, you will arrive on the wild north Atlantic coast and the famous rope bridge of Carrick-a-rede. Completely safe for you to cross, though not recommended if you have a fear of heights, the bridge spans 66 ft and is 98 ft above the rocks below, connecting the land to the volcanic plug island used by salmon fishers for centuries.
A short drive will then bring you to the dramatic Giant's Causeway, an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Forged by tremendous volcanic activity, these hexagonal columns, some as tall as 12 metres (39 ft), can be clearly seen within the cliffs and down to the exposed tops of columns at the cliff foot, before disappearing below the sea. According to legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant but make up your own mind!
After lunch at a spot recommended by your guide (price not included), travel the short distance along the coast to the striking Dunluce Castle, sat precariously on the edge of a cliff. Pay close attention, as you may recognise this 500-year-old castle as Game of Thrones' Pyke Castle!
Afterwards, head inland to the village of Bushmills, an area with a tradition of whiskey distilling stretching back to 1276 before heading back to your accommodation in Belfast.
Tour duration9 hours
Type of tourDriving tour: including a private vehicle throughout the tour
Attractions along this route:
Giants CausewayAs the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption, The Giants Causeway is an area of about 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea located in the North Coast of Northern Ireland.
Dunluce CastleA medieval castle perched on top of a high cliff, and one of the most iconic monuments in the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland.
Bushmill's DistilleryGranted a license to distill in 1608, Bushmill is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
Carnlough HarbourThe picturesque harbour in Carnlough has for many years been the village’s main focal point and home to one of the most beautiful ports on the Antrim coast.
The Dark HedgesThe Dark Hedges is a beautiful avenue of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion. It has become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland as it was a filming location of the popular series Game of Thrones.
Carrick-a-RedeCross if you dare - though note it is perfectly safe. The precarious bridge is maintained by the National Trust and is open to travelers to cross.
