The Giants Causeway Half-Day Tour is a private tour for travellers with limited time who want to see Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark without committing to a full day.
We collect you in Belfast, or in Dublin if you are travelling from there, and head straight up the Antrim Coast, with stops at the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, White Park Bay and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint, before the drive back to Belfast. It is a compact route, with time at every stop and no rushing.
The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns stretching along the Atlantic coastline, and one of the most photographed landmarks on the island of Ireland.
This half-day tour offers a relaxed mix of coastal scenery, local history and photo opportunities. It suits tight schedules, cruise stops and short stays, covering the same coast road and the same stones as our full-day tour in around five to six hours. The route can be tailored to your schedule.
For a longer day, our full-day private Giant’s Causeway tour from Belfast adds the Old Bushmills Distillery and more time along the coast.
Beyond its geology, the Giant’s Causeway is steeped in legend. Irish folklore tells of the giant Finn McCool, who is said to have built the causeway to confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner.
When Finn saw how huge Benandonner was, he ran home to his wife, Oonagh. She dressed him as a baby and tucked him into a cradle.
When Benandonner saw the size of the “baby”, he feared the size of its father. He fled back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway behind him, and the stones you see today are what was left.
These stories add a mythical layer to an already unforgettable place.
Secure your Giants Causeway Half-Day Tour from Belfast with a small deposit. The remaining balance is due on the day of your tour.
If you have any questions about this Belfast to the Giants Causeway tour, feel free to get in touch. We are happy to help you decide if this tour is the right fit for your plans.
Start Time: Around 08:00 (flexible depending on pickup location).
Duration: Approx. 5 to 6 hours.
Distance: Approx. 150 to 155 miles round trip.
Group Size: Up to 7 passengers in one Mercedes-Benz V-Class. 8 passengers travel in a Ford Tourneo Custom, 9 or more in two V-Class vehicles.
Price: From £500 for 1 to 4 passengers.
Additional Passengers: £50 per person.
This is a sample itinerary. As a private tour, timings and stops can be adjusted to suit your interests.
The Dark Hedges: We begin at the Dark Hedges, a tunnel of ancient beech trees planted in the 18th century and one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed natural wonders. They became world-famous after appearing as the King’s Road in Season 2 of Game of Thrones.
Dunluce Castle: Perched on a basalt outcrop above the Atlantic, Dunluce Castle is one of the most dramatic medieval ruins in the world, dating back to the 13th century. This is a photo stop. The clifftop views over the ocean are simply extraordinary.
Giant’s Causeway: Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the natural wonders of the world. Around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago, step from the clifftop into the sea. It is about a one mile walk down from the Visitor Centre to the stones, and a shuttle bus runs the same route for £1 per person each way. You will only need to pre-book a ticket if you wish to go through the Visitor Centre, otherwise your guide will show you the free entrance.
Causeway Coastline Views: We continue along the Causeway Coastal Route, widely regarded as one of the world’s great road journeys. Sheer basalt cliffs, ruined clifftop castles, and open Atlantic views make this one of the finest stretches of coastline in Europe.
White Park Bay: White Park Bay is one of the finest beaches in Ireland, a wide crescent of white sand flanked by chalk cliffs, with the open Atlantic in front and Scotland visible on a clear day just 20 miles across the water. We stop at the viewpoint above the beach for photographs. Read our White Park Bay guide.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Suspended 30 metres above the sea, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge connects the mainland to a small rocky island that salmon fishermen have crossed for more than 270 years. We stop at the clifftop viewing point for photographs. Crossing is not included on this tour. Read our Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge guide.
Return to Belfast: From the Carrick-a-Rede viewpoint we begin the journey back to Belfast, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the drive.
Private tour experience – only your group will participate
Expert local guide to enhance your experience
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned MPV
Hotel pickup and drop-off from any location within Belfast city centre
Complimentary port pickup and drop-off (within Belfast)
Airport pickup and drop-off (within Belfast)
Departure location is flexible, please include your preferred pick-up in your booking.
Free pick-up from any location within Belfast City Centre. Additional charges apply for locations outside Belfast.
Pick-up available from:
This is a private half-day tour, so the only people travelling are your own group. There is no coach, no other passengers and no fixed timetable, which is what most people are really looking for when they search for a small group Giant’s Causeway tour.
Most guests travel in the morning, but we also run an afternoon departure on this half day tour from Belfast when there is enough daylight, which suits later arrivals and cruise calls. Tell us which you prefer and we will confirm what the light allows on your date.
Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces
Season-appropriate clothing, including warm layers
Lightweight raincoat for unexpected showers