








Local expert guide with extensive knowledge
Travel in comfort in your own private vehicle
Private tour for your party alone
Flexible itinerary, built around your ship’s schedule
Meet and greet at Belfast Cruise Terminal
Guaranteed back on board before departure
Ideal when your time ashore is short
Our Belfast shore excursions are designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Belfast Cruise Terminal. If you are looking for shore excursions in Belfast, Ireland, cruise guests come to us, these are among the best tours from Belfast cruise port: private, comfortable and built entirely around your ship’s schedule.
Our most popular choice is the Giants Causeway Shore Excursion Tour, a Giants Causeway tour from Belfast cruise port along the scenic Antrim Coast. The Giant’s Causeway sits about 60 miles (97 km) from the cruise terminal, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes each way, and most excursions run 8 to 9 hours from pickup to return, with shorter options for ships with less time in port.
Because these are private Belfast cruise port tours, your day stays flexible, photo stops, viewpoints and pace tailored to you. We’ve built our Belfast cruise excursions for cruise ship passengers around one priority: a relaxed, memorable day ashore and a guaranteed, on-time return to your ship. Our Belfast cruise ship excursions take in the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the dramatic North Antrim Coast, balancing must-see highlights with quieter scenic stops.
We meet you at the ship. Most calls berth at D1, the main cruise terminal in Belfast Harbour, and on busy days some dock at Gotto Wharf. We check your berth beforehand, so your driver is waiting where you actually come ashore.
From there the day is yours. Tell us your all-aboard time and we work backwards from it, with time in hand. Whether you want a Belfast city tour or the drive along the Causeway Coastal Route, you set the pace.
Belfast takes around 141 cruise calls a season from 34 lines, including Viking, Princess, Norwegian, Cunard, Celebrity, P&O and MSC. We are independent of all of them, which is why the day is built around you rather than a coach timetable.
The first thing every cruise passenger asks is whether they will make it back in time. We plan the day backwards from your all-aboard time, not the ship’s departure, and keep a buffer in the return leg.
Our guides drive these roads every day of the season. We know where the traffic builds and which stop to trim if the morning runs slow. You have your driver’s mobile number all day, and if anything changes on the ship’s side, we adjust around it.
Booking is straightforward, and every one of our shore excursions Belfast passengers take is private to their group. Choose your preferred date, select the number of passengers, and submit an enquiry using the Make an Enquiry button. For personalised assistance, you can also contact us directly by phone.
All shore excursions Belfast passengers book with us include pick-up and return to the cruise terminal, so you can enjoy your day ashore with confidence. From world-famous landmarks to guided Belfast sightseeing, our private Belfast cruise excursions offer a reliable and memorable way to experience Northern Ireland during your cruise stop.
Secure your private Belfast cruise excursion with a small deposit and pay the remaining balance on the day of your tour. This gives you complete peace of mind knowing your booking is confirmed, without paying the full amount upfront.
Feel free to reach out, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your day ashore.
Our private tours give cruise passengers a flexible way to experience Northern Ireland during their port stop. Departing directly from Belfast Cruise Terminal, each tour is guided by a local expert and tailored to your available time ashore.
A key highlight is the Giant’s Causeway, where you can explore the stone formations, enjoy coastal views, and hear the legends behind this world-famous site.
Selected itineraries also feature the North Antrim Coast, Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges, and Old Bushmills Distillery, with an optional visit to theCarrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. All tours are planned with a comfortable return to your cruise ship.
Below are five sample itineraries designed specifically for cruise passengers visiting Belfast.
Your ship berths at the D1 Belfast Cruise Terminal in Belfast, Northern Ireland, roughly two miles from the city centre, and there is no tendering. Walking in is not realistic, the road out of the harbour is a working port road with no footpath. Cruise line shuttles run to the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre near City Hall in about fifteen minutes. Some lines include the shuttle and some charge for it, so check your daily programme on board. A taxi into the centre takes about ten minutes, and Titanic Belfast is five to ten. The Belfast Giants Causeway run is about sixty miles, near enough ninety minutes each way on the Causeway Coastal Route, which is why that day works best with a driver who is watching the clock for you. We meet you at the terminal, so none of this becomes your problem. There is more detail in our Belfast cruise port guide.
This private Giants Causeway tour from Belfast cruise port is fully flexible and tailored to your time ashore.
Tour Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Pickup: Directly from Belfast Cruise Terminal as soon as your ship docks
Group Size: Up to 7 and 8 passengers
Price: From £550 for 1 to 4 passengers
Additional Passengers: £50 per person
Private Tour: Your group only, no other passengers
Share & Save: Want to split the cost? We can match you with other cruise passengers travelling on the same day. Contact us for details.
ITINERARY
Your day begins with port pick-up and a scenic drive through County Antrim, joining the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads.
Antrim Coast Road: Your tour will begin at your pickup location, where you will meet your driver and guide for the day. From there, we will begin our journey to the north coast, travelling through the rolling farmland of County Antrim.
Carnlough Village: Our first stop is the picturesque fishing village of Carnlough for a brief rest.
Causeway Coastline Views: We travel along the Causeway Coastal route between Ballycastle and the Giant’s Causeway to experience one of the most dramatic drives in the world, now rated as one of the world’s top five great road journeys.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: One of Northern Ireland’s most visited attractions, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers a crossing over a chasm almost 100ft above the sea.
A 1-mile walk from the car park is required for those with mobility issues, small children or strollers unable to navigate unpaved pathways.
Tickets must be pre-booked for bridge access. Before purchasing tickets, please inform us, and we can advise an approximate arrival time.
If you prefer not to cross the bridge, we can stop at the viewing point for photographs.
Giants Causeway: Known as ‘the 8th wonder of the world’, the Giants Causeway is Ireland’s only World Heritage site. During our visit, you can climb the ancient stones, take photographs and reflect on the area’s myths and legends. Access to the visitor’s centre requires a ticket; otherwise, a guide will show you the free entrance.
Lunch Stop: Bushmills Village offers several choices, from a local fish and chip shop and sandwich shops to cafés and restaurants where you can sit down for lunch. For a restaurant meal, we recommend the Bushmills Inn, which must be booked in advance. Please note that lunch is not included.
Old Bushmills Distillery: Bushmills Whiskey Distillery has been producing its renowned ‘water of life’ since 1608, making it the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Visit the tasting room for sampling.
Dunluce Castle: We conclude our day with a photographic stop at Dunluce Castle. This is one of the most dramatic castle ruins in the world and offers a striking view of the castle perched precariously on the cliffs. This is a photo stop only.
The Dark Hedges: A popular natural phenomenon in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges were used as a set for the television series Game of Thrones.
Your return to the cruise terminal is carefully timed to ensure a relaxed and punctual return to your ship.
This Giant’s Causeway Half-Day Tour from Belfast cruise ship terminal is ideal for cruise passengers with limited time ashore and can be adjusted to suit your ship’s schedule.
Tour Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Pickup: Directly from Belfast Cruise Terminal as soon as your ship docks
Group Size: Up to 7 and 8 passengers
Price: From £500 for 1 to 4 passengers
Additional Passengers: £50 per person
Private Tour: Your group only, no other passengers
Share & Save: Want to split the cost? We can match you with other cruise passengers travelling on the same day. Contact us for details.
ITINERARY
Your tour will begin with a scenic drive through Northern Ireland’s lush green fields and breathtaking countryside, then stop at the country’s most beautiful avenue of beech trees, The Dark Hedges, to take in the breathtaking views. This tour includes commentary by a local expert who will tell you about this area’s history, culture, and traditions.
The Dark Hedges: One of the most popular natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges were used as a set for the hit TV series Game of Thrones.
Dunluce Castle: We continue a wonderful day with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle. We arrive at one of the most dramatic castle ruins in the world. Prepare to be amazed at how this old castle hangs over the edge of the cliffs. Stop at the viewing point for photos.
Giants Causeway: Commonly called ‘one of the 8th wonders of the world, Ireland’s only World Heritage site. During our stop here, you can spend time climbing over the ancient stones, snapping photos, and reflecting on the myths and legends of this unique area.
Causeway Coastline Views: We travel along the Causeway Coastal route between Ballycastle and Dunluce to experience one of the most dramatic drives in the world, now rated as one of the world’s top 5 great road journeys. We transport you by windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery, and fabulous unspoiled beaches.
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.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: One of the most visited places in Northern Ireland. Photo stop at the viewing point.
This private Game of Thrones shore excursion from Belfast is ideal for cruise passengers who want to explore Northern Ireland’s dramatic North Coast while visiting iconic filming locations. The itinerary is fully customisable to suit your interests and time ashore.
Tour Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Pickup: Directly from Belfast Cruise Terminal as soon as your ship docks
Group Size: Up to 7 and 8 passengers
Price: From £550 for 1 to 4 passengers
Additional Passengers: £50 per person
Private Tour: Your group only, no other passengers
Share & Save: Want to split the cost? We can match you with other cruise passengers travelling on the same day. Contact us for details.
ITINERARY
Antrim Coast Road: Your Tour will begin from your pickup location, where you will meet your driver and guide for the day. There we will begin our journey to the north coast travelling through the rolling farmland of County Antrim. The Antrim Coast Road is widely agreed to be one of the finest stretches of road anywhere in the world.
Carnlough Village: Our first stop of the day takes us into the amazing, picturesque fishing village of Carnlough for a quick comfort break. Although built in the nineteenth century during the famine years, this harbor still retains an old-world charm, which meant that it didn’t seem out of place when it first appeared in Game of Thrones.
Cushendun Caves: Storms End is an Unforgettable scene where Melisandre gives birth to the monstrous shadow baby.
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. There is a one mile walk from the car park to the bridge on unpaved paths, worth knowing if you have mobility issues, small children or a stroller. If you wish to cross the bridge, you will need to pre-book your ticket. Please let us know before you purchase your tickets and we will provide an approximate time of arrival. If you do not wish to cross, we can stop at the viewing point for photos.
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.
Ballintoy Harbour – Lordsport: Theon Greyjoy arrived back in the Iron Islands and later was admired by his ship, the Sea Bitch.
Lunch Stop: Bushmills Village offers several choices, from a local fish and chip shop and sandwich shops to cafés and restaurants where you can sit down for lunch. For a restaurant meal, we recommend the Bushmills Inn, which must be booked in advance. Please note that lunch is not included.
Giant’s Causeway: 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.
Dunluce Castle: House of Greyjoy: a 13th-century castle, this castle doubled as the House of Greyjoy. Photo stop at the viewing point.
The Dark Hedges: One of the most popular natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges were used as a set for the hit TV series Game of Thrones. It was the famous King’s Road in Season 2. The hedges were planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century.
This private Belfast city shore excursion combines guided sightseeing with a visit to Titanic Belfast, making it ideal for cruise passengers who want history, culture, and flexibility during their port stop.
Tour Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Pickup: Directly from Belfast Cruise Terminal as soon as your ship docks
Group Size: Up to 7 and 8 passengers
Price: From £500 for 1 to 4 passengers
Additional Passengers: £50 per person
Private Tour: Your group only, no other passengers
Share & Save: Want to split the cost? We can match you with other cruise passengers travelling on the same day. Contact us for details.
ITINERARY
Belfast Castle: Belfast Castle sits on the slopes of Cave Hill, 400 feet above the city, offering sweeping views over Belfast and Belfast Lough. Built in the Scottish Baronial style in 1870, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds and makes a striking start to the tour.
Belfast City Hall: Belfast City Hall dominates Donegall Square at the very heart of the city. Opened in 1906 and built in the English Renaissance style, its copper dome is one of Belfast’s most recognisable landmarks.
International Wall Murals: The International Wall on the Falls Road is one of Belfast’s most powerful expressions of political art. Painted by local artists, its murals reflect solidarity with communities across the world and change regularly with new commissions.
Bobby Sands Mural: The Bobby Sands mural on the Falls Road is one of the most photographed images in Belfast. Painted on the gable wall of the Sinn Féin offices, it commemorates the IRA hunger striker who died in 1981 after 66 days without food.
Clonard Monastery: Clonard Monastery is a magnificent Catholic church tucked just off the Falls Road in west Belfast. Built in the Romanesque Revival style in 1911, it played a significant role in the early stages of the Northern Ireland peace process.
Bombay Street: Bombay Street is one of the most poignant sites in west Belfast. In August 1969, it was burned to the ground during sectarian violence, and its story is central to understanding the outbreak of the Troubles.
Peace Wall: The Peace Wall is one of Belfast’s most thought-provoking landmarks, first built in 1969 to separate nationalist and loyalist communities. It stretches for miles through west Belfast and is covered in messages of hope from visitors around the world.
Shankill Road and Murals: The Shankill Road is the heart of west Belfast’s loyalist community, lined with vivid murals that tell the story of its history and identity. Your guide will bring the significance of each mural and the community it represents to life.
Crumlin Road Gaol: Crumlin Road Gaol is one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks, opened in 1846 and designed by the renowned architect Sir Charles Lanyon. This is a photo stop from outside. The interior tour is not included.
St Anne’s Cathedral and Cathedral Quarter: St Anne’s Cathedral anchors the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, one of Belfast’s most creative and lively neighbourhoods. The cathedral is known for its stunning mosaic ceiling and the Spire of Hope added in 2007.
Titanic Museum and Titanic Quarter: Titanic Belfast sits on the exact spot where RMS Titanic was designed, built, and launched. Spread across 10 interactive galleries, it tells the full story of the ship and the city that built her. Please contact us before booking your tickets and we will advise you of the correct arrival time.
SS Nomadic: SS Nomadic is the last surviving White Star Line vessel in the world. As the tender ship that ferried passengers to Titanic on her maiden voyage in 1912, she is a remarkable piece of living maritime history.
Make the most of your time ashore with a private Belfast city shore excursion, ideal for cruise passengers who want a relaxed overview of the city at their own pace.
Tour Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Pickup: Directly from Belfast Cruise Terminal as soon as your ship docks
Group Size: Up to 7 or 8 passengers
Price: From £400 for 1 to 4 passengers
Additional Passengers: £50 per person
Private Tour: Your group only, no other passengers
Share & Save: Want to split the cost? We can match you with other cruise passengers travelling on the same day. Contact us for details.
ITINERARY
St George’s Market: St George’s Market is Belfast’s last surviving Victorian covered market, dating back to 1890. Please note it is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only, a vibrant hub of local produce, street food, crafts, and live music, and one of the finest markets in Ireland.
Belfast City Hall: Belfast City Hall dominates Donegall Square at the very heart of the city. Opened in 1906 and built in the English Renaissance style, its copper dome is one of Belfast’s most recognisable landmarks.
International Wall Murals: The International Wall on the Falls Road is one of Belfast’s most powerful expressions of political art. Painted by local artists, its murals reflect solidarity with communities across the world and change regularly with new commissions.
Bobby Sands Mural: The Bobby Sands mural on the Falls Road is one of the most photographed images in Belfast. Painted on the gable wall of the Sinn Féin offices, it commemorates the IRA hunger striker who died in 1981 after 66 days without food.
Clonard Monastery: Clonard Monastery is a magnificent Catholic church tucked just off the Falls Road in west Belfast. Built in the Romanesque Revival style in 1911, it played a significant role in the early stages of the Northern Ireland peace process.
Bombay Street: Bombay Street is one of the most poignant sites in west Belfast. In August 1969, it was burned to the ground during sectarian violence, and its story is central to understanding the outbreak of the Troubles.
Peace Wall: The Peace Wall is one of Belfast’s most thought-provoking landmarks, first built in 1969 to separate nationalist and loyalist communities. It stretches for miles through west Belfast and is covered in messages of hope from visitors around the world.
Shankill Road and Murals: The Shankill Road is the heart of west Belfast’s loyalist community, lined with vivid murals that tell the story of its history and identity. Your guide will bring the significance of each mural and the community it represents to life.
Crumlin Road Gaol: Crumlin Road Gaol is one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks, opened in 1846 and designed by the renowned architect Sir Charles Lanyon. This is a photo stop from outside. The interior tour is not included.
Belfast Castle: Belfast Castle sits on the slopes of Cave Hill, 400 feet above the city, offering sweeping views over Belfast and Belfast Lough. Built in the Scottish Baronial style in 1870, its beautiful grounds make it a wonderful stop on the way back into the city.
Cathedral Quarter: The Cathedral Quarter is one of Belfast’s most vibrant and creative neighbourhoods, anchored by St Anne’s Cathedral with its stunning mosaic ceiling and Spire of Hope. The area is packed with independent restaurants, galleries, and bars.
Titanic Quarter: We end the tour at the Titanic Quarter, the historic Harland and Wolff shipyard where RMS Titanic was designed and built. We stop to take in the iconic Titanic Belfast museum building and the slipways where the world’s most famous ship was launched in 1911.
Good to Know
To maximise your time ashore, please review the Additional Information section below. It covers what is included, exclusions, meeting and pickup arrangements, and recommended items to bring, everything you need for a smooth, comfortable, and well-prepared shore excursion.
Your group only, fully private, no other passengers
Expert local guide to enrich your visit and provide insider insights
Comfortable, air‑conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
Complimentary pickup and drop-off from the cruise port within Belfast
Belfast Cruise Ship Terminal: Our guides will meet you at the cruise port with a signboard displaying your name, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your shore excursion. We recommend disembarking your ship promptly to make the most of your limited time on shore.
Return: Your tour will typically end with a return to the cruise port, but if you have extra time on shore, you can request a drop-off at a preferred location in Belfast city.
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces
Season-appropriate clothing, including warm layers
Lightweight raincoat for unexpected showers
Local currency (British Pounds) for souvenirs, snacks, or optional entrance fees
Booking is simple and stress-free. Each tour is carefully planned around your ship’s schedule and tailored to your group’s interests, ensuring you make the most of your time ashore.
Our experienced local team handles every detail, from timing and routing to attraction planning, so you can relax and enjoy your visit to Northern Ireland with confidence.
Before submitting the form, please review our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Complete as many details as possible below and click Make an Enquiry to get started.
★★★★★ 4.9 out of 5 stars from more than 300 ⮕ Reviews
Belfast Shore Excursions are private guided tours created specifically for cruise passengers arriving at the Belfast Cruise Terminal, allowing you to explore the city and surrounding areas comfortably during your time on shore.
Every tour starts directly at the Belfast Cruise Terminal and typically end back at the port. If time allows, drop-off at a central Belfast location can also be arranged.
Shore excursions from Belfast Ports typically last between two and nine hours, depending on your chosen itinerary and the ship’s schedule.
All our tours are fully private, meaning only your group participates, with your own local guide and vehicle.
Yes, every Shore Excursion Belfast is carefully timed to ensure a safe return to the Belfast Cruise Terminal well before your ship’s departure.
Entrance fees are not included in most shore excursions Belfast operators run, including attractions such as Titanic Belfast or distillery tours. Your guide will advise on ticket prices and timing.
Certainly. Every tour can be tailored to your interests, including city highlights, murals, scenic drives, Game of Thrones locations, or heritage and ancestry sites.
We monitor all ship arrival times closely and adjust your pickup accordingly. Your tour begins as soon as you disembark, regardless of the docking time, and your return to the cruise terminal is always carefully planned around your ship’s departure.
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly during the peak cruise season from April to October. Popular dates and itineraries fill quickly, and early booking guarantees your preferred tour and pickup arrangement.
The Giant’s Causeway is approximately 60 miles from Belfast Cruise Terminal, around a 90-minute drive each way. Our full-day shore excursion allows sufficient time to explore the Causeway and other highlights along the Antrim Coast comfortably.
Yes. Our private vehicles accommodate up to 8 passengers, making them ideal for families and small groups. For larger parties, we can arrange multiple vehicles. Every tour remains completely private, no other passengers join your group.
Please contact us directly for details about our cancellation policy. We understand that cruise itineraries can change, and we aim to be as flexible as possible for our guests.
All of our private shore excursions travel in a luxury Mercedes-Benz V-Class, spacious, air-conditioned and comfortable, seating up to seven passengers. Larger groups travel in two matching vehicles so everyone stays together.
Yes. Our tours run rain or shine, and the Causeway Coast is striking in any weather. The Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the Antrim Coast are mostly outdoors, so we simply adjust the pace and timing of stops to keep your day comfortable.
Our vehicles are luxury Mercedes-Benz V-Class cars, which are not wheelchair-accessible, so guests need to be able to step into the vehicle (folding wheelchairs and walking aids can be stored). That said, the tour still suits travellers with limited mobility, many of the main sights can be enjoyed from the vehicle or with only short, optional walks, and we set the pace to suit you. Just let us know your needs when you enquire and we’ll advise on the best fit.
Not really. The terminal sits inside a working harbour about two miles from the centre, on roads with no footpath. Your options are the ship’s shuttle, a taxi from the rank at the terminal, or a private tour that collects you at the gangway.
The cruise line shuttle runs to the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre near City Hall in about fifteen minutes. Some lines include it and some charge, so check your daily programme on board. A taxi from the rank at the terminal takes about ten minutes. We collect you at the terminal itself, so there is no queue and no transfer.
Yes. We plan every cruise day around your ship’s all-aboard time, not ours, and we build in a margin. Your guide knows the road back and keeps an eye on the clock so you do not have to.
We take pride in delivering the best private Belfast shore excursions. Guests consistently highlight our local knowledge, flexibility, and attention to detail.
Don’t just take our word for it, read what our clients say. ➔ Read our reviews
Belfast Express Tour
Murat was a very knowledgeable guide and we enjoyed being with him. He was on time at the cruise port and had a nice vehicle. Would highly recommend him if you want to see Belfast.
Great day in Belfast
Murat was so easy to work with in planning our day in Belfast on our cruise. He puck us up at the port and took us to the and then we spent two hours learning about the “troubles”. He then took us to town for a nice lunch and some shopping. He was so informative and tailored the day to our needs. I would highly recommend using him for a day in Belfast.
Fantastic
A successful tour. Murat was on the cruise ship well in advance. The car was very neatly washed. Murat was very regal and has fulfilled all our wishes. highly recommended
Belfast Tours NI offers a range of resources to help visitors plan a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Our blog post highlights the best things to do in the area and provides insider tips to ensure visitors have an unforgettable experience.
We encourage you to explore our social media channels as well, where you can find additional information and travel inspiration. Trust our team of experts to guide you through the planning process and provide you with the tools you need to fully immerse yourself in the culture and attractions of Ireland.