Frequently Asked Questions About Our Private Belfast Tours

Private tours are limited exclusively to travellers in your party and can be tailored to the interests of you and your travelling companions.

Belfast Tours FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Belfast Tours FAQ. Here you’ll find answers to the questions we’re asked most often about our private tours across Belfast and Northern Ireland — from the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones filming locations to cruise shore excursions and chauffeur travel. We’ve grouped everything below to help you plan your visit with ease and confidence. If you have any other questions or need personalised advice, our team is always happy to assist and make sure your tour is unforgettable.

If you still have Belfast tour questions, our team is always happy to help — this Belfast tours FAQ gathers the most useful Belfast tour information and Belfast tours help in one place, with clear answers to the Belfast tour FAQs we are asked most.

ABOUT OUR TOURS

Here are the questions we’re asked most about booking and travelling on a private tour with us — from pricing and vehicles to how your day is arranged.

What is a private guided tour with Belfast Tours NI?

A private guided tour is exclusively for your group, with no set departure dates, no minimum numbers and nobody else to share with. You choose the dates, the pace and the must-see stops, and your local guide builds the day around you in a luxury Mercedes-Benz.

Is travelling with a private guide expensive?

Not as much as people expect. Because the tour is private, the cost is shared across your group, so the price per person often matches a busy coach tour, with far more comfort and freedom. Our pricing is fixed and the same for every guest. Contact us for an exact quote.

Is the Giant’s Causeway tour from Belfast worth it?

Yes, a Giant’s Causeway tour from Belfast is well worth it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a private tour also takes in Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges and the Causeway Coast in one relaxed day, without timetables or crowds setting your pace.

What is the best Giant’s Causeway tour?

The best Giant’s Causeway tour is a private one built around your group. Ours collects you from your Belfast hotel or cruise terminal, includes the Causeway plus the coastal highlights, and runs to your schedule. Short on time? Our Giant’s Causeway Express covers the icons in five to six hours.

Is the Game of Thrones tour worth it?

Yes. Northern Ireland was the real-life backdrop for Westeros. On a private Game of Thrones tour you stand at genuine filming locations such as the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour and Cushendun Caves, with a guide who knows every scene, all explored at your own pace.

What vehicles do you use, and is there WiFi and charging?

We travel in luxury Mercedes-Benz V-Class vehicles with leather interiors, rear air conditioning and generous space. Phone charging is available on board and your guide keeps you comfortable all day. For larger groups we provide a second vehicle so everyone travels together.

What are your payment methods?

For single-day tours we take a deposit by bank transfer to secure your date, with the balance paid in cash on the day. Multi-day tours and travel-agent bookings are paid in full by invoice. All prices are fixed, so every guest pays the same fair rate.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We keep things fair and clear. Full details of our cancellation and refund terms are set out on our terms and conditions page. If your plans change, contact us as early as you can and we will always do our best to help.

How do I change my booking?

Simply contact us by email or phone with your booking details and the change you need. Because your tour is private, we can usually adjust the date, pickup time or itinerary to suit you, subject to availability. The sooner you let us know, the easier it is to arrange.

Do you offer cruise shore excursions from Belfast?

Yes. We meet cruise passengers at the Belfast cruise terminal and tailor the day to your ship’s schedule, always returning you on time. With limited hours ashore we suggest the Giant’s Causeway, Game of Thrones or Belfast city highlights. See our Belfast shore excursions for details.

How will we meet our guide at the cruise port?

Your guide will be waiting at the Belfast cruise terminal holding a Belfast Tours NI sign showing your name, ready as you step ashore. We track your ship’s arrival, so even if it docks early or late, your guide will be there to greet you.

What happens if my cruise ship is delayed or arrives early?

There is no need to worry. We monitor your ship’s movements and adjust your pickup to match. If you arrive early, your guide aims to be ready early too; if you are delayed, we simply reshape the day and still bring you back to the ship in good time.

ABOUT NORTHERN IRELAND

Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? These answers cover the best time to visit, how many days you need, and the most beautiful places to see.

How many days do you need in Northern Ireland?

Two to four days is ideal. One day covers the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast; two to three days adds Belfast, the Titanic Quarter and Game of Thrones locations; four days lets you reach Derry and the Mourne Mountains too. We build private multi-day tours to match.

What is the best time to visit Northern Ireland?

May to September brings the longest days and mildest weather, ideal for the Causeway Coast. April and October are quieter and still beautiful. Northern Ireland is green all year, so there is no bad time to visit; your private guide simply adapts the day to the season.

What is the most beautiful place in Northern Ireland?

It is hard to beat the Causeway Coast, with the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede and Dunluce Castle along one dramatic shoreline. The Glens of Antrim, the Mourne Mountains and the walled city of Derry are close rivals. A private tour lets you enjoy several in a single day.

What are the top things to do in Northern Ireland?

Visit the Giant’s Causeway, cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, walk the Dark Hedges, explore Titanic Belfast and tour the city’s murals. Many sights, including the Causeway stones and the city murals, are free to enjoy, and almost all are family-friendly for every age.

ABOUT THE ATTRACTIONS

From the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede to the Dark Hedges and Titanic Belfast — the questions we’re asked most about the landmarks our tours visit.

Can you walk on the Giant’s Causeway?

Yes. You can walk right out onto the famous basalt columns and feel the hexagonal stones beneath your feet. The main path from the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre is gentle and well surfaced, though sturdy footwear helps near the water. Your guide points out the best formations, like the Giant’s Boot.

Is the Giant’s Causeway free, and can you just turn up?

The Giant’s Causeway stones themselves are free and open to walk to, so you do not need a ticket. The visitor centre and car park are paid. On a private tour we handle the driving and parking, so you simply step out and enjoy the Causeway.

How far is Belfast from the Giant’s Causeway?

The Giant’s Causeway is about 51 miles from Belfast, roughly 60 miles by road and around an hour and a quarter’s drive each way. On a private tour you relax while your guide drives the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, turning the journey itself into part of the day.

How much time do you need at the Giant’s Causeway?

Allow one to two hours to walk down to the stones, explore the formations and take photographs. On our tours this sits comfortably within a full day that also includes Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges and Bushmills, so you never feel rushed at any single stop.

What caused the Giant’s Causeway?

The Giant’s Causeway formed around 60 million years ago, when volcanic activity sent molten lava flowing to the coast. As it cooled and contracted it cracked into some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Legend, of course, credits the giant Finn McCool, a story your guide will happily tell.

Do you need to pre-book Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge?

Yes. Carrick-a-Rede uses timed tickets and they often sell out in summer, so booking ahead is essential. As part of a private tour we plan your crossing into the day’s timing and advise on tickets, so you arrive for your slot without any stress.

Do you have to pay to cross Carrick-a-Rede, and is it worth it?

There is an admission ticket to cross the rope bridge, and most visitors find it well worth it. The bridge sways nearly 30 metres above the sea with breathtaking coastal views. If heights are not for you, the clifftop walk and viewpoints are spectacular in themselves.

How long is the Carrick-a-Rede walk?

The walk from the car park to the rope bridge is about one kilometre each way, along a scenic clifftop path, taking roughly 15 to 20 minutes in each direction. Allow around an hour overall to enjoy the bridge, the views and photographs at an easy pace.

What is the story behind the Dark Hedges?

The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors arriving at their estate. Two centuries on, the trees arch together into a haunting tunnel, made world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.

How long does it take to walk the Dark Hedges, and is there a cost?

The Dark Hedges is free to visit, and walking the avenue takes only 15 to 20 minutes, making it an easy, memorable stop. The road is closed to traffic, so you can stroll and photograph freely. We include it on our Game of Thrones and Causeway tours.

Did the Titanic come from Belfast?

Yes. RMS Titanic was designed and built in Belfast at the Harland and Wolff shipyard, and launched here in 1911. The city’s Titanic Quarter stands on the very slipways where she was created, which is why Belfast is known as the true home of Titanic.

Is Titanic Belfast worth visiting?

Yes, very much so. Titanic Belfast is a world-leading visitor experience on the original shipyard site, telling the full story through striking galleries. A visit takes two to three hours, and we can pair it with a private Belfast city tour for the complete picture.

Why is the Titanic famous in Belfast?

Titanic is part of Belfast’s identity because she was born here, built by 15,000 local workers at Harland and Wolff. The city honours that heritage at Titanic Belfast and the surrounding Titanic Quarter. Your guide brings the shipyard’s human stories to life on a city tour.

ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

We also offer private chauffeur travel across the border. Here’s what to know about Dublin, Donegal and getting there from Belfast.

Do you offer tours in the Republic of Ireland?

In the Republic of Ireland we provide private chauffeur services and golf transfers rather than guided tours. From Belfast we can drive you in comfort to Dublin, Donegal or beyond. Our guided tours focus on Northern Ireland, where our local knowledge is at its strongest.

How do I get from Belfast to Dublin?

Belfast to Dublin is around 100 miles, about two hours by road. While trains and buses run between the cities, our private chauffeur service takes you door to door in comfort, on your own schedule, with the freedom to stop at sights along the way.

Do I need my passport to travel between Belfast and Dublin?

There are no border checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, so you will not need your passport to cross. It is still wise to carry photo ID for hotels or flights. Remember the Republic uses the euro, while Northern Ireland uses pound sterling.

What are the best things to do in Dublin?

Dublin’s highlights include Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and the lively Temple Bar district. Two days is enough to enjoy the city’s main sights. We can arrange a private chauffeur to take you there comfortably from Belfast.

If the FAQ couldn’t help you, please send us a message and we will be happy to answer your question.

Travel Tips & Inspiration for Exploring Northern Ireland

At Belfast Tours NI, we share a wealth of resources to help you plan an unforgettable trip across Belfast and Northern Ireland. Our blog is packed with detailed guides, insider tips and honest recommendations — from must-see landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway to the hidden gems only a local guide would know.

Be sure to follow our social media channels too, for travel inspiration, breathtaking photos and the latest updates on our private tours. Our local guides are always here to help you experience the very best of Northern Ireland’s landscapes, history and culture.