Giants Causeway & Castles Tour from Belfast: Guided tour

Your adventure begins at Carrickfergus Castle, one of the most impressive and best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland. Built in 1177, this formidable fortress has withstood sieges and battles from the Scots, Irish, English, and French for over 800 years.

Stroll along the ancient stone walls and battlements, and take in sweeping views across the harbor. Don’t miss the striking statue of King William III, commemorating his historic landing here in 1690.

You can choose to explore inside the castle (entry optional) to uncover its fascinating past, or simply wander the scenic grounds, capturing postcard-perfect photos and perhaps enjoying a coffee break before the next leg of your journey.

Sit back and soak up the beauty of the legendary Antrim Coast.

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes. Pass through charming seaside villages like Ballygally, where colorful cottages and quiet shores capture the essence of coastal life.

Marvel at the towering cliffs, golden beaches, and panoramic Atlantic views that make this route one of the most breathtaking in the world — a perfect opportunity for stunning photos and peaceful moments along the way.

Gaze upon the elegance of Glenarm Castle – where history meets breathtaking coastal scenery.

As the journey continues along the Antrim Coast, enjoy sweeping views of Glenarm Castle, one of Northern Ireland’s most storied estates. Set amid rolling green hills and overlooking Glenarm Bay, this 17th-century castle remains one of Ireland’s oldest continuously inhabited homes.

This drive-by stop perfectly blends heritage and natural beauty, with the castle’s graceful architecture framed by the unspoiled coastal landscape — an ideal spot for photos and a moment to take in the timeless charm of the Antrim shoreline.

Discover the charm of Carnlough Harbour – where coastal beauty meets television fame.

Journey through the picturesque fishing village of Carnlough, nestled along the breathtaking Antrim Coast. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize this quaint harbor from Season 6, where Arya Stark makes her daring escape — bringing a touch of fantasy to this real-world gem.

Beyond its screen stardom, Carnlough Harbour delights with its colorful fishing boats, historic stone buildings, and rugged shoreline views. It’s the perfect place to pause for photos, breathe in the fresh sea air, and soak up the peaceful charm of Northern Ireland’s coast.

Experience the magic of the Glens of Antrim – nine valleys of storybook beauty.

Travel through the Glens of Antrim, a breathtaking series of nine lush valleys that sweep from the rugged Antrim Plateau down to the sparkling coastline. Each glen tells its own tale, rich with local legend, charm, and natural wonder.

As you wind through this enchanting landscape, take in rolling green hills, cascading streams, and panoramic coastal views that make this region one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic and scenic treasures. Don’t forget your camera — every turn reveals another picture-perfect moment along this unforgettable stretch of the Antrim Coast.

Marvel at the dramatic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint.

Pause at the iconic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint, perched above the 75-foot chasm separating the mainland from Carrick Island. While this tour does not include crossing the bridge, the viewpoint alone offers stunning panoramas of jagged cliffs, turquoise Atlantic waters, and the rugged coastline.

It’s an ideal stop for photos, soaking in the fresh sea air, and taking a moment to appreciate the raw, dramatic beauty of Northern Ireland’s coast.

Step into the enchanting Dark Hedges – a natural wonder with a touch of TV magic.

Visit the Dark Hedges, a dramatic avenue of 300-year-old beech trees that fans of Game of Thrones will instantly recognize as the Kingsroad, where Arya Stark made her daring escape. Even beyond its on-screen fame, this leafy tunnel offers a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for stunning photos and peaceful strolls.

After exploring, pause for a delicious lunch at the nearby Hedges Hotel, where great food meets spectacular scenery. Recharge and savor the views before continuing your journey along the breathtaking Antrim Coast.

Catch a glimpse of the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery.

Drive past Old Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest working whiskey distillery, crafting premium whiskey since 1608. While this tour does not include a distillery visit, you’ll have the chance to admire this iconic landmark, learn about its fascinating history, and capture photos of the historic buildings set against the stunning Antrim Coast scenery.

Explore the dramatic Dunluce Castle – a cliffside medieval masterpiece.

Stop at Dunluce Castle, perched precariously on a cliff overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize it as the House of Greyjoy, while all visitors can appreciate its rich history, legend, and breathtaking coastal vistas.

Guests can choose to explore the castle ruins or simply admire them from the outside. Either way, this stop offers a spectacular backdrop for photos and a chance to experience one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.

End your journey at the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway – a natural wonder like no other.

Arrive at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, and hear the legend of Finn McCool, the mythical giant said to have created this extraordinary landscape.

With free admission, you’ll have plenty of time to walk among the columns, capture unforgettable photos, and soak in the dramatic coastal scenery. This unforgettable stop is truly the highlight of the tour and a must-see for every visitor to Northern Ireland.