Explore the captivating landscapes and cultural heritage of Northern Ireland on this comprehensive tour from Dublin. Venture to the iconic Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unique basalt rock formations. Discover the picturesque Dark Hedges, featured in the hit TV series Game of Thrones, and uncover the medieval grandeur of Dunluce Castle perched atop a rocky outcrop. Enjoy the vibrant capital of Belfast, where you’ll explore the city’s rich history and vibrant present. This journey promises to enchant and inspire, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the wonders that await beyond Dublin’s borders.
Just The Basics
- This full-day tour from Dublin explores top attractions in Northern Ireland, including the iconic Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges, and the city of Belfast.
- The tour provides scenic drives along the Coastal route and the Glens of Antrim, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and serene countryside.
- Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Giants Causeway, known for its unique basalt rock formations, and learn about its connection to Game of Thrones.
- The tour includes a visit to the Dark Hedges, another Game of Thrones filming location, as well as the medieval Dunluce Castle with its coastal views.
- The tour also allows for exploration of Belfast’s vibrant city center, historic landmarks, and cultural heritage, complementing the natural wonders visited earlier.
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Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Dublin takes visitors on a journey to explore Northern Ireland’s top attractions, including the iconic Giants Causeway, the historic Dunluce Castle, the picturesque Dark Hedges, and the vibrant city of Belfast.
The scenic drive along the Coastal route and over the Glens of Antrim offers breathtaking views. At the Giants Causeway, guests can marvel at the striking basalt columns and learn about their geological formation.
The tour also includes a visit to a Game of Thrones filming location at the Dark Hedges. In Belfast, participants have the opportunity to explore the city center.
Throughout the day, a professional guide provides live commentary, ensuring an informative and engaging experience.
Top Attractions
The Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the tour’s primary attraction. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the unique basalt rock formations captivate visitors with their striking geometric patterns and dramatic cliffs overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.
The tour also includes stops at:
- The Dark Hedges, a picturesque avenue of centuries-old beech trees featured in the popular TV series Game of Thrones.
- Dunluce Castle, a medieval castle perched precariously on a rocky outcrop with breathtaking coastal views.
Belfast, Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital, where the tour explores the city center and its historic landmarks.
These iconic attractions showcase the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of Northern Ireland, making this tour a must-do experience for visitors to Dublin.
Coastal Route and Glens
After exploring the top attractions like the Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle, the tour embarks on a scenic drive along the Coastal route and over the Glens of Antrim, showcasing the region’s stunning natural landscapes.
Passengers gaze out the window as the coach winds through the rugged coastal cliffs and rolling green hills of this picturesque part of Northern Ireland.
The Glens of Antrim, a series of glacial valleys, provide breathtaking vistas of moorlands, forests, and cascading streams. This scenic journey allows travelers to enjoy the serene beauty of the Irish countryside, offering a peaceful contrast to the historical landmarks visited earlier in the day.
Game of Thrones Filming
Fans of the hit HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ will delight in the tour’s visit to one of the show’s iconic filming locations – the Dark Hedges. This stunning avenue of intertwined beech trees served as the Kingsroad, one of the most recognizable scenes from the show. Visitors can stroll along the same path that Arya Stark made her dramatic escape.
The tour also stops at other notable filming sites:
- Dunluce Castle, which doubled as the Greyjoy ancestral home of the Iron Islands.
- The Giant’s Causeway, where scenes featuring Stannis Baratheon’s army were filmed.
- Belfast, home to the show’s production studio where many interior sets were constructed.
Belfast City Exploration
Along With exploring Northern Ireland’s picturesque countryside, the tour also provides an opportunity for visitors to discover the vibrant city of Belfast.
Travelers can wander through the lively city center, admiring the blend of historic architecture and modern developments that characterize this dynamic urban destination.
They’ll have the chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of Belfast, from the grand city hall to the thought-provoking murals that depict the region’s complex history.
Whether it’s browsing the bustling shops and cafes or learning about the city’s industrial past, the Belfast leg of the tour offers a well-rounded experience that complements the natural wonders visited earlier in the day.
Tour Inclusions
The tour typically includes a professional guide who provides live commentary throughout the journey. The air-conditioned vehicle also features a convenient luggage compartment for passengers’ belongings.
The tour inclusions are:
- A professional guide who offers informative insights and narratives about the sights along the way.
- Live commentary on board, allowing travelers to learn more about the history and significance of the landmarks.
- An air-conditioned vehicle that provides a comfortable mode of transportation and a storage space for luggage.
While the tour package covers these key elements, visitors will need to arrange for their own food, drinks, and hotel accommodations separately.
Tour Details
This full-day tour departs from outside the Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane in Parnell Square North at 6:45 AM, with a drop-off point at 12 Aston Quay in Temple Bar, Dublin. The tour is not recommended for small children, those with walking disabilities, back problems, heart conditions, pregnant women, or serious medical conditions, but it is stroller accessible and near public transportation. With over 2,974 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, including the Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and Belfast city center.
| Tour Details | |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day |
| Meeting Point | Outside Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, Parnell Square N, Dublin 01 |
| Drop-off Point | 12 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 TE81 |
| Start Time | 6:45 am |
| Accessibility | Stroller accessible, near public transportation |
Tour Suitability
Typically, this tour isn’t recommended for small children, those with walking disabilities, back problems, heart conditions, pregnant women, or individuals with serious medical conditions. The tour involves a significant amount of walking and explores uneven terrain at the Giants Causeway and Dark Hedges.
However, the tour is stroller accessible, making it suitable for families with young children.
The tour is well-suited for:
- Able-bodied individuals who can comfortably walk for extended periods.
- Those interested in exploring Northern Ireland’s top attractions, including the iconic Giants Causeway and Game of Thrones filming locations.
- Travelers seeking a comprehensive day trip from Dublin that showcases the region’s natural beauty and historical sites.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour overview, the tour inclusions don’t cover food and drinks. This means that participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour.
However, it’s important to note that the tour provider may have specific policies or restrictions regarding food and drinks on the bus or during the tour stops. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any clarification on this matter.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
According to the tour details, the standard duration of the tour is a full day. However, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration.
The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and visits to the key highlights, but food, drinks, and hotel transfers aren’t included.
Passengers should consider their needs and physical abilities when booking, as the tour may not be suitable for certain individuals.
Do You Offer Discounts for Group Bookings?
The tour operator does offer discounts for group bookings.
For groups of 4 or more, they provide a 10% discount on the total booking cost. This makes the tour more affordable for larger parties and families.
The discount is automatically applied at the time of booking, so customers don’t need to request it separately. It’s a great way to save on this popular day trip from Dublin.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
While the tour operator offers a set itinerary, they’re typically open to customizing the experience to suit customers’ preferences.
Travelers can discuss modifying the schedule or adding/removing certain stops with the guide prior to the tour. However, any significant changes may incur an additional fee.
The operator give you a flexible and personalized experience within reason to ensure guests enjoy their time.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?
The tour’s cancellation and refund policy is straightforward. Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and receive a full refund.
Within 24 hours of the tour, no refunds are offered. However, customers can reschedule their tour for another date if they’re unable to attend.
This flexible policy allows guests to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can make changes if needed.
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Final Words
This comprehensive Northern Ireland tour from Dublin offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing the region’s top attractions.
Visitors will be captivated by the iconic Giants Causeway, the picturesque Dark Hedges, the stunning Dunluce Castle, and the vibrant city of Belfast.
With a focus on cultural heritage and natural wonders, this tour provides an immersive glimpse into the unique character of Northern Ireland.
