More about: 10 Best Giant's Causeway Day Trips from Dublin
The Giant's Causeway is one of the most fascinating natural formations in the world. The regularity of the basalt rocks that form it has fired the imagination of the Irish for centuries. Today, thanks to tourism, it also fascinates people from all over the world, who travel to this place to be captivated by its aura of mystery.
There are many ways to make a trip to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin. I have looked at them all and I want to present them one by one with all the information you will need to make your visit to Ireland a colossal experience. Especially if you have already seen everything there is to see and do in Dublin and want to complement your visit with an incredible excursion.
Belfast and Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Dublin
Explore Belfast and the Giant's Causeway with this 1 day tour from Dublin (all transfers included).
You'll see landmarks such as the Peace Wall and the Titanic Museum in Belfast, and you can also visit the Giant's Causeway, an impressive natural sculpture made of 40,000 basalt columns plunging gently into the sea.
If you are in Dublin and you want to explore Northern Ireland, there is no better option than to take a tour of Belfast and the Giant's Causeway accompanied by a local guide. During the tour you'll learn lots of anecdotes and fun facts about the history of the region, from the origins of the conflict between Catholics and Protestants to the legends of the north coast.
In Belfast, you'll visit the famous Peace Wall, covered in graffiti and ideological messages, a symbol of the historic division between communities. You can also visit the Titanic Museum, located on the site where the legendary ocean liner was built, and discover its design, construction and the history of those who took part in it.
And, of course, visit one of the world's great natural parks, the Giant's Causeway, where you will walk along the coast and witness the approximately 40,000 basalt columns that have an almost perfect hexagonal shape that repeats itself over and over again.
Recommended if... you are visiting Ireland and like to be in touch with nature.
1. Giant's Causeway direct tour
This tour may be the best option if you are only interested in visiting the Giant's Causeway without stopping elsewhere. This tour will take you from Dublin directly to the Giant's Causeway with no stops in between. Of course, once you have eaten, you can spend some time in Belfast until it's time to return to Dublin.
Facts and Figures
- Type of transport: Minibus.
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Journey time: 9 hours.
- Common stops: Giant's Causeway and Belfast.
- Approximate price: from €70.
- Recommended if... you don't have much time or don't want intermediate stops between Dublin and the Giant's Causeway.
2. Giant's Causeway 1 Day Tour
A recommended experience if you don't have much time or if you don't want to spend more time on the Giant's Causeway than is necessary. To make your plans come true, there are these types of 1-day excursions.
Due to time constraints, unlike other longer tours, this one does not stop in Belfast, so you will go directly from Dublin to the sights.
Facts & Figures
- Type of transport: Minibus.
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 11 hours.
- Common stops: Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, Giant's Causeway and Carrick-A-Red Bridge.
- Approximate price: from €60.
- Recommended... if you want to see the Giant's Causeway and nearby attractions without stopping in Belfast.
3. 1 day private luxury tour to the Giant's Causeway
If you are looking for an exclusive, personalised option suitable for you or your family, this is the tour for you. By hiring this type of excursion you will be able to feel the comfort of travelling in a private vehicle with a driver and with space for 5 people.
As usual in this type of private excursions, the extensive services are assured: they usually include the pick-up at your hotel as well as exclusive attention (for example bottled water, snacks and parking costs, although this has to be checked in each offer).
Interesting facts
- Type of transport: 5-seater car
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 12 hours.
- Common stops: Giant's Causeway, Ballintoy and Dunluce Castle.
- Approximate Price: from £800 per group (up to 4 people)
- Recommended if... you want to see the Giant's Causeway and other nearby attractions in comfort and only with family or acquaintances.
4. 2 day Giant's Causeway Tour from Dublin by train
This tour option is particularly suitable if you want to visit the Giant's Causeway and other attractions in Northern Ireland in a more leisurely fashion. As usual, it consists of an itinerary departing from Dublin, but using the train. Staff from the company will help you check in at the train station, so you don't have to worry about anything.
Accommodation depends on the tour, although hotel nights are usually included in the price. The category of hotel can vary considerably between the companies available.
Interesting facts
This is a very complete type of excursion. I show you everything they usually offer:
- Type of transport: Train to Belfast and the rest of the trip by bus.
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to Belfast.
- Approximate duration: 8 hours each day.
- Common stops: Dunluce Castle, Antrim Coast, Carrick-A-Rede Bridge and Belfast.
- Approximate price: from €300.
- Recommended... for a more in-depth visit without being overpriced.
Just two things to bear in mind. These tours are not available all year round because a lot of them take place outdoors, which can be hampered by bad weather. Or they often do away with outdoor activities. Check this point out if you are travelling in winter to avoid surprises.
5. 3 Day Tour to the Giant's Causeway and other attractions in the region
For those who want total immersion and don't want to be left half way with any of the attractions surrounding the Giant's Causeway and the region in which it is set. These are excursions that include practically everything you may require for an optimal experience.
The first two days will be very intense, as the tour covers up to 12 hours a day. Naturally, there are moments to rest and disconnect for a while and be alone with ourselves or with the family. This is very necessary as these excursions are usually programmed for a total of 50 travellers (or even more).
Interesting facts
- Type of transport: Bus.
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 12 hours each day.
- Common stops: Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Dunluce Castle, Drumclif Abbey and Monasterboice and Derry.
- Approximate price: from €230.
- Recommended if... you are looking to see the Giant's Causeway and other delights of Northern Ireland in depth.
6. Customised Giant's Causeway Tour
Most tours set out a route that cannot be altered. But, imagine you want to see the Giant's Causeway, but don't necessarily want to stop at places that have been decided for you. No problem: there are exclusive tours that will take you to the Giant's Causeway, with the itinerary decided by you.
Without a doubt, the best way to make a trip to your liking, choosing the stops and the time you are going to spend on each thing.
Interesting facts
- Type of transport: Car with chauffeur.
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 1 day
- Common stops: the Calzada de los Gigantes and all the places that interest you. The itinerary is up to you.
- Recommended if... you want to go at your own pace and with the utmost comfort, without depending on schedules or routes pre-set by others.
- Approximate price: from 500 €.
7. The Giant's Causeway without the queues: priority access tours
Time is money, especially when you are in Northern Ireland and there is so much to see. Most tours to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin take advantage of the itinerary to make other stops. If the tour is a day trip, it's always good to make the most of your time.
That's what these tours are for. With them, you can also enjoy priority access: no more queues! Although visiting the Giant's Causeway is free, you usually have to wait in line because there is a queue for each visit.
Interesting facts
- Type of transport: Bus.
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 12 hours.
- Common stops: Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway.
- Approximate cost: from €50.
- Recommended... for a quick visit without wasting time queuing and waiting.
8. Train trip to Belfast and bus pick up
Why go by train from Dublin to Belfast and then go from the capital of Northern Ireland to the Giant's Causeway?
Admittedly, at first glance it may seem a bit of a shock, but it does make some sense. If you're looking for comfort, there's no question that the train is a quieter mode of transport. Especially if you want to take in the scenery without the bumps and numerous stops.
Interesting facts
If this type of excursion is the one that best suits your needs, here is what you can expect from them:
- Type of transport: Train to Belfast and then bus.
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes Dublin-Belfast.
- Approximate travel time: 13 hours.
- Common stops: Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre and Carrick-A-Rede Bridge.
- Approximate price: from €125.
- Recommended... to see the must-see sights of Northern Ireland and travel in the comfort of a train.
By the way, if you are feeling adventurous and want to go to Belfast on your own, here is an article on how to get to Belfast from Dublin.
9. Giant's Causeway tour in the context of a Game of Thrones themed tour
Ireland has several locations that have featured in the Game of Thrones series. Not surprising given its evocative landscapes, castles and medieval ruins.
If you're a fan of the series, you can tour all the locations that have been featured in the series and are located near or on the route from Dublin to the Giant's Causeway. It is, without a doubt, an ideal option if you are travelling with children.
Facts and Figures
Everything is in place to make your tour as fantastic as the series. Check that it fits what you are looking for by checking its route and services:
- Type of transport: Bus.
- Journey time: 3 hours.
- Approximate travel time: 13 hours.
- Common stops: Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Giant's Causeway and Belfast.
- Approximate price: from €50.
- Recommended if... you are a fan of Game of Thrones and mystery and legend tours.
By the way, if you want to continue exploring all that Ireland has contributed to the famous fantasy series, don't miss this article about Game of Thrones tours in Dublin
10. Giant's Causeway Tour & Irish Whiskey Tasting
To make your experience as Irish as possible, you can opt for curious excursions that combine the beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant's Causeway, with the good taste of a drink that should also be a World Heritage Site: Irish whiskey. This is due to the relative proximity of the natural basalt formation and the famous Bushmills Distillery.
Interesting facts
If you've enjoyed what you've read, that's just a taste of what's to come. Here's what you'll be able to enjoy:
- Type of transport: Bus.
- Journey time: 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 13 hours.
- Common stops: Giant's Causeway, Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre and Bushmills Distillery.
- Approximate price: from €80.
- Recommended if... you want to complement your visit with something typically Irish such as whisky.
Important tips to consider when visiting the Giant's Causeway from Dublin
The experience of visiting the Giant's Causeway from Dublin is great, but be careful not to overlook two very important elements. Both stem from the same fact: the Giant's Causeway is in Northern Ireland, and this part of the island is part of the United Kingdom and not the Republic of Ireland.
This means two basic things: firstly, you'll need to carry pounds sterling since, as you know, it's the currency of the UK and Ireland is part of the Eurozone.
Generally, one pound is equivalent to approximately 0.80 to 0.85 €. But, like everything else, it can vary. I advise you to check the pound-euro exchange rate here when you leave. That way, you will be well prepared.
In any case, if there are no huge fluctuations, the pound is likely to remain somewhat stronger than the euro, so prices there will be more expensive for you than if you stay in Ireland.
The second tip is also related to politics, and that is Brexit. From the end of 2021, it will no longer be possible to enter the UK with just your ID card, as is the case in EU countries. So remember to take a valid passport with you.