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County Antrim Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended County Antrim Castle & palace tours

From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour

1. From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour

Discover the beauty of Northern Ireland and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway on a tour from Belfast. Visit the Giants Causeway, Carrickfergus Castle, Glenarm Castle, Carnlough Harbour, Waterfoot Caves, Cushendun Curfew House, Rope Bridge, and The Dark Hedges while navigating the Antrim Coast Road. After leaving Belfast in the morning, a short journey will take you to the first stop of the day at Carrickfergus Castle, a 12th-century Norman castle. Walk around and take photographs of the castle and the harbor. Continue the drive along the Antrim Coast Road, traveling through some of the nine Glens of Antrim. Wind through small towns and villages, hearing the myths and legends of the fairies and leprechauns that reside in these Glens. Driving through Glenarm, pass Carnlough Harbour, the Waterfoot Caves, and Cushendun Curfew house. Travel up through Glencorp and Glendunn, passing the coastal town of Ballycastle before arriving at the Portaneevy View Point to see Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.  Stop to admire views at the rope bridge and look across to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and Rathlin Island. Listen to the stories behind these sights before stopping next at the Dark Hedges, known as the Kingsroad in the Game of Thrones HBO series. Walk among the trees made famous by the Game of Thrones followed by a lunch stop at a traditional pub (costs not included).  Later, visit more locations from the Game of Thrones. Travel by Carnlough Harbour where Arya Stark swam and pass by Magharmorne Quarry where Castle Black was located. The finale of the day is a stop at the Giant’s Causeway where you can explore, walk across the historic stones, and learn about the legend of the Giant Finn MacCool. Discover how and why he built the Causeway.  After your day of exploring is done, travel directly back to Belfast via the inland route and get dropped off back in the city center or at the activity provider's office in Queen's Quarter.

From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Full-Day Guided Tour

2. From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Full-Day Guided Tour

On this full-day excursion to the Giant’s Causeway you’ll leave Belfast in the morning with your Irish guide and fellow travel partners for a drive through the rolling farmland of County Antrim to the northern coast of Ireland – an area of outstanding natural beauty. Dark Hedges (photos) Stop for photos and fresh air at one of the most amazing natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges. The trees were planted centuries ago by the Stuart family to make an impression upon guests visiting their estate. Many guests will recognize Dark Hedges as the King's Road from HBO's Game of Thrones. Carrick-a-Rede (photos) Enjoy amazing views overlooking the rope bridge. Traditionally fishermen erected the bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island over a chasm of 23m-deep and 20m-wide, to harvest salmon from their nets. Enjoy views of the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and Rathlin Island. Unesco Giants Causeway The Giant's Causeway has often been described as the 8th wonder of the world, and once you have visited the site you’ll quickly see why. The area consists of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed during a volcano eruption 60 million years ago. This is one of the world’s great natural attractions although many Irish passionately believe the causeway was built by the Celtic warrior hero Finn McCool. You’re guaranteed 2 hours at the Giant's Causeway on this tour before returning to Belfast. The entrance fee for the visitor center is not included as the Unesco World Heritage Site is actually completely free of charge to the public. Based on years of guest feedback guests prefer to have the best possible value price for the overall tour and then can make individual decisions locally as to whether they wish to access the adjacent visitor center for a fee at the door. Dunluce Castle (The House of Greyjoy) Make a photo stop at the incredible ruins of Dunluce Castle (entry not included), home to the McQuillan family who built the fortress around 500 years ago. Game of Thrones fans will immediately recognize the House of Greyjoy. One of the most spectacular castle ruins anywhere in the world, Dunluce Castle is located on top of cliffs that collapse into the North Atlantic below. The Castle’s dramatic history of violence, intrigue and rebellion is matched by the scandal and betrayal committed by the Greyjoys in Game of Thrones. Enjoy paid admission and approx 60 minutes to explore these most romantic ruins, grounds, and surrounds. Arrive Belfast The tour ends in Belfast in the late afternoon, which allows plenty of time for refreshments, rest, evening dinner, and entertainment options.

Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Belfast (Titanic or Black Taxi)

3. Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Belfast (Titanic or Black Taxi)

Travel through the Boyne Valley on a full-day scenic tour from Dublin, and discover the home of the 5,000-year-old Hill of Tara, the ancient capital of the High Kings of Ireland. Upon arrival in Belfast you have the option to take a political sightseeing tour in an iconic black cab (taxi) or visit the Titanic Experience (the museum will be closed from 2nd January - 28th February 2023) For the black cab tour you will see sites that have played a key role in the city’s political history, such as the Falls and Shankill neighborhoods. Learn about the industrial roots of Belfast, and the 4 decades of civil unrest in the late 20th century. Sign the peace line, the towering wall that divides the communities, and read the political murals. A guide will relate their own family experiences to give your tour a more personal touch. Alternatively, go to the world’s largest state-of-the-art Titanic experience in Belfast’s new Titanic Quarter, located in the former shipyards of Harland and Wolf. This option is unavailable in january and february 2023 Relive the liner’s tragic voyage, sinking, and eventful discovery on the seabed, via exhibits that explain her construction, launch and history in 9 different galleries. Typically the tour would visit the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. However, it is currently closed for tour operators and it is not yet clear as to when it will reopen. As an alternative attraction, visit the very popular Dun Luce Castle. Enjoy this historic castle that dates back over 500 years and which is dramatically positioned on the edge of a cliff over the Atlantic. Discover this castle which has been used to film things like Game of Thrones. Visit and peruse the castle and grounds for 45 minutes. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway, formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. Admire its distinctive rock formations that span nearly 18 miles of coastline. Hike to the formations known as “The Wishing Chair”, “Giant's Boot”, and “Giant's Organ.” Learn the legend of the Irish giant Finn McCool, said to be the Causeway's creator. This is where you have the option to have lunch in a number of venues located at the Causeway. With 2 hours there is ample time to lunch and walk this fabulous coastal landscape. Continue along the Antrim Coastal, driving past spectacular scenery of stony shores, wooded glens and sheltered harbors. See the remains of Dunseverick Castle, and admire views of the Mull of Kintyre. On a clear day, see Scotland in the distance. The route back to Dublin is different than the route taken to the Causeway earlier in the day, giving you different scenery to enjoy. Arrive back in Dublin City Center at 20.30 and enjoy the rest of your evening. The tour guide will be on hand to help you with any directions or information you need.

Belfast: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle

4. Belfast: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle

Discover the famous Giant's Causeway on a guided tour from Belfast. Visit the Dark Hedges, made famous in Game of Thrones, and admire the scenic views around Dunluce Castle. Depart Belfast and travel by coach to The Dark Hedges, a beautiful avenue of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century as an impressive feature of the driveway to their Gracehill Manor. Continue to the Giant's Causeway to marvel at 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Learn about the legend of Finn, said to have built the causeway to cross the Irish Sea to fight a Scottish giant known as Benandonner. Enjoy impressive views of Sheep Island and the Mull of Kintyre. Take around 2 hours to explore and look around. Stop for a picture at Dunluce Castle, a now-ruined medieval castle. Capture this photogenic castle built in the 13th century and hear how it has inspired many TV programs, poems, and songs.

Belfast: Full-Day Giant's Causeway & Antrim Private Tour

5. Belfast: Full-Day Giant's Causeway & Antrim Private Tour

Discover the magic of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giants Causeway on a full-day trip from Belfast. The Giants Causeway Tour from Belfast allows visitors to enjoy some of the most beautiful Antrim coast and Causeway coast scenery our country has to offer. The views along this Causeway coastline are spectacular, no wonder it is one of the most visited destinations in Europe! Join us on our Giants Causeway Tour from Belfast as we travel to what is often referred to as ‘the eighth wonder of the world. The Giant’s Causeway is made up of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, most of which are hexagonal in shape as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption. On this Giants Causeway Tour from Belfast, you will visit some of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions like Dunluce Castle, and Old Bushmills Distillery, and summon your courage to cross the nail-biting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. We are happy to accommodate any amendments or requests to stop off at other sites. All our tours are tailor-made for each individual customer, as we value your own ideas and suggestions. If you have any specific queries about the itinerary just get in touch and we will assist you in any way we can. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: (Please note that the Carrick-A-Rede Rope bridge may sometimes be closed due to weather conditions or repairs. There will be a 1-mile walk from the car park to the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge if you have mobility issues, have small children, or use a stroller that can't handle unpaved pathways. (If you wish to cross the bridge you will need to pre-book your ticket) Please let us know before purchasing your tickets and we will advise of an approx. time of arrival. if you do not wish to cross, we can stop at the viewing point for photos. Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery: If you wish to take a tour at the Bushmills Distillery you will need to pre-book your ticket) Please let us know before purchasing your tickets and we will advise of an approx. time of arrival. Please Note: The distillery is only open Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, and the last admission is 4:00 Pm.

Belfast: North Irish Coast and Giant's Causeway Private Tour

6. Belfast: North Irish Coast and Giant's Causeway Private Tour

Drive the North Antrim Coast to Carnlough harbor, most famous for the Game of Thrones, then through the nine Glens of Antrim. You will be passing through Glendun, the smallest of the nine glens but by far the most beautiful. Arrive at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge where you can brave the bridge if you dare, followed by some well-earned lunch. After this, you travel along the Causeway Coast and arrive at the Giants Causeway, famous for the legend of Finn McCool and a must-see world heritage site. After leaving the Causeway you will visit the world-famous Bushmills Distillery where you will taste the oldest whiskey in the world in their 1608 bar. You’ll visit the majestic Dunluce Castle before starting your return journey to Belfast. Finally, as you journey back towards Belfast you will take in the Dark Hedges made famous as the ‘Kings Road’ in the Game of Thrones.

Frequently asked questions about County Antrim Castle & palace tours

What are other things to do than Castle & palace tours that are worth visiting in County Antrim?

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What people are saying about County Antrim

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 392 reviews

The tour was perfect especially to those who are fans of Game of Thrones. I commend our tour guide who gave fun facts about each towns that we passed through. The journey towards every destination was breathtaking as we traverse through seaside roads and valleys. My favorite part was the Giant's Causeway because of the amazing rock formations and beautiful scenery. Good thing we can bring water and something to eat inside the bus. Also, dress appropriately as the weather is unpredictable.

It was a great trip. I loved visiting the locations, and the tour staff was awesome. It was definitely worth the money and will consider booking tours with Finn McCools Tours in the future.

Excellent experience. We saw all the sites and our driver come guide Lindsey was very knowledgeable with a great humour. Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic day our driver/guide John was an absolute star very entertaining guy ,with songs and jokes aswell as information and folklore stories.

This was fantastic, it is truly a unique experience. We were lucky to have excellent weather.