Doing a Northern Ireland Causeway Coastal tour should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s well-known for being one of the most beautiful drives in the world with many scenic stops along the way. Its breathtaking castles, geological wonders and magical coastlines offer the ultimate road trip. Because my day here was so incredible, I love sharing my tips about the Ireland Causeway Coastal Tour to Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Dark Hedges. For Game of Thrones fans, this is a special trip going to 2 film locations for the popular series.
Causeway Coastal Route goes along the northern coast of Northern Ireland 193 km (120 m) between Belfast & Londonderry. My one-day tour from Belfast included the iconic sites, such as, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Dark Hedges. Other incredible stops on the route are Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle, Gobbins Cliff Path, Ballintoy Harbour, Glenarm Castle and Torr Head.
My Northern Ireland
Causeway Coastal Tour from Belfast
My stay in Belfast was on a cruise ship where I work as an Acupuncturist. So, I only had 9 am to 5 pm to explore. I booked online an Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Tour with Paddywagon Tours. From my cruise port, I took an Uber to Europa Hotel in downtown Belfast, where our bus left at 9:45 am. Then, we drove one hour to our first stop at Dunluce Castle. Next, we explored the Giant’s Causeway with lunch at The Giant’s Barn Café. Finally, at our last stop we walked among the Dark Hedges.
We arrived back at the hotel by 4:30. Because 3 of us were on the cruise ship, the tour guide arranged a shuttle for taking us back to the ship, returning on time. Overall, I give 2 thumbs up to Paddywagon Tours. The bus took us to these 3 iconic destinations and gave us free time to enjoy each location. The tour was just 40 pounds, and it also does tours from Dublin to the Causeway Coast.
Geology and Legend of Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the most famous basalt lava flows in the world. It comprises of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns spread along 29 km (18 m) of the coastline. They formed 50 -60 million years ago from the ancient volcanic fissure eruptions. The molten basalt cooled and contracted forming the vertical, polygonal columns. Their heights vary with the highest being 12 m (39 ft). At first glance, this anomaly almost looks like manmade cement columns. However, this is a grand example of a natural wonder designed by Mother Earth.
In a nutshell, the legend goes that the Irish giant, Finn McCool built the causeway columns to reach another giant, Bennandoner. This giant lived on the Isle of Staffa at Fingal’s Cave in Scotland, where lies basalt columns from the same lava flow. Bennandoner claimed Ireland, starting a feud with Finn McCool. This involved throwing stones and building a causeway to strike a duel. When Bennandoner arrived, he misunderstood the size of Finn as larger than he was. Then, he ripped up the causeway so Bennandoner couldn’t follow and returned to Scotland.
Admissions and What to Do at Giant’s Causeway
The coastline is free and open from dawn to dusk. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot. There is a shuttle for 1 pound. The visitor centre charges a fee, and they encourage visitors make online bookings beforehand. It provides audio guides to learn about the history and geology available in 11 languages. The Causeway Coast Way Car Park is always open for parking. However, staff may only assist during visitor centre hours from 9 am to 6 pm. It gets crowded during peak times, so if possible arrive early or late in the day.
The best thing to do at Giant’s Causeway is to simply walk and climb on the rocks along the coastline. It’s magical to immerse yourself in the adventure of exploring this site. It’s definitely the ultimate Instagram-worthy locations you can imagine. Although, be aware and cautious about waves splashing and slippery rocks.
Iconic Areas to Explore at Giant’s Causeway
The Grand Causeway is the largest of the 3 rock formation areas that you can’t miss! At the tip of the middle causeway is the Wishing Chair, a natural throne designed by a set of columns. It’s fun to sit in this famous seat made for Finn McCool when he was a child. Interesting to note, that years ago, only ladies could sit here. Now, anyone can sit and make a wish. In Port Noffer is a path leading to the bay with the famous Giant’s Boot (size 93.5) lost by Finn McCool. Also, in Portnaboe is Finn McCool’s camel turned to stone. Geologically speaking, it’s a basalt dyke, formed by cooling lava.
There are incredible clifftop trails to experience the Giant’s Causeway from above. The trails vary in difficulty, marked by the colors red, blue, yellow and green. Birdwatchers be on the lookout for cormorants, fulmars, petrels, redshank guillemots, rock pipits, shags, razorbills and wagtails.
Later, for lunch we ate at The Giant’s Barn Cafe on Causeway Road, a buffet-style restaurant. It’s just 5 minutes from Giant Causeway’s Car Park. I enjoyed a yummy, classic meal with Irish Stew, Guinness bread and beer! I loved my meal and highly recommend this cafe for both convenience and good food!
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Dunluce Castle Ruins
Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route Tour
Just 5 miles from Giant’s Causeway is the picturesque Dunluce Castle ruins. The setting is stunning on the edge of basalt outcroppings with very steep drop-offs. You can walk among the ruins at an admission cost. Everywhere you look the views are spectacular here. Also, there are 115 steps down to a viewpoint of the coastline underneath the bridge that takes you to the castle. This is the most visited castle in Ireland. So, if possible, plan to go outside peak times.
The feuding McQuillan and Mac Donnell clans lived in the castle. It dates back to the 16th and 17th century. Dunluce is well-known for being an inspiration with some help from CGI for Castle Greyjoy in Game of Thrones’ series 2.
Near both Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle is the Old Bushmills Distillery. It’s the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. We drove by it and would have loved to tour if we had more time.
Dark Hedges Film Location for Game of Thrones
Ireland Causeway Coastal Tour
Also, nearby Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle is the popular Dark Hedges from Game of Thrones. It’s featured in Season 2, Episode 1: ‘On the King’ s Road’. In 1775, this Georgian estate was built with the dramatic road leading to it with 150 beech trees lining up along both sides. The local legend is that the Grey Lady ghost drifts among the beech trees along the road at night. Some folks believe she’s the ghost of a maid that died nearby from an unusual death hundreds of years ago.
Other Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland
Our tour guide explained that Northern Ireland offered good tax breaks for filming locations in Game of Thrones. Consequently, besides Dunluce and Dark Hedges, other filming locations in Northern Ireland include Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves, Castle Ward and Murlogh Bay.
Enjoy Northern Ireland Coastal Route Tour!
Truly, this is one of the most magical days of my life. I have every intention to return and explore this scenic route with more time. Please share comments on your experiences here with any suggestions or tips on how best to explore this incredible Northern Ireland causeway coastline.
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