Giant's Causeway Day Trips from Dublin

Visiting Dublin but don't want to miss a trip to the Giant's Causeway? I show you all the ways you can do it.
Giant's Causeway Day Trips from Dublin

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More about: 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 basaltic rocks that form it have stimulated 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 halo of mystery.

There are many ways to make an excursion to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin. I have analyzed them all and I want to present them one by one with all the information you will need to decide and 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.

One-day 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 will see important places such as the Peace Wall or the Titanic Museum in Belfast and you can also visit the Giant's Causeway, an impressive natural sculpture formed by 40,000 basalt columns that sink gently into the sea.

Visiting this part of Northern Ireland accompanied by a tour guide of the area you will know a large number of anecdotes and curious facts about the history of Belfast as well as the Giant's Causeway. On your visit to the city you will know the Peace Wall, which is full of graffiti and ideological graffiti as it was the wall that separated the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. On the other hand, the Titanic Museum, as Belfast is the place where it was built. You can visit its interior and learn about its history, how it was built, and the people who participated both in the construction and during the disaster.

And, of course, visit one of the great Natural Parks of the world, the Giant's Causeway, in whose excursion you will take a walk along the coast and witness the approximately 40,000 basalt columns that present the Giant's Causeway.000 basalt columns that have an almost perfect hexagonal shape that is repeated over and over again.

Recommended if... you are visiting Ireland, you like to be in contact with nature and you want to know one of the most impressive places in the surroundings.

Direct tour to the Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway Tour| ©Sean MacEntee
Giant's Causeway Tour| ©Sean MacEntee

This tour may be the best option if all you are interested in is visiting the Giant's Causeway without making stops in other places. With this type of tour you will leave Dublin directly to the Giant's Causeway, without intermediate stops. Of course, once you have eaten, you will be able to spend some time in Belfast until the time to return to Dublin.

Interesting facts

I show you the usual planning of this kind of tours:

  • Type of transport: Minibus.
  • Duration of the trip: Approximately 3 hours.
  • Approximate duration of the tour: 9 hours.
  • Common stops: Giant's Causeway and Belfast.
  • Approximate price: from 70 €.
  • Recommended if... you do not have much time or do not want intermediate stops between Dublin and the Giant's Causeway.

Book your tour to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin

1 day Giant's Causeway Tour

Giant's Causeway Minibus Tour| ©Sean MacEntee
Giant's Causeway Minibus Tour| ©Sean MacEntee

A recommended experience if you do not have much time or if you do not want to spend more time on the Giant's Causeway than necessary. In order to fulfill your plans, this type of 1 day tour is available.

Due to time constraints, unlike other longer tours, this one does not stop in Belfast, so you will go directly from Dublin to the places of interest.

Facts of Interest

What can you expect from this type of tour? Here's what to expect:

  • Type of transport: Minibus.
  • Travel time: Approximately 3 hours.
  • Approximate tour duration: 11 hours.
  • Common stops: Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway Visitor Center, 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.

Book your tour to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin

1 day private luxury tour to the Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway sightseeing| ©Bern Leckie
Giant's Causeway sightseeing| ©Bern Leckie

If you are looking for an exclusive, personalized option, suitable for you or your family, this is your option. Hiring this type of tour you will be able to feel the comfort of traveling in a private vehicle with driver and space for 5 people.

As usual in this type of private tours, the extensive services are assured: they usually include pick up at your hotel as well as exclusive attention (for example bottled water, snacks and parking cost, although this has to be checked in each offer).

Interesting facts

If you are going to opt for this type of excursions, I show you the services and stops that are usually included:

  • Type of transport: 5-seater car
  • Duration of the trip: Approximately 3 hours.
  • Approximate duration of the tour: 12 hours.
  • Common stops: Giant's Causeway, Ballintoy and Dunluce Castle.
  • Approximate price: from 800 € per group (up to 4 members)
  • Recommended if... you want to see the Giant's Causeway and other nearby charms with the utmost comfort and only with family or acquaintances.

Book your tour to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin

2 day Giant's Causeway Experience from Dublin by train

Dart Train, Dublin| ©William Murphy
Dart Train, Dublin| ©William Murphy

This tour option is particularly suitable if you want to visit the Giant's Causeway and other places of interest in Northern Ireland in a more leisurely manner. As usual, it consists of an itinerary that departs from Dublin, but using the train. Company employees will help you at the train station to check in, so you don't have to worry about anything.

Regarding accommodation, it depends on each tour, although hotel nights are usually included in the price. The category of the hotel can vary significantly among the available companies.

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.
  • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to Belfast.
  • Approximate tour 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 excessively high prices.

Just two things to keep in mind. These tours are not available all year round because most of them take place outdoors, which can be hampered by bad weather. Or they often do away with outdoor activities. Check this point if you are traveling in winter to avoid surprises.

Book your Giant's Causeway tour from Dublin

3-day tour to the Giant's Causeway and other attractions in the region

Giant's Causeway| ©Nigel Hoult
Giant's Causeway| ©Nigel Hoult

The option for all those who want a total immersion and do not want to stay halfway with any of the attractions surrounding the Giant's Causeway and the region in which it is located. These tours include practically everything you may require for an optimal experience.

The first two days will be very intense, since the tour covers up to 12 hours a day. Naturally, with moments to rest and disconnect for a while and be alone with ourselves or with the family. Something very necessary since these tours are usually scheduled for a total of 50 travelers (or even some more).

Interesting facts

Sounds good, doesn't it? You can confirm that it fits you by looking at what they usually offer:

  • Type of transportation: Bus.
  • Travel time: Approximately 3 hours.
  • Approximate tour 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 know the Giant's Causeway and other charms of Northern Ireland in depth.

Book your tour to Giant's Causeway from Dublin

A tour where you choose: exclusive tour to the Giant's Causeway

View of the Giant's Causeway, Ireland| ©Jill Rogan
View of the Giant's Causeway, Ireland| ©Jill Rogan

Most tours set out a route that cannot be altered. But, imagine you want to see the Giant's Causeway, but not necessarily stop at sites that have been previously decided for you. No problem: there are exclusive excursions that will take you to the Giant's Causeway and whose itinerary you will decide.

Undoubtedly, 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

The itinerary can be chosen by you, so I will only show you the services offered:

  • Type of transport: Car with chauffeur.
  • Duration of the trip: Approximately 3 hours.
  • Approximate duration of the tour: 1 day
  • Common stops: the Giant's Causeway and all those places that interest you. The itinerary is up to you.
  • Recommended if... you want to go at your own pace and with the greatest comfort, without depending on schedules or routes pre-set by others.
  • Approximate price: from 500 €.

Book your excursion to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin

The Giant's Causeway without queues: priority access tours

View of the Giant's Causeway| ©Sean MacEntee
View of the Giant's Causeway| ©Sean MacEntee

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 tour, it is always good to optimize the time to the maximum.

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 of charge, you usually have to wait in line because there are tours.

Interesting facts

If you are interested in this kind of tour without waiting, then I'll get to the point. This is what they offer:

  • Type of transportation: Bus.
  • Travel time: Approximately 3 hours.
  • Approximate tour duration: 12 hours.
  • Common stops: Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway.
  • Approximate price: from 50 €.
  • Recommended... for a quick visit without wasting time in queues and waiting.

Book your excursion to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin

Excursion by train to Belfast and pick-up by bus

Giant's Causeway, Ireland.| ©Peter Visser
Giant's Causeway, Ireland.| ©Peter Visser

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, although it does make some sense. If you are looking for comfort, it is unquestionable that the train is a quieter mode of transport. Especially if you want to go contemplating the landscape without potholes or numerous stops.

Interesting facts

If this type of tour is the one that best suits your needs, below I show you everything you can expect from them:

  • Type of transport: Train to Belfast and then bus.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes Dublin-Belfast.
  • Approximate tour duration: 13 hours.
  • Common stops: Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Giant's Causeway Visitor Center and Carrick-A-Rede Bridge.
  • Approximate price: from 125 €.
  • Recommended... to see the highlights of Northern Ireland and travel in the comfort of a train.

By the way, if you feel adventurous and want to go on your own to Belfast, here is an article on how to get to Belfast from Dublin.

Book your tour to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin

Visit the Giant's Causeway in the context of a Game of Thrones themed tour

Dark Hedges, Game of Thrones location on the Causeway Coast| ©Heather Cowper
Dark Hedges, Game of Thrones location on the Causeway Coast| ©Heather Cowper

Ireland boasts several locations that have appeared in the Game of Thrones series. Nothing to be surprised given its evocative landscapes, castles and medieval ruins.

If you are a fan of the series, you can tour all the places that have appeared in the series and are located near or on the itinerary from Dublin to the Giant's Causeway. It is, without a doubt, an ideal option if you are traveling with children.

Interesting facts

Everything is arranged to make your excursion as fantastic as the series. Check that it fits what you are looking for by checking its route and services:

  • Type of transport: Bus.
  • Travel time: 3 hours.
  • Approximate tour duration: 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 :::link|text=Game of Thrones tours in Dublin|element=c-130-2721:::.

Giant's Causeway and Irish Whiskey Tasting

Bushmills Distillery Scenery| ©Yves Cosentino
Bushmills Distillery Scenery| ©Yves Cosentino

To make your experience as Irish as possible, you can opt for curious tours that combine the beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant's Causeway, and the good taste of a drink that should also be a World Heritage Site: Irish whiskey. This is due to the relative proximity between the natural basalt formation and the famous Bushmills Distillery.

Interesting facts

If you liked what you've read, that's just a taste of what's in store for you. Here's what you'll be able to enjoy:

  • Type of transport: Bus.
  • Travel time: 3 hours.
  • Approximate tour duration: 13 hours.
  • Common stops: Giant's Causeway, Giant's Causeway Visitor Center and Bushmills Distillery.
  • Approximate price: from 80 €.
  • Recommended if... you want to complement your visit with something typical Irish like whiskey.

Important tips to keep in mind when visiting the Giant's Causeway from Dublin

Coins from Northern Europe| ©Handolio
Coins from Northern Europe| ©Handolio

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 implies two basic things: firstly, you will need to bring sterling since, as you know, it is the currency of the United Kingdom and Ireland is part of the Euro zone.

Generally, one pound is equivalent to approximately 0.80 to 0.85 €. But, like everything else, it can vary. I advise you to check here the pound-euro exchange rate when you are leaving. This way, you will be well prepared.

In any case, if there are no huge fluctuations, it is normal that the pound remains somewhat stronger than the euro, so the prices there will involve a higher cost to your pocket than if you stay in Ireland.

The second tip is also related to politics, and is the Brexit. From the end of 2021, it is no longer possible to enter the UK with just your ID card as is the case in EU countries. Therefore, remember to carry a valid passport with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is the Giant's Causeway so famous?

    The Giant's Causeway is famous because of the peculiar rocks that make up its coastline. Regarding the origin of the almost perfect hexagonal tubes that line the coast, there are several theories: either the result of a mythical struggle between giants and humans, or the result of more than 60 million years of volcanic activity. Either way, the place is a World Heritage Site and even a filming location for Game of Thrones. It is definitely worth a visit.

  • How long does it take to visit the Giant's Causeway?

    To explore the Giant's Causeway, most people take about 2 hours. However, if you also plan to visit the surrounding area such as the Carrick a Rede Bridge, you will need to add 2-3 hours to your visit. In fact, while you're at it, we recommend that you enjoy a full day in the area.

  • How do I get to the Calzada de los Gigantes?

    There are several ways to get to Giant's Causeway, although most of them involve getting to Belfast first and connecting to the Giant's Causeway from there. From Dublin, the best option is to take a tour bus directly to the Giant's Causeway. Don't forget to bring your passport, as you will be crossing the border into Northern Ireland.

Reviews from other travellers

4.8
· 18 Reviews
  • Z
    Z. T.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was amazing, especially the Giant's Causeway, but I think it could be improved by including more free time to explore Belfast.
  • R
    R. H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was amazing, I really enjoyed seeing the Giant's Causeway and Belfast in one day, totally recommended!
  • W
    W. N.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved this tour; the views are breathtaking. I always wanted to see the Giant's Causeway, and this experience exceeded my expectations.
  • T
    T. K.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was great, we saw some cool stuff and the guide was really cool, it's worth it, don't miss it!
  • L
    L. K.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was an unforgettable experience, although I would have appreciated more free time to explore on my own.