Day Trips from Belfast

Belfast is a destination that offers a rich cultural, historical and natural heritage. With tours that take in the city's most iconic buildings as well as the surrounding attractions, you'll be able to get to know Northern Ireland's popular capital city in depth.

Some of the best things to do in Belfast include a tour of the Giant's Causeway, a bus tour of Derry to see first-hand the sets of The Troubles, a hike through the Irish Glens of Antrim and a private tour of the locations of Games of Thrones, one of the most popular and successful series in history.

If you want to see one of the most popular natural sites around Belfast you can't miss a trip to the Giant's Causeway, a Unesco World Heritage Site and geological wonder on the north coast of Ireland. Made up of hexagonal basalt columns, this rock formation, according to local folklore, is the work of a mythological giant.

In reality, the Giant's Causeway is the result of rapidly cooling volcanic lava and is now not only the focus of some of Belfast's best tours, but also a perfect backdrop for panoramic views of the Atlantic.

In addition to the Giant's Causeway, these tours will also take you to the locations of Game of Thrones, the hit series. On the way to the basalt columns you can tour Ward's Castle, known as Winterfell in the TV series, to discover the real locations of the fascinating world of Westeros. There, expert local guides will reveal anecdotes about the production and filming.

The itinerary also includes stops at other iconic sites such as Ballintoy Harbour, also known as Pyke Harbour, and Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees that has featured repeatedly in the series, illustrating the Kingsroad. These landscapes have been brought to life on screen as natural settings, so during the tours you'll have the chance to relive epic moments from Game of Thrones.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 43 euros per person.
• Duration: around 10 hours.
• Benefits of these tours: You can combine one of Northern Ireland's most popular nature trails with a tour of Game of Thrones locations.
• Disadvantages of these tours: You will have little time to explore the sites on your own.

One of the best excursions you can take to understand the political conflicts that ran through Northern Ireland's 20th century is to tour Derry on a bus tour from Belfast. During these bus experiences you can explore a city steeped in history and marked by its role in The Troubles.

Derry, also known as Londonderry, is Northern Ireland's second largest city and has witnessed pivotal events over the years. The conflict known as The Troubles was a period of sectarian violence between Catholic and Protestant communities that lasted from the 1960s until the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

During your tour of Derry, you can visit the famous Bogside neighbourhood, which played a central role in these events. Murals there tell the story of the fighting and the struggle for civil rights. You can also learn about one of the most momentous moments at this site, which occurred during Bloody Sunday 1972, when British soldiers fired on unarmed demonstrators in the Bogside.

These experiences will also take you to Derry's 17th century city wall, which surrounds the historic city centre. Walking along the city wall will offer panoramic views of the city and give you a unique insight into its tumultuous history. You'll also get to see the interior of St Columb's Anglican Cathedral, a church that has been a silent witness to events over the years.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 35 euros per person.
• Duration: about 8 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see the second largest city in Northern Ireland and also one of the main sites of the country's political conflicts.
• Disadvantages of these tours: entrance fees to the sites you visit and meals are not included in the price of the tour.

The Irish Glens of Antrim tours from Belfast will allow you to embark on a captivating journey that will take you through the scenic and historic sites on the north coast of Ireland. The focal point of these experiences is usually the Giant's Causeway, a unique geological formation made up of hexagonal basalt columns that resulted from the rapid cooling of volcanic lava.

During the tours you can discover the rich history and mythology surrounding the Giant's Causeway. Local legends tell that this site was built by the Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill to confront the Scottish giant Benandonner. The mythical narrative is therefore intertwined with the geological reality of this site, creating an enriching experience that combines myth and science.

In addition to the Giant's Causeway, the tour takes you through the glens and landscapes of Antrim, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity of the region. Here you will have the opportunity to explore green lanes and discover hidden corners that reveal the diversity of the Irish landscape skyline. Whether walking along the coast or simply enjoying the surrounding nature, these experiences offer a broad perspective of the environment.

Also, these tours last approximately 7 hours, making them an ideal alternative if you need to maximise your time because you are planning a 3-day stay in Belfast or even less.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 56 euros per person.
• Duration: around 7 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get a full tour of Northern Ireland's coastal scenery.
• Disadvantages of these tours: Due to the fact that they are half day tours they are very intensive.

If you are a fan of the Game of Thrones series and want to discover the natural settings of the filming in an exclusive experience, you can't miss the private tour from Belfast that will allow you to immerse yourself in the haunting world of Westeros. On these tours you'll have the chance to explore the iconic Northern Irish locations that served as the backdrop for the epic saga.

One of the must-see sites on this tour is Ward Castle, which was transformed into the ancient Winterfell in the series. Strolling through its grounds will transport you directly to the scenes where alliances were forged and battles fought that set the pulse of the fiction. In addition, the tour will take you to Ballintoy Harbour, known in the series as Pyke Harbour, home to House Greyjoy.

This picturesque fishing harbour provides a unique and authentic atmosphere that was masterfully captured in Game of Thrones scenes. As you tour these locations, your private guide will share anecdotes about the production and reveal fascinating details about the filming of the series in these iconic locations, which can be inhospitable during the winter.

During these experiences you will also discover Dark Hedges, a tunnel of centuries-old beech trees that was used to represent the Kingsroad. This tree-lined passageway will offer a magical experience as you explore the places where characters such as Arya Stark set out on their epic journeys, and where they have made their mark on the memories of millions of television viewers.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 135 euros per person in groups of 4 visitors.
• Duration: about 8 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to get to know in depth the scenes of the Game of Thrones series in a tailor-made tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they can be expensive experiences and will only be worthwhile if you plan to visit Belfast in a group.

You can book any of these tours in advance online or book them once you are in the city, although be aware that if you plan to visit Belfast during the summer, which coincides with the high season months, you may lose your place on the tours or suffer price increases for last-minute bookings.

Also note that if you book in advance, you will have the opportunity to combine these experiences around the city with other typical local activities, such as a visit to the Titanic Museum or a tour of the murals of the Northern Irish capital, which are often included in the best tours of Belfast.

Also consider that, although it coincides with the winter season, Christmas in Belfast often fills the city's streets with tourists, so if you're planning to tour Northern Ireland's capital over the festive eve, it's not only advisable to book in advance, but also to keep an eye out for any schedule changes and itinerary modifications due to the festive season.

On these tours from Belfast you can explore a range of experiences from natural wonders to iconic scenes from TV series. A must-do is a trip to the Giant's Causeway, where you can marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns and learn about the mythology surrounding this site, where geological formations mingle with Irish folklore.

Also, if you're a Game of Thrones fan, tours from Belfast will give you the chance to explore iconic locations from the series. From Ward Castle, which epitomises the legendary Winterfell, to Ballintoy Harbour, which becomes Pyke Harbour, each location will allow you to immerse yourself in the fictional world of Westeros.

Alternatively, if you opt for a trip to Derry, you'll enter a city marked by its role in The Troubles. Through visits to places like Bogside and the Derry Wall, you'll get an in-depth look at the tumultuous events that defined this part of Irish history in a combination of unmissable scenery and historical narrative.

As a first step, if you plan to visit Northern Ireland, you should get used to checking the weather before you leave. Temperatures here tend to be variable, so it's advisable to pack rain gear and coats that are adaptable to changing weather.

Also, don't forget to plan your tour in advance! If you are interested in a specific tour, such as visiting the Giant's Causeway or touring Game of Thrones locations, book in advance to avoid delays and high costs. Also, if it's within your means, consider a private tour option to customise your experience and explore each site at your own pace.

Finally, always keep your camera ready. From natural coastal landscapes to Game of Thrones scenery, you'll find plenty of opportunities to take some of the best photos of your trip during these experiences.

When organising your itinerary from Belfast, there are a few towns that should not be overlooked, as each has its own distinctive character. Starting with Bushmills, located near the Giant's Causeway, this village is known for its whisky distillery, which is considered to be the oldest working whisky distillery in the world. Here you can explore the secrets of distilling and take part in tastings.

Another place not to be missed is Ballintoy, a fishing port that has gained popularity as a location for Game of Thrones. The site's panoramic views of the Atlantic and its authenticity make it a must for lovers of photography and tranquillity.

Taking a tour from Belfast is highly recommended because of the diversity of experiences this region has to offer. The city itself, with its complex history and vibrant atmosphere, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the natural and cultural wonders of Northern Ireland.

In addition, the chance to explore the Game of Thrones locations adds an extra attraction. The TV series has left an indelible mark on popular culture, and visiting places such as Castle Ward or Ballintoy Harbour will allow you to walk through the same scenery as some of your favourite characters. In that sense, private tours offer an exclusive experience, with a personalised itinerary.

On the other hand, you'll also get to see the more traditional side of Northern Ireland on these experiences, as one of the tours covers the events of The Troubles in Derry, giving you the perfect opportunity to understand the challenges the region has faced over the years.