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 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 aura of mystery.
There are many ways to take a trip to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin. I have analysed them all and would like to present them to you one by one with all the information you will need to make up your mind 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.
1. Direct excursion to the Giant's Causeway
This excursion may be the best option if you are only interested in visiting the Giant's Causeway without stopping anywhere else. With this type of excursion, you will depart from Dublin directly to the Giant's Causeway, with no stops in between. However, once you have had lunch, you can spend some time in Belfast until it is time to return to Dublin.
Useful information
- Type of transport: Minibus.
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Duration: 9 hours.
- Common stops: Calzada de los Gigantes and Belfast.
- Approximate price: from £70.
- Recommended if... you don't have much time or don't want any stops between Dublin and the Giant's Causeway.
2. 1-day excursion to the Giant's Causeway
A highly recommended experience if you don't have much time or don't want to spend more time than necessary at the Giant's Causeway. These types of 1-day excursions are available to help you fulfil your plans.
Due to time constraints, unlike other longer excursions, this one does not stop in Belfast, so you will go directly from Dublin to the places of interest.
Useful information
- Type of transport: Minibus.
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 11 hours.
- Common stops: Dunluce Castle, the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, the Giant's Causeway and the 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. Luxury private 1-day excursion to the Giant's Causeway
If you are looking for an exclusive, personalised option that is suitable for you or your family, this is the option for you. By booking this type of excursion, you will enjoy the comfort of travelling in a private vehicle with a driver and space for 5 people.
As is usual with this type of private excursion, a wide range of services is guaranteed: these usually include pick-up from your hotel and exclusive service (e.g. bottled water, snacks and parking costs, although you should check this carefully in each offer).
Useful information
- Type of transport: 5-seater car
- Duration of the trip: 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 your family or friends.
4. 2-day excursion to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin by train
This excursion option is particularly suitable if you want to visit the Giant's Causeway and other places of interest in Northern Ireland at a more leisurely pace. As usual, it consists of an itinerary that departs from Dublin, but using the train. Company staff will help you check in at the train station, so you won't have to worry about a thing.
Accommodation depends on each excursion, although hotel nights are usually included in the price. The hotel category can vary significantly between the companies available.
Useful information
This is a fairly comprehensive type of excursion. Here is everything that is usually included:
- Type of transport: Train to Belfast and the rest of the journey by bus.
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to Belfast.
- Approximate duration: 8 hours each day.
- Common stops: Dunluce Castle, the Antrim coast, Carrick-A-Rede Bridge and Belfast.
- Approximate price: from £300.
- Recommended... for a more in-depth visit without excessive prices.
Just two things to bear in mind. These tours are not available all year round as most of them take place outdoors, which can be difficult in bad weather. Outdoor activities are often cancelled. Check this point carefully if you are travelling in winter to avoid any surprises.
5. 3-day excursion to the Giant's Causeway and other attractions in the region
The option for those who want a total immersion and don't want to miss out on any of the attractions surrounding the Giant's Causeway and the region in which it is located. These excursions include practically everything you could possibly need to make your experience the best it can be.
The first two days will be very intense, as the tour lasts up to 12 hours a day. Naturally, there will be time to rest and unwind for a while and be alone with yourself or your family. This is very necessary as these excursions are usually scheduled for a total of 50 travellers (or even more).
Important information
- Type of transport: Bus.
- Duration of the journey: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 12 hours each day.
- Common stops: Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Dunluce Castle, Drumclif Abbey, Monasterboice and Derry.
- Approximate price: from £230.
- Recommended if... you want to explore the Giant's Causeway and other attractions in Northern Ireland in depth.
Book your excursion to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin
6. Personalised excursion to the Giant's Causeway
Most tours offer a set itinerary 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 excursions that will take you to the Giant's Causeway and you can decide the itinerary.
Without a doubt, this is the best way to enjoy a trip tailored to your tastes, choosing the stops and how much time you want to spend on each one.
Useful information
- Type of transport: Car with driver
- Duration of the trip: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 1 day
- Common stops: the Calzada de los Gigantes and any other places that interest you. You decide the itinerary.
- Recommended if... you want to go at your own pace and in comfort, without having to depend on schedules or routes set by others.
- Approximate price: from £500.
7. The Giant's Causeway without queues: tours with priority access
Time is precious, especially when you're in Northern Ireland and there's so much to see. Most excursions to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin take advantage of the itinerary to make other stops. If the excursion is a day trip, it's always a good idea to make the most of your time.
That's what this type of excursion is for. With them, you can also enjoy priority access: no queues! Although visiting the Giant's Causeway is free, you usually have to wait in line because there are visiting times.
Useful information
- Type of transport: Bus.
- Journey time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 12 hours.
- Common stops: Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway.
- Approximate price: from £50.
- Recommended... for a quick visit without wasting time queuing and waiting.
8. Train trip to Belfast and bus pick-up
This excursion offers an interesting mix of transport options. Why take the train from Dublin to Belfast and then travel from the capital of Northern Ireland to the Giant's Causeway?
At first glance, it may seem a little strange, but it actually makes sense. If you're looking for comfort, there's no question that the train is a more relaxing mode of transport. Especially if you want to enjoy the scenery without potholes or numerous stops.
Useful information
If this type of excursion best suits your needs, here's everything you can expect:
- Type of transport: Train to Belfast and then bus.
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Dublin to Belfast.
- Approximate duration: 13 hours.
- Common stops: Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre and Carrick-A-Rede Bridge.
- Approximate price: from £125.
- Recommended... for seeing the must-see sights of Northern Ireland and travelling in the comfort of a train.
By the way, if you're feeling adventurous and want to go it alone in Belfast, here's an article on how to get to Belfast from Dublin.
9. Excursion to the Giant's Causeway as part of a Game of Thrones themed tour
Ireland has several locations that have appeared in the Game of Thrones series. This is hardly surprising given its evocative landscapes, castles and medieval ruins.
If you are a fan of the series, you can visit all the locations that have appeared in the series and are located near or on the route from Dublin to the Giant's Causeway. This is undoubtedly an ideal option if you are travelling with children.
Useful information
Everything is in place to make your trip as fantastic as the series. Make sure it's what you're looking for by checking the route and services:
- Type of transport: Bus.
- Duration of the trip: 3 hours.
- Approximate duration: 13 hours.
- Common stops: Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, the Giant's Causeway and Belfast.
- Approximate price: from £50.
- Recommended if... you're a fan of Game of Thrones and mystery and legend tours.
By the way, if you want to continue exploring everything Ireland has contributed to the famous fantasy series, don't miss this article on Game of Thrones tours in Dublin.
10. Excursion to the Giant's Causeway and Irish whiskey tasting
To make your experience as Irish as possible, you can opt for interesting excursions that combine the beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant's Causeway, and the great 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.
Useful information
If you liked what you read, that's just a taste of what's in store for you. Here's everything you can 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 keep in mind when visiting the Giant's Causeway from Dublin
Visiting the Giant's Causeway from Dublin is a great experience, but be careful not to overlook two very important things. 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: first, you'll need to bring pounds sterling with you, as this is the currency of the United Kingdom and Ireland is part of the eurozone.
Generally, one pound is equivalent to approximately €0.80 to €0.85. However, as with everything, this can vary. I recommend checking the pound-euro exchange rate here before you leave. That way, you'll be well prepared.
In any case, unless there are huge fluctuations, the pound is likely to remain slightly stronger than the euro, so prices there will be higher than if you were staying in Ireland.
The second piece of advice is also related to politics, namely Brexit. Since the end of 2021, it is not possible to enter the United Kingdom with just your ID card, as is the case in EU countries. Therefore, remember to bring a valid passport with you.