Best Day Trips from Belfast

Northern Ireland's compact size makes Belfast an excellent base for exploring the Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, and historic sites within driving distance. Most tours return by evening. We reviewed 5 options ranging from £45 to £35. Best for: natural landscape lovers, photography enthusiasts, comprehensive sightseers.

Most day trips in Belfast cost £25-65 per person. Difficulty ranges from moderate to easy. Group sizes are typically up to 50. Book online in advance for the best prices.

Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast Tour

This nine-hour tour departs Belfast for the north Antrim coast, ending at Giant's Causeway - 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed 60 million years ago.

Price: £45 | Duration: 9 hours | Difficulty: moderate

Best for: natural wonder seekers and photographers

• UNESCO World Heritage basalt columns (40,000 individual formations)
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: 66-foot crossing above water
• Dunluce Castle clifftop ruins

Full details and booking info

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Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour

This eight-hour tour visits 8–10 real filming sites used in Game of Thrones across County Antrim.

Price: £55 | Duration: 8 hours | Difficulty: easy

Best for: TV series fans and scenic landscape lovers

• Dark Hedges: the notable Kingsroad avenue filmed over five seasons
• Ballintoy Harbour: House Greyjoy and Pyke castle exterior
• Dunluce Castle: standing set used for multiple scenes

Full details and booking info

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Derry-Londonderry City Tour

This ten-hour tour from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry (90 km north) covers 1,500 years of history.

Price: £40 | Duration: 10 hours | Difficulty: moderate

Best for: history enthusiasts and political tour seekers

• Intact 17th-century city walls (only in Ireland; 1.5-km walk)
• Bogside Civil Rights murals (12 large wall paintings)
• Bloody Sunday Memorial and Museum of Free Derry

Full details and booking info

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Bushmills Distillery and Coast Tour

This seven-hour tour pairs a 45-minute guided distillery tour at Bushmills (licensed since 1608) with coastal driving and a Giant's Causeway visit.

Price: £50 | Duration: 7 hours | Difficulty: easy

Best for: whiskey lovers and coastal scenery enthusiasts

• Bushmills Distillery: world's oldest licensed whiskey producer (established 1608)
• Two drams (whiskey samples) included in tasting
• Guided walk through working copper stills and aging warehouses

Full details and booking info

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Mourne Mountains and Newcastle

This six-hour tour heads south to the Mourne Mountains (County Down), reaching approximately 850 metres elevation.

Price: £35 | Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty: moderate

Best for: hikers and mountain scenery lovers

• Slieve Donard: County Down's highest peak (850 metres)
• Mourne Mountains granite landscape and panoramic views
• Optional guided hike on two terrain levels (steep or gentle)

Full details and booking info

Best season: Tours run year-round, but May to September for warmest weather and longest days, though expect rain any time. July and August see most festivals and outdoor events. is most comfortable for outdoor day trips.

Cancellation: Most operators offer free cancellation 24 hours before departure; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Watch out: Booking black taxi tours without checking if driver is licensed and knowledgeable

Compare prices across multiple platforms before booking. GetYourGuide, Viator, and direct operator websites often have different rates.