Belfast Travelers Recommend

The Giant’s Causeway—a striking collection of 40,000 or so closely packed basalt pillars jutting out from the Antrim coastline—is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the country’s most visited attractions. Here’s what you need to know about Giant’s Causeway tours from Belfast.

Game of Thrones Tours

Though the Giant’s Causeway itself has never featured in the hit HBO series, you can find several key Game of Thrones filming locations near the site. Many Giant’s Causeway tours from Belfast include stops at GOT filming locations near Antrim’s north coast, such as Carnlough Harbour (the site of the stone staircase Ayra struggled up after being stabbed by Waif), the Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre of Asshai birthed her shadow baby), Dunluce Castle (the real-life House of Greyjoy), and Dark Hedges (where Ayra escaped from King’s Landing).

Northern Ireland Highlights Tours

The Giant’s Causeway features on Northern Ireland highlights tours alongside other must-see sights, such as the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a swinging bridge suspended between the mainland and Carrick-a-Rede island, and the Old Bushmills Distillery, where the famed triple-distilled whiskey is made.

Things to Know

• The Giant’s Causeway is located on the Antrim coast, around 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Belfast.

• Most Giant’s Causeway tours depart from Belfast city center and last seven to 10 hours.

• Tours typically include free time during which you can eat lunch at a restaurant (own expense). You can also bring a packed lunch.

• Wear sensible shoes with good grip, as the stones at the causeway can be slippery.

Belfast is an ideal city for a 1-day break. Not only is it remarkably compact, but it’s also packed with unique attractions, from the world-renowned Titanic Belfast to the colorful Falls Road murals. If you have only 24 hours to explore the capital of Northern Ireland, here’s how to best spend your time.

Morning: Delve into Belfast’s Past

Before the 1998 peace deal that ended the Troubles—a 30-year period of conflict in Northern Ireland—many travelers were scared away from Belfast by tales of unrest. With the city now peaceful, revitalized, and rejuvenated, you can safely delve into its bullet-scarred past. One way to do so is by joining a guided tour, ranging from mural tours highlighting political-themed street art to historical walking tours around central and West Belfast. For a more flexible option, jump aboard a hop-on hop-off bus, which will carry you past Troubles-related sights, such as the Falls Road murals and the Peace Walls.

Afternoon: Explore the Titanic Quarter

Head for the Titanic Quarter, the regenerated waterfront area where the famous cruise ship was built. The centerpiece attraction is Titanic Belfast, whose state-of-the-art multimedia exhibitions document the city’s shipbuilding past, most notably the construction of the doomed RMS Titanic. Take a themed walking tour of the area to see the Titanic Dock and Pump House, the last resting spot for the Titanic before she was launched to sea, or embark on a boat trip on the River Lagan. You can also climb aboard the SS Nomadic, tender ship to the Titanic, and the HMS Caroline, a WWI vessel that’s now a floating museum.

Night: Dinner and Drinks, or a Spooky Tour

Belfast’s dining scene is fast gaining a reputation for greatness, with a high concentration of quality bars and restaurants found in the Cathedral Quarter. If you have time for only one drink, have it at the Crown Liquor Saloon, a Victorian-era, National Trust–run pub famed for its well-preserved interiors, which feature gas lighting, mosaics, and stained glass. It’s a common endpoint for evening walking tours of the city. For some spookier nighttime entertainment, venture inside Crumlin Road Gaol, which hosts evening tours and live music shows.

In the early 1900s, the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Northern Ireland’s capital was abuzz as workers toiled to finish the highly anticipated RMS Titanic. Here are some ways to relive the stories from Belfast’s shipbuilding golden age at sites connected to the ill-fated cruise liner.

Titanic Belfast

Opened in 2012 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy, this state-of-the-art museum uses innovative interpretive exhibits to chart the city’s rise as a shipbuilding hub. Take the exhilarating shipyard ride through a re-creation of the original Harland and Wolff shipyards, browse interactive exhibits chronicling the construction of the doomed ocean liner, and hear moving accounts from survivors of the tragedy as part of the Titanic Experience.

Titanic Quarter

Guided walking tours of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter lead visitors to locales associated with the famous ship. See the former Harland and Wolff drawing offices where the plans for the Titanic were created (now a boutique hotel) and visit the slipways from where the Titanic set out to sea.

Titanic Dock and Pump House

Descend to the floor of the large dry dock, which was purpose-built to house the colossal liner and now serves as a visitor attraction. It was here where the finishing touches were made to the Titanic before it embarked on its maiden voyage.

SS Nomadic

Built as a tender ship for White Star Line ocean liners, the SS Nomadic carried passengers to the Titanic from the port at Cherbourg, France, which was too small to accommodate the famous cruise ship. After a colorful career that included serving in both World Wars as well as hosting a floating restaurant on the Seine in Paris, the Nomadic, which has been refitted to appear how it would back back in 1912, is now permanently stationed in Belfast.

River Lagan

It was here on the River Lagan that the Titanic was first launched into the water in 1911, almost a year before it set off from Southampton, England for its maiden voyage. Titanic enthusiasts can take a boat tour along the Lagan, cruising past the waterside Titanic Quarter—where they can glimpse attractions such as the Titanic Slipways and the Titanic Belfast—along with other maritime sights, including the HMS Caroline, a decommissioned World War I cruiser, and Stormont Wharf, the modern-day cruise port of Belfast city.

With engaging visitor attractions, lively nightlife, and some of Northern Ireland’s most magnificent scenery on its doorstep, Belfast is perfect mini-break material. From exploring Titanic Belfast to mural-viewing in West Belfast to hitting Game of Thrones filming locations, here’s how we suggest you spend your 3-day break in Belfast.

Day 1: Discover the Docks

The port city of Belfast was once a shipbuilding powerhouse, perhaps best known for producing the White Star Line’s RMS Titanic. Today the city’s shipbuilding heritage is most keenly remembered at the waterside Titanic Quarter—an excellent place to spend your first day.

Start at the high-tech Titanic Belfast. Explore interactive exhibitions chronicling the famous cruise ship’s construction, take a turn on the Shipyard Ride, and board the SS Nomadic, the Titanic’s tender ship. If you’re hungry for more Titanic connections, a walking tour of the area takes you to the Titanic slipways, the old Harland and Wolff drawing offices, and the floor of the sunken dry dock where the final touches were put on the mammoth cruise liner. Alternatively, explore the HMS Caroline, a World War I ship now permanently stationed here, or take a cruise out on the River Lagan. Later, pop into a waterfront restaurant for dinner and sunset views.

Day 2: Unearth Belfast’s History

Use day two to learn about Belfast’s history, finding out about the events and influences that have helped shape the Northern Irish capital into its current form. Walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours take you past historical landmarks, such as Belfast City Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral, and the Albert Clock.

Though the country has been at peace since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, evidence of its turbulent history is still visible on the streets, whether in the mural-strewn Shankill and Falls Road neighborhoods or at the still-standing Belfast Peace Walls. History-keen tourists can take a more in-depth look at the Troubles on black cab tours and historical walking tours, both of which check off key sights relating to the conflict.

Come evening, head to the Crown Liquor Saloon for a bite to eat. This historic pub boasts a Victorian-era interior featuring carved wood, stained glass, and patterned tiles.

Day 3: Cruise the Causeway Coastal Route

Extending north from Belfast along the Antrim coastline, the Causeway Coastal Route shows off Northern Ireland’s most spectacular coastal scenery and cultural attractions. Set off on a day trip along the scenic roadway, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the waterfalls of Glenariff Nature Reserve.

Fans of the HBO fantasy epic Game of Thrones can opt for a Causeway Coastal Route tour that stops at sites used as filming locations in the series. These tours typically pause at Dark Hedges (the tree tunnel where Arya Stark, disguised as a boy, fled King’s Landing) and Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre of Asshai birthed her shadow baby), and also include free time at the Giant’s Causeway.

Back in town, enjoy a night out in Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter, an atmospheric neighborhood packed with bars and restaurants.

Experience the real-life magic of Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland on a film site tour from Belfast. Relive the stories of Lannister, Targaryen, and Baratheon at the castles, forests, and ruins seen in the HBO TV show. Here are your options.

Full-Day Filming Sites Tours

A full-day film sites tour is the perfect way to get an in-depth look at the numerous Northern Ireland locations featured in the Game of Thrones TV show. You might visit Castle Ward, used as the site of the Starks' Winterfell, or tour the 12th-century Inch Abbey, where Robb Stark was proclaimed King of the North, plus much more. Even better, your tour may be led by a Game of Thrones actor, who will offer the perfect insider's experience for series superfans.

Filming Sites Tours With Giant's Causeway

Combine a Game of Thrones -themed film sites tour with the chance to explore Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site formed by thousands of interlocking basalt rock columns. This otherworldly natural sight is an ideal complement to the fantasy world of the show, especially when paired with visits to film sites such as Ballintoy Harbor (site of the Iron Islands), Castle Ward (Winterfell), and the Dark Hedges (part of Arya Stark's escape route from King's Landing).

The scenic Antrim Coast, the stretch of coastline that curves along the northeastern tip of Ireland, is home to some of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, as well as some of its most spectacular rugged scenery. Here’s what you need to know about exploring the Antrim Coast.

Highlights

• Marvel at the some 40,000 black basalt columns that comprise the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Inch across the National Trust–owned Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which sways above the Atlantic waves, connecting the coastal cliffs to Carrick-a-Rede Island.

• Roam the evocative ruins of the dramatic Dunluce Castle.

• Find filming locations from the hit HBO series Game of Thrones.

• Taste triple-distilled whiskey at the Old Bushmills Distillery.

• Listen to commentary from your tour guide while admiring the stunning views.

Things to Know

• Tours of the Antrim Coast depart from Belfast and typically last eight to 10 hours.

• The Antrim Coast Road, also known as the A2 road, runs about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from Belfast all the way to Londonderry.

• Although most tours include free time for lunch, dining options can be limited. Consider bringing a packed lunch instead.

• Wear layers and comfortable shoes, and bring a camera, water, and snacks.

• Most tours include free time at outdoor sights such as the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

• Although Giant’s Causeway is free to see, tours typically do not include fees to access the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre.

• Some tours include pickup and drop-off from Belfast city center hotels.

Two days in Belfast give you enough time to get to the top attractions, including the much-celebrated Titanic Belfast, and to delve deeper into the city’s storied past with Troubles-themed tours and a visit to the creepy Crumlin Road Gaol. Here’s how to make the most out of 48 hours in the Northern Irish capital.

Day 1: Hit Belfast’s Highlights

Morning: Get a city overview with a guided sightseeing tour. If the weather is nice, take an open-top coach tour, listening to commentary as you pass by Stormont, St. George’s Market, and the Belfast Peace Walls. Alternatively, a hop-on hop-off tour bus allows you to disembark when you choose.

Afternoon: Dive into Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage in the Titanic Quarter. While the Titanic Belfast is the star of the show, the district has many other worthwhile attractions, including the HMS Caroline, a WWI ship that’s now a floating museum. For an alternative perspective on the Titanic Quarter, enjoy a cruise on the River Lagan.

Night: Embark on a guided nighttime walking tour for a deeper dive into modern-day Belfast. Witness Belfast come alive in the buzzy Cathedral Quarter, and hear about the events and forces that have shaped the city. Finish with a drink and grub at the atmospheric Victorian-era Crown Liquor Saloon.

Day 2: Discover Dark History or Northern Irish Poetry

Morning: The Troubles, a conflict that lasted from the late 1960s to the late 1990s, has left an indelible mark on Northern Ireland. Explore this darker chapter of Belfast’s history during a Troubles-themed tour. Choose between black cab tours or walking tours that focus on once-violent flashpoints in central and West Belfast.

Afternoon: Continue exploring Belfast’s past at Crumlin Road Gaol, a Victorian-era jail that housed petty criminals, infamous murderers, and political prisoners. If it’s too macabre for your taste, leave the city and head to Derry, where the Seamus Heaney HomePlace celebrates the life and work of the late Nobel Prize–winning poet.

Night: If you did the tour of Crumlin Road Gaol, stick around for a bit of light relief in the form of dinner, drinks, and a show. The jail hosts many after-hours events, including live music performances. If you visited the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, you’ll be back in Belfast in time for dinner, where city-center dining options range from swanky Michelin-starred experiences to casual Cathedral Quarter pubs.