Timeless Wonders: Giant's Causeway & Antrim Glens
1 day tour
Queens and giants. Castles both pristine and ruinous. Myths and science. Wild views and quaint villages. Discover the best of Northern Ireland in just one day.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
The Giant’s Causeway Feel the power of giants in the unique and breathtaking coastal formations of the Causeway.
The Causeway Coastal Route Over 200km of a spectacular drive along the rugged coast steeped in history, myths, and remarkable geology.
Glens of Antrim Venture off the beaten track on this stunning sweeping valley landscape beloved by locals and travellers alike.
Glenariff Forrest Park and Waterfall Meet the ‘Queen of the Glens’ and get to know her beauty up close and personal.
Your journey
What if you took a day? Just one day to discover something magnificent. To go where the bigger buses can’t go. To explore a place where giants once fought. To meet the Queen of the Glens.
That’s our journey through Northern Ireland today. What we love about our adventures is the opportunity to explore somewhere you might not normally have gone – the sweeping roads of Glen Antrim and the dramatic drive around Torr Head.
But we don’t forget the places on your bucket list too – places where giants supposedly once battled, or perhaps there’s a more scientific explanation for the Giant’s Causeway... but we’re a fan of something a little more mythological... how about you?
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Belfast Pick-Up, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT16JH
18:00 - Belfast Drop Off, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Itinerary
It’s deeper into the wild and thrilling Northern Ireland we go today. We depart the city of Belfast and head to reach the northern coast. Once there, we pass the ruins of Dunluce Castle for a quick photo stop. This truly is an iconic location. Whoever thought to build castles on cliff faces overlooking the sea deserves an award of some kind, because it truly is a specular sight. Dunluce Castle has been around for a long time, evidence of settlements going back to the first millennium. But what you’ll see here today dates to around the 16th and 17th centuries. We’re only passing here for a quick look, but you’ll surely be able to understand why the McQuillan and MacDonnell clans fought over this location. Fans of Game of Thrones may get a niggling feeling when you arrive. This stunning ruin was modified with CGI for the show and used as the striking cliff-haunting Castle Greyjoy.
We continue along the coastline, following the winding and magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. A truly sensational experience, the journey takes you past craggy cliffs and ruined castles.
The crowning glory of this coastal drive is the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a place where history and myth collide spectacularly with raw geological power. But she doesn’t stand alone. The Causeway is flanked by the powerful Atlantic Ocean and domineering cliff faces. It’s no wonder it’s been a source of inspiration for centuries – from artists wishing to capture its beauty to scientists debating the how and the when.
As much as the science behind it is awe-inspiring and fascinating, some prefer to believe in something a little more mystical. What’s left is for you to decide: is it science or myth?
With legends teasing your mind, we stop in at the lovely seaside town of Ballycastle for lunch. It’s up to you how you’d like to spend your time – maybe you’ll hunker down in a pub or perhaps you’ll get something to go and sit with a view of the water.
After lunch, it’s time for something spectacular but not for the faint of heart as we begin our scenic drive towards Glenariff Forest Park through the Glens of Antrim, a region of Northern Ireland so stunning it's been classified an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The nine glens (or valleys) sweep around you as we wind our way along this route – a route that bigger buses can’t go down – so we’re really taking you ‘off the beaten track’ to explore a part of Northern Ireland you may not have thought to explore.
We head along the narrow roads around Torr Head and descend into valleys, before rising to cliff edges... but we’re certain the views will keep you distracted and delighted, with a stunning view of the Mull of Kintyre across the way in Scotland.
We carry on down the coast and arrive at Glenariff Forest Park for a wee walk and perhaps you’ll treat yourself to a tea or coffee at their lovely Tea Room. Remember those nine glens of Antrim we spoke about earlier? Glenariff is their leader, known as the Queen of the Glens. She covers over 1000 hectares with a landscape of woodlands, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces, and conservation areas. Behind the cafe you’ll spot an easy 1.5km walk called the Waterfall Trail – so why not grab a takeaway coffee and meander down for the incredible view?
We’re almost home to Belfast now but as we continue south, we’ll stop in at the wonderful Carrickfergus Castle for a quick photo. This Norman Castle is still in excellent condition, despite being besieged by the Scots, Irish, English and French... that’s a lot for one castle to handle. And yet it’s the only preserved castle of its age open to the public today.
After a quick visit, we arrive back in Belfast in the early evening.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.