Belfast Shore Excursion from Cruise Ships
Belfast shore excursions are one of the best ways to experience the Giant’s Causeway and Antrim Coast when your cruise ship docks in Belfast. This full-day tour from Belfast Harbour allows cruise passengers to explore Northern Ireland’s most famous natural attraction while also discovering the history and culture of Belfast city.
Designed specifically for cruise ship schedules, this Belfast shore excursion includes convenient pickup from the cruise terminal, expert local guides, and a carefully planned itinerary that ensures you return to your ship before departure.
Operated by Belfast City Sightseeing, the city’s official hop-on hop-off bus tour operator. This tour was previously known as the Causeway Express, a popular shore excursion for cruise ship passengers visiting Belfast.
Tour highlights
This Belfast shore excursion combines Northern Ireland’s most famous natural attraction with some of the best-known highlights of the Antrim Coast and Belfast city.
- Pickup and drop off to cruise ship
- Guaranteed return to cruise ship
- Visit the Giants Causeway
- Visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Visit Dunluce and Carrickfergus Castles
- Travel the Antrim Coast Road
- Belfast City Sightseeing tour
- Private luxury coach and live guide
Giant’s Causeway Shore Excursion Itinerary
This Belfast shore excursion includes some of Northern Ireland’s most famous attractions, travelling along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through the nine Glens of Antrim.
Full tour route and stops
After your cruise ship docks at Belfast Harbour, our driver and guide will meet you at the designated pickup point near the cruise terminal. We monitor ship arrival times to ensure a smooth pickup, allowing you to begin your Belfast shore excursion without delay.
Your shore excursion departs directly from Belfast cruise port, heading north along the scenic Antrim Coast. Leaving the city behind, the journey quickly transitions into one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Northern Ireland.
Enjoy a photo stop at the dramatic Dunluce Castle, a medieval ruin perched on a cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Dating back to the 13th century, this iconic landmark is one of the most photographed locations along the Antrim Coast.
The highlight of the tour is the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. You will have approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to explore the famous basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago.
Stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can enjoy panoramic coastal views across to Scotland on a clear day. This photo stop provides an excellent opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Antrim coastline.
Travel along the world-famous Antrim Coast Road, often ranked among the most scenic drives in Europe. The route passes through the stunning nine Glens of Antrim, offering breathtaking views of cliffs, coastline, and rolling green landscapes.
Enjoy a lunch stop in the charming coastal village of Cushendall, located in the heart of the Glens of Antrim. Guests have time to relax and enjoy food at a local restaurant such as Harry’s, or explore the village at their own pace.
Visit Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Built in 1177, this historic fortress overlooks Belfast Lough and offers a fascinating glimpse into Northern Ireland’s medieval past.
After exploring the Antrim Coast, the tour returns to Belfast city, giving you a final opportunity to take in views of the harbour and surrounding landscape before continuing your sightseeing experience in the city.
Before returning to the cruise terminal, enjoy a short Belfast city tour showcasing some of the city’s most important landmarks and history.
At the end of the tour, you will be returned to Belfast cruise port approximately one hour before your ship’s departure. This allows plenty of time for boarding and ensures a relaxed and stress-free end to your Belfast shore excursion.
Cruise Ship Pickup at Belfast Harbour
Cruise ships visiting Belfast dock at Belfast Harbour, a short distance from the city centre. Our driver and guide will meet you near the cruise terminal after disembarkation, making it easy to begin your Belfast shore excursion to the Giant’s Causeway without delay.
If your ship docks before 8:00am, the earliest departure will be 8:30am. Otherwise, the tour will depart approximately 30 minutes after docking. We also guarantee that you will return to the port in time for your ship’s departure, usually around one hour before sailing.
How Long Does This Belfast Shore Excursion Last?
This Giant’s Causeway shore excursion typically lasts 8–9 hours from departure to return, depending on your ship’s schedule. This makes it an ideal full-day excursion for cruise passengers with limited time in Northern Ireland.
The Giant’s Causeway is approximately 60 miles (97 km) from Belfast Harbour, and the journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes each way along the scenic Antrim Coast Road.
Looking for a Flexible Belfast City Tour Instead?
If you are staying in Belfast city rather than joining the Giant’s Causeway shore excursion, our hop on hop off Belfast bus tour is a flexible way to explore the city at your own pace. It is ideal for cruise visitors who want to spend more time in Belfast and visit some of the city’s top attractions.
Unlike this Belfast shore excursion, the hop on hop off Belfast tour allows you to stay in the city and choose where you would like to get on and off.
At Belfast City Sightseeing our customer services team are very happy to help or assist you in any way we can. However, before you call or drop us an email please do take a little time to look through our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ where many of your questions and enquiries may be answered…
-
How will we know our bus?
All of our coaches will have an Belfast City Sightseeing sign displayed in the window and a dedicated member of staff dockside to ensure you get onto your correct coach. -
How many people do you need to run the tour?
It takes a minimum of 15 people to run the tour. It is very rare that our tour will not meet the required numbers, however we run a weekly report and will let you know at least two weeks prior to departure if the tour has been cancelled. -
Can my group travel together?
Yes, there will be sign in the coach window and a member of staff to ensure people get onto the correct coach. We advise groups to stay together going from the ship to the coach. -
Is there a toilet on the coach?
Yes, there are toilets on all our coaches -
What happens if it rains? Are there covered buses?
Fear not! Our buses are fitted with covers to keep you dry—after all, this is Northern Ireland, where the rain is just another part of the charm! -
Is there a live tour guide on the bus?
Yes! Our lively tour guides are ready to regale you with stories and facts that’ll make the journey as delightful as the destination! -
How far is the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast cruise port?
The Giant’s Causeway is approximately 60 miles (97 km) from Belfast Harbour. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes each way, travelling along the scenic Antrim Coast Road. -
Where do cruise ships dock in Belfast?
Cruise ships visiting Belfast dock at Belfast Harbour, located a short distance from the city centre. Many shore excursions include pickup directly from the cruise terminal for convenience. -
How long do Belfast shore excursions last?
Most shore excursions from Belfast last 7–9 hours, allowing time to visit the Giant’s Causeway and other highlights of the Antrim Coast before returning to the cruise ship. -
Will the tour return before my cruise ship departs?
Yes. Shore excursions are scheduled according to cruise ship arrival and departure times and include a return-to-ship guarantee. -
Is this a Hop on Hop bus tour?
No, unfortunately not. There is not enough time to hop on and hop off during the tour. If you are staying in Belfast instead, you can explore the city at your own pace on our Hop on Hop off Belfast bus tour. -
Is there a shuttle bus from the Belfast Cruise Port to the Belfast City Centre?
A shuttle bus is not required for this tour. The Giant’s Causeway and Belfast City Shore Excursion departs directly from the Belfast Cruise Port, with your driver and coach waiting for you as you disembark from the ship.
Please note: If your ship docks before 8:00am the tour will depart at 8:30am
There is a lot of walking on what are sometimes uneven surfaces during this tour. Please come dressed appropriately for not only the season, but also for the activity.
*For your safety, we have a limited number of booster seats for children. Please request one at the time of booking.
Please note: Due to time constraints this is not a Hop-on/Hop-off service
Please note: These are set forth by the attractions themselves and not Belfast City Sightseeing.
Please note: This tour is independently operated and will be subject to numbers.
Buy Tickets
Tour highlights
- Pickup and drop off to cruise ship
- Guaranteed return to cruise ship
- Visit the Giants Causeway
- Visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Visit Dunluce and Carrickfergus Castles
- Travel the Antrim Coast Road
- Belfast City Sightseeing tour
- Private luxury coach and live guide
Need help?
- Can't find your tour? Please enquire about our private tours, email us at info@citysightseeingbelfast.com
- Or phone +44 (0)28 90 321321 and speak to one of our reservations team.
