This
private Belfast tour is an excellent option for those who wish to see Northern Ireland's beautiful wonders including the Antrim Coast, the famous Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle.
You have the option to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (if you are brave enough).
After meeting your private guide you drive along the beautiful Antrim Coast which runs north from Larne and curves around the base of steep headlands, through which the beautiful green glens of Antrim open to the sea. During the drive there is a short comfort stop, if needed.
You enjoy a stop to see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Those who wish to cross the bridge may choose to do so (and pay entry fee on the spot). This rope bridge spans a chasm along the coast some eighty feet deep. Primarily a seasonal working bridge for fishermen, it connects a small island to the mainland. Its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats, which the fishermen would cross to bring ashore salmon caught off the island. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by today's two-handed railed bridge. Although no one has ever been injured falling off the old bridge, there have been many instances of visitors being unable to face the return journey across the bridge, resulting in the return journey being made by boat. Underneath the bridge are large caves which served as a safe haven for fishermen escaping winter storms.
Next you visit Giant's Causeway which was formed more than 60 million years ago when red-hot lava erupted onto the surface of the earth. It was quickly cooled by the sea, which crystallized it and formed it into the 40,000 basalt polygonal columns, which today form the Giants Causeway. A must-see on any visit to the North of Ireland, the Causeway is an UNESCO World Heritage site, and is often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World". You start your tour at the Visitor Center where you watch a show which explains the origin of the Causeway as well as the various legends about the Giants Causeway. After the show you walk to the impressive causeway.
After an exciting morning you have free time to enjoy a snack (not included) before visiting the Dunluce Castle which is located on the North Antrim coast and stands proudly on a 90 foot high column of basalt rock. The ruins portray the air of strength this site commanded. Before the advent of gunpowder it would have been almost impossible to conquer. The castle dates largely from the 16th and 17th centuries, however the outer walls with round towers are attributed to being built in the 14th century by the MacQuillans. The castle can only be reached over a bridge, which now replaces an original rocky connection. The bridge leads to the "New" Scottish style gatehouse built after cannons destroyed the original in 1584. In the two openings of the old gatehouse wall you see cannons salvaged from the Girona, a Spanish Armada Galleon ship which sank nearby in 1588.
On the mainland area of the castle complex are the remains of the earl's garden laid out in three terraces. This area also included the lodgings for the many visitors who graced the castle in the 17th century.
Unfortunately this delightful tour has to end some time. You return to the pier in Belfast later this afternoon.
Mobility: NO wheelchair
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our
Belfast tours and
Belfast Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private
Belfast tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please
contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
