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Things to do in Ballycastle

Our most recommended things to do in Ballycastle

From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour

1. From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour

Discover the beauty of Northern Ireland and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway on a tour from Belfast. Visit the Giants Causeway, Carrickfergus Castle, Glenarm Castle, Carnlough Harbour, Waterfoot Caves, Cushendun Curfew House, Rope Bridge, and The Dark Hedges while navigating the Antrim Coast Road. After leaving Belfast in the morning, a short journey will take you to the first stop of the day at Carrickfergus Castle, a 12th-century Norman castle. Walk around and take photographs of the castle and the harbor. Continue the drive along the Antrim Coast Road, traveling through some of the nine Glens of Antrim. Wind through small towns and villages, hearing the myths and legends of the fairies and leprechauns that reside in these Glens. Driving through Glenarm, pass Carnlough Harbour, the Waterfoot Caves, and Cushendun Curfew house. Travel up through Glencorp and Glendunn, passing the coastal town of Ballycastle before arriving at the Portaneevy View Point to see Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.  Stop to admire views at the rope bridge and look across to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and Rathlin Island. Listen to the stories behind these sights before stopping next at the Dark Hedges, known as the Kingsroad in the Game of Thrones HBO series. Walk among the trees made famous by the Game of Thrones followed by a lunch stop at a traditional pub (costs not included).  Later, visit more locations from the Game of Thrones. Travel by Carnlough Harbour where Arya Stark swam and pass by Magharmorne Quarry where Castle Black was located. The finale of the day is a stop at the Giant’s Causeway where you can explore, walk across the historic stones, and learn about the legend of the Giant Finn MacCool. Discover how and why he built the Causeway.  After your day of exploring is done, travel directly back to Belfast via the inland route and get dropped off back in the city center or at the activity provider's office in Queen's Quarter.

Belfast: Giant's Causeway and 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

2. Belfast: Giant's Causeway and 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Travel the celebrated coastal road from Belfast to Giant's Causeway, one of the world's best drives. Pay a visit to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and learn about the myths and legends of the area on this full-day tour. Discover the city of Belfast itself on a hop-on hop-off bus tour for the next two days. Meet your guide on the first day, and set off on a coastal adventure. Visit the 12th-century Norman castle in Carrickfergus, admire Irish fishing villages, and stop for lunch in Ballycastle. Then, head to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and brave a crossing, if you like. Finally, journey to the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Hear stories of feuding giants from your expert guide as you marvel at the beautiful basalt columns. Explore Belfast on your second and third days with a sightseeing bus tour. Choose from over 19 locations to hop on and hop off at, more than any other city tour, and delve into their history with your passionate guides. Take advantage of discounted access into leading attractions, such as the Titanic Museum, Crumlin Road Jail, and HMS Caroline. Buses pass every 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic, for you to hop back on your sightseeing tour. This Giant's Causeway and Belfast combination tour is exclusive to GetYourGuide customers.

From Belfast: Hop-on Hop-off Northern Ireland Bus Tour

3. From Belfast: Hop-on Hop-off Northern Ireland Bus Tour

Discover the best of Northern Ireland by a convenient hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Explore the most famous towns and attractions within the region. Choose from several departure times from Belfast and stop where you want on the route. Spend as much time as you like exploring and discovering the sights and attractions. After departing Belfast, the bus makes its way to northern Antrim. Jump off where you want, explore, and when you're ready, take the next available bus to the next stop. Bushmills Town (Bus stop is outside the Bushmills distillery) Hop off at the charming town of Bushmills and pay a visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery. Take an optional tour, and learn about one of the most popular Irish whiskey brands Giants Causeway (Bus stop is in front of the Nook pub) The Giant’s Causeway is a unique geological formation featuring thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its natural beauty and scientific significance Ballintoy Village (Bus stop on main street in Ballintoy) Stroll through the village and see The Fullerton Arms Hotel, where door No.6 from the Game of Thrones series is on display. Walk to Ballintoy Harbor, which was the setting for Pyke and the Iron Islands in the series Carrick-a-Rede Bridge (Bus stop outside Ballycastle road) Suspended above the ocean, the bridge offers stunning views of the coast and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can take a walk along the bridge and enjoy the thrill of crossing to the small island of Carrick-a-Rede. This historic site has been used by fishermen for generations and is now a popular tourist destination. A must-do for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience Carnlough (Stop in main street) Carnlough village boasts a picturesque harbor, where visitors can watch local fishermen bring in their catch, and enjoy views of the rugged coastline and lush green hills. The main attraction is the historic Carnlough Harbor, a beautifully restored 19th-century building that now serves as a visitor center. Carnlough also offers a range of activities such as hiking and cycling, and is within easy reach of other tourist hotspots. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a taste of local culture, Carnlough has something for everyone Carrickfergus Town and Carrickfergus Castle (Bus stop outside Carrickfergus castle) Explore one of the oldest towns on the island of Ireland. Visit historic landmarks such as the eponymous Carrickfergus Castle, the oldest Norman castle in Ireland. Visit the Andrew Jackson Cottage, where the parents of the 7th President of the USA were born. Make a stop at the Carrickfergus Museum and learn about the long and distinguished history of the town and surrounding area After exploring these and other fascinating landmarks, hop back on the bus for a relaxing journey back to central Belfast. Use a multi-day pass to start the journey again the following day and pick up where you left off

From Belfast: Private Giants Causeway Coastal Tour

4. From Belfast: Private Giants Causeway Coastal Tour

Design your ideal day trip when you travel to the spectacular Giants Causeway with a private driver. Stop where you like, for as long as you wish, making this private day tour a truly personalized experience. Traveling from Belfast along the scenic coastal route, the first big attraction is Carrickfergus Castle. The Norman castle from the 17th century is the best-preserved medieval structure in Ireland. Continuing along the beautiful scenic coastal road through seaside towns, there are plenty of places to stop for photos along the way. Drive past small seaside villages including Whitehead and Ballygalley before stopping at Glenarm Castle for a photo at the barbican. Grab refreshments at Carnlough Harbour before continuing your journey to see Carrick-A-Reed rope bridge. Lunch is at the Causeway Hotel, with Bushmills Distillery located nearby. Can you resist a visit to the distillery for a wee taste of their famous whiskey? No trip up north would be complete without a visit to the Dark Hedges tree tunnel, made famous by the "Game of Thrones" tv series. Even those who are not fans of the show will appreciate the beauty of this unique road with its overhanging trees. The big highlight of your trip is the UNESCO-listed Giants Causeway. Legend says the unique rock formation is the remains of a bridge used by giants which connected Ireland and Scotland. If there are other sights and attractions you want to visit, your guide is happy to oblige. You can change the itinerary for your day trip to suit your group's interests.

Belfast: Game of Thrones Iron Islands & Giant's Causeway

5. Belfast: Game of Thrones Iron Islands & Giant's Causeway

Depart from Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn Hotel) taking the Causeway Coastal Route. Stop for coffee and restrooms in Carnlough. This is the harbour where Arya escapes a Braavos canal after she was stabbed by the Waif. Stop to take photos at the Cushendun Caves in the Stormlands where Melisandre gave birth to a dark spirit in season two. Next stop is Ballintoy Harbor, the location where Theon came ashore on Pyke Island, where Theon later rededicated his faith to the ‘drowned god’, where Ser Davos seeks the help of Salladhor Saan for the Battle of Blackwater Bay and where Gendry escapes Dragonstone in a rowing boat. This is where your guide opens the trunk of the coach and takes out the Iron Islands costumes, swords, axes, and Greyjoy banners. What is dead may never die! Next, you will visit the Giant’s Causeway: a UNESCO World Heritage site and geological marvel of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed in the Paleogene Period, 50-60 million years ago (please note there is up to 2 kilometers of walking at this location). Our final stop of the day is the Dark Hedges, the avenue of 200 year old serpentine beech trees through which Arya and Gendry escaped King’s Landing.

From Dublin: 3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Tour

6. From Dublin: 3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Tour

Day 1 Departing Dublin at 09:00, you will travel north towards the border with Northern Ireland. From here, it will be a short journey into the city of Belfast famous for its industrial past and turbulent history. After a short tour of some of the key areas of the city, you will arrive in the newly redeveloped Titanic Quarter, where you will have time for lunch and perhaps a visit to the award-winning museum. Other options here include a visit to the SS Nomadic, the last surviving White Star Line steamship, HMS Caroline, the fascinating Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House or perhaps take a black cab tour of the city. Later in the afternoon, you will leave the city and travel into the countryside of County Down for a visit to the world-famous house and gardens at Mount Stewart before arriving in the seaside resort town of Bangor - your base for the next two nights. Day 2   Today, you will follow one of the world’s great driving routes – the Causeway Coastal route through the beautiful scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens. The tour follows the coast road from Larne to the world-famous Giant's Causeway. Along the way, you will makes stops in attractive historic villages such as Glenarm and Ballycastle as well as scenic attractions such as the Cushendun Caves and the many viewpoints along this stunning coastline. In the afternoon, you will have a chance to explore the incredible rock formations at Giant’s Causeway. Several places along the route were used as filming location for the TV series "Game of Thrones" and the last stop of the day will be at the stunning Dark Hedges - make sure your camera still has some battery power left.  From here, you will return back to Bangor for another night. Day 3  After another day full of contrasts and fascinating visits, start with a trip along the Ards Peninsula – a great favorite with holiday makers from all over Northern Ireland. At Portaferry, take a boat across the mouth of Strangford Lough to visit Castle Ward with its 18th century mansion, extensive gardens and grounds, estate walks and for "Game of Thrones" enthusiasts, the location of Winterfell and other scenes. From here, it will be a short drive to Downpatrick, site of the burial place of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. You will have time for lunch here and perhaps a visit to Down Cathedral or St. Patrick's center. In the afternoon, the tour will continue along the coast with the brooding granite peaks of Mourne Mountains on one side and the Irish Sea on the other. After a detour into the heart of the mountains through an area of traditional farms with their fascinating field patterns and huge stone walls, you will reach the coast again on the shores of Carlingford Lough for the final stop of the day. From here, you will return back across the border and travel south to Dublin arriving around 19:00.

From Belfast: Private Giant's Causeway County Antrim Tour

7. From Belfast: Private Giant's Causeway County Antrim Tour

Launching our new VIP Luxury Private Tour for this Summer Season. We value our guest experience, putting you at the heart of everything we do, and this summer we aim to go that extra furlong for your comfort and style. Offering esteemed guests the new Luxury VIP Private Tour to The Giant’s Causeway. Exclusively bringing you a combination tour that encompasses the essence of quality and comfort to your most desired locations. Luxury Giant’s Causeway Tour brings you the ultimate experience, on this full-day tour Experience a jam-packed day filled with Northern Ireland's top attractions, including the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Old Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce castles. This tour lasts from the time you wish to start until you are finished - no rush it's Ireland! Cruise ship visitors are time-sensitive and must be returned on time, so we are flexible with our timings to suit you, so you can spend as long as you want at any venue. Your tour will begin from your pickup location, where you will meet your driver/guide for the day. There we will begin our journey to the north coast traveling through the rolling farmland of County Antrim. Antrim Coast Road: The Antrim Coast Road is widely agreed to be one of the finest stretches of road anywhere in the world. The road hugs the coastline giving incredible seaside views, passing unspoiled beaches, and sheltering under rugged cliffs. You may even see Scotland on a good day! Carnlough Village: Our first stop of the day takes us into the amazing picturesque fishing village of Carnlough for a quick comfort break. Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge: Next stop we visit one of the most visited places in Northern Ireland amazing Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge where you can, of course, cross the bridge which spans a chasm over 75ft in height. The lovely coastal path provides a spectacular walk with stunning sea and cliff views. Next stop Giants Causeway, Commonly called ‘the 8th wonder of the world’, is the only World Heritage site in Ireland. During our stop here you can spend time climbing over the ancient stones, snapping photos, and reflecting on the myths and legends of this very unique area. Lunch Stop: we can stop for lunch in a nice Irish pub to sample our good food and maybe a cheeky pint of Guinness. Or you can sample some locally caught fish in one of the best fish and chips shops and of course not forgetting the mushy peas. Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery: Our next stop of the day is at Bushmills Whiskey Distillery which has been creating beautiful ‘water of life ‘since 1608 making this the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Dunluce Castle: We continue a wonderful day with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle. We arrive at one of the most dramatic castle ruins in the world. Prepare to be amazed at the way this old castle hangs over the edge of the cliffs. The Dark Hedges: last stop is one of the most popular natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges.

Ireland's North Atlantic Coast 5-Day Tour from Dublin

8. Ireland's North Atlantic Coast 5-Day Tour from Dublin

Enjoy a scenic tour of Eire and Northern Ireland’s Atlantic Coast on a 5-day package tour from Dublin. Stay in quaint bed and breakfast accommodation in Portrush, Donegal, and Westport along the way. Go to the edge of Europe at Achill Island, explore the new Titanic Quarter in Belfast to see where the ill-fated ocean liner was built, marvel at the dramatic geology of the Giant’s Causeway, and immerse yourself in Gaelic culture. Day 1: Depart Dublin at 09:00 and travel north towards the border with Northern Ireland. From here it is a short journey to Belfast, famous for its industrial past and turbulent history. After a short tour of some of the city’s key areas, arrive in the newly redeveloped Titanic Quarter, where you will have time for lunch and a visit to the award-winning museum. In the afternoon, experience the contrast between the busy city center and the scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens. Follow part of the coast from Ballycastle to the world famous Giant's Causeway. Marvel at the stunning coastal scenery, before checking into your overnight accommodation in the holiday town of Portrush. Day 2: Go to the walled city of Derry, designated a UK City of Culture in 2013. Enjoy some free time to explore the old city center, and visit one of the many museums or galleries. Then cross the border to the Republic of Ireland, traveling into one of the most remote and unspoilt areas of the country. Explore County Donegal’s dramatic scenery and Gaelic culture. Pass through Glenveagh National Park and the Errigal Mountains, before following the coast through traditional fishing villages. Stop for nature walks along the way, and soak up the local culture before checking into your overnight accommodation in Donegal. Day 3: Travel south along the coast from Donegal to County Sligo, and see the grave of the famous poet W.B. Yeats. Gaze at the mountain scenery of Ben Bulben, before exploring Sligo Town at Carrowmore, site of the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland. Continue west into County Mayo to discover an area hit hard by the great potato famine, leading many to emigrate to North America. Drive through large areas of farmland, bog, and open moor, enjoying panoramic views of the distant hills. Return to the Atlantic Coast and Achill Island on the edge of Europe. Savor the peace and quiet of the beautiful area, before driving to Westport for your next 2 nights accommodation. Day 4: Today’s itinerary is weather dependent, and your guide will advise the best things to see. Explore the beautiful house and grounds of Kylemore Abbey, or marvel at the wilderness of Connemara National Park. Go to Clifden to see where the first transatlantic flight landed. Other options include the scenic Sky Road and 12 Bens of Connemara. Return to Westport for an evening at leisure, and the chance to sample some local seafood in one of the many excellent restaurants. Day 5: Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, before leaving Westport and going inland through the heart of Connemara. Visit the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib to see where the classic movie “The Quiet Man” was filmed. Explore Cong Abbey, or the Quiet Man Museum, before driving through the Maam Valley to Galway City. Enjoy some free time for lunch, and to explore the vibrant city center. Return to Dublin, stopping at the old whisky distillery of Locke’s Distillery in Kilbeggan to learn about Ireland’s favorite tipple en route.

Game of Thrones: Private Filming Locations Day Tour

9. Game of Thrones: Private Filming Locations Day Tour

Meet Flip — your multi-award winning guide on the ultimate Game Of Thrones® locations tour. A man whose encyclopedic knowledge of the show owes a lot to one crucial fact: he was actually in it. Flip appeared in the series as a stand-in body double for House Stark’s much loved gentle giant Hodor. He was also a double for House Lannister’s feared enforcer, the towering Ser Gregor Clegane. You can see Flip in three iconic episodes in Season 6, ‘The Winds Of Winter’, ‘Oathbreaker’ and ‘The Door’ - in which the origins of Hodor’s name are revealed to amazing effect. Make no mistake then - this is a man who knows what he’s talking about. The locations are a thrill to experience in their own right. But if you’re a seasoned Thronie, each one is alive with drama and excitement: the site of a daring escape; the castle where heroes took refuge, the cave where darkness was born…A lot of them are off-the-beaten track. But with his insider knowledge, Flip knows exactly where they are. He’ll make sure you can get up close and personal with every one. Between locations you’ll be travelling in Flip’s van. (Worthy of a film star, Flip’s van is an air-conditioned long wheel-base VW Transporter Shuttle.) It’s a good time to hear his behind-the-scenes stories of life on set and in the studio during the making of Game of Thrones®. He’s a mine of information on the logistics of creating the biggest TV show worldwide right here in Northern Ireland. Flip is a local man - another key ingredient in his expertise. In fact many of the filming locations are in his own backyard. As he talks to you, you’ll find his great love of the area is contagious. He’ll also be delighted to pass on his knowledge of the geological processes that created the beautiful coastal landscape. So even if you don’t know your Dragonstone from your Dothraki, there’s plenty to discover in Flip’s company.

From Belfast private Giant’s Causeway,Antrim Coast day tour

10. From Belfast private Giant’s Causeway,Antrim Coast day tour

On this full day Giants causeway tour we will drive along the Antrim coastal taking in the beautiful views. we well stop at Carnlough a small fishing village for refreshments On our way to the Giant’s Causeway we well also visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Bushmills whiskey distillery and Dunluce Castle or some of the filming locations for the game of thrones if you prefer. The tour last about eight hours so the day is yours to choose what you want to do. So why not go on a Giant adventure. .

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What people are saying about Ballycastle

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,302 reviews

Highlight of the trip . Barely noticed the amount of time spent on the journey up as the scenery was simply jaw dropping . Ideal amount of time spent at the Causeway . Driver have an interesting and entertaining commentary . Bus was incredibly comfortable . Outstanding value for money

we had to queue again at the counter for our 10-year-old child to access the castle, and again to access the garden, even though we had taken care to book on the Internet. Fortunately we were able to count on the kindness of the staff on site.

Really interesting trip, guide was really friendly, full of information and jokes to make the day fun and flow well. Stops were about the right length. Highly recommend it.

Excellent value - guide was superb, we saw so much and learnt so much. Absolutely must-see and we would love to go back in summer.

This was fantastic, it is truly a unique experience. We were lucky to have excellent weather.