Belfast: Day Trips and Tours from Dublin

Experience a scenic adventure like no other on a Belfast day trip from Dublin. Drive along the stunning Causeway Coastal Road and discover famous landmarks along the way in one of the country’s most picturesque regions.

Visit the impressive ruins of Dunluce Castle and the awe-inspiring rock formations of Giants Causeway. See the spectacular Dark Hedges and then explore the streets of Belfast and the Titanic Quarter. Catch the best of Northern Ireland’s coastline on these fun and spectacular tours.

How to get to Belfast from Dublin?

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. It is around 140 kilometers north of the Republic of Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, on the island’s east coast. The journey can be made by road or rail in just a couple of hours and offers some excellent scenic views.

From Dublin to Belfast by car

The journey from Dublin to Belfast by car is around 170 kilometers and can take as little as one hour and 45 minutes. It is a straightforward drive and the roads are well maintained.

Simply, take the M1/N1 north from Dublin which will take you all the way to Belfast. Note that when you cross over the Irish border at Killeen, the road becomes the A1. Join the M1 motorway at Lisburn and take this road all the way into Belfast.

From Dublin to Belfast by bus/train

If you prefer to take the bus, travel will take approximately two hours and 40 minutes and there are buses departing Dublin every hour. Bus Eireann and Translink operate a joint service that runs from Busáras in Dublin city center and from Dublin Airport to Belfast.

If you travel by train, the average travel time is around two hours and 10 minutes between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Lanyon Place stations. The Enterprise train is the fastest and most efficient way of getting to County Antrim.

Guided tour to Belfast from Dublin

For a hassle-free way to travel and more sightseeing opportunities, why not consider a Belfast day trip from Dublin? These bus tours include all transportation, the company of a knowledgeable local guide and they depart from a convenient point in Dublin city center.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Belfast from Dublin?

A typical Belfast day trip will begin with collection from your accommodation or a convenient city center pickup point. You will then ride in a comfortable air-conditioned bus and can listen to the live commentary on board.

Listen to your guide as you travel north from Dublin and take a quick stop at a service station for breakfast, to buy your lunch or to stretch your legs.

The first attraction will probably be Dunluce Castle where you will pause to enjoy the views and to snap some photos. The next stop will be the Giant’s Causeway where you will have plenty of time to stroll around and explore.

Afterwards, you will visit the Dark Hedges and experience the magnificent intertwined beech trees. The final stop of the day will be in Belfast where you can explore the city for a couple of hours before the return journey to Dublin.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Belfast?

There are many Belfast day tours from Dublin available to suit every taste and budget. Single-day and 2-day guided group tours are the most common type of sightseeing excursion between the cities.

Guided tours to Belfast from Dublin

See all the most important sights along the Causeway Coast in a single day. Check out Dunluce Castle, the Giants Causeway, the Dark Hedges and the city of Belfast on an action-packed jaunt from Dublin.

These tours include all transportation for the day and a professional guide to explain the history and significance of the locations. The duration of these tours is typically between 12 and 14 hours.

Private tour to Belfast from Dublin

If you prefer to travel with your own personal guide and transport, a private tour to Belfast is the way to go. Private tours offer more flexibility and can be customized to your own specifications, so you can visit all the highlights of the region or only the places you wish to.

Stop when and where you like without worrying about tour schedules and enjoy the attention of your own personal guide.

2-Day rail tour to Belfast from Dublin

These two-day Belfast trips offer the opportunity to explore the city and coast in greater detail. Visit the Giants Causeway and the island of Carrick-a-Rede. Spend more time in the city of Belfast with overnight accommodation and select meals included in the price of the trip.

These small group tours include transport by rail and coach and a local guide to travel with you. You can also opt for a Game of Thrones themed tour which visits popular locations from the television show.

How much does a tour to Belfast from Dublin cost?

The prices of tours can vary a great deal depending on which package you choose. The group guided tours are generally the cheapest and range from around £40 to £75 per person.

Two-day rail tours include an overnight stay and cost between £120 to £420 per person and private Belfast day tours cost from £850 to £1,030 per group.

What will you see and do in Belfast?

There are plenty of sights to see around Belfast, particularly along the northern seaside stretch known as the Causeway Coast. The following are some of the best locations throughout the region.

Belfast

On a Belfast day trip, you will discover a city bustling with art, culture and great food. Walk through the city streets and explore the Titanic quarter, where the iconic ship was built. Visit the Titanic Experience to learn more about the luxury passenger ship and its unfortunate end.

See some of the city’s architectural highlights such as Crumlin Road Gaol, Victoria Square Dome and the Peace Wall. Take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens or follow the Van Morrison Trail to discover the places that have inspired the legendary singer.

The Giants Causeway

The Giants causeway is a unique natural phenomenon and is one of the region’s top attractions. This collection of hexagonal-shaped rock columns, some of which tower 40 feet into the air, is said to have been created by the mythical giant Finn MacCool.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, as well as being a must-see on a tour of the coastline, it is a great place to snap some dramatic photographs.

Dark Hedges

One of the most enchanting locations to visit in the region, Dark Hedges is an avenue of twisted and gnarled beech trees in County Antrim. Its striking appearance has made it a popular tourist attraction after it appeared in the HBO television series “Game of Thrones.”

Dunluce Castle

The Medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle sit on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The castle has appeared in numerous films and television shows, as well as on the LP cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Houses of the Holy.” It is said to have been the influence for locations in C.S Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

When is the best time to visit Belfast?

The summer months from June to August are the best times to take a Belfast day trip. This is when lots of people visit to experience the cultural and musical events which take place during the season.

If you prefer fewer crowds why not check out the city during spring time to enjoy the cool weather and catch the city’s flower displays in full bloom.

Travel tips

• These tours are popular so be sure to book your Belfast day trips in advance to ensure availability.
• Unlike the Republic of Ireland — which uses the euro (€), Northern Ireland’s currency is the pound sterling (£). Most places accept card payment but there may be some additional fees.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing on these tours as there may be a considerable amount of walking involved.
• Pack an umbrella and warm clothing even during the summer months as the high temperatures here rarely exceed 19 degrees Celsius.