Things to do in Ballintoy

On this 2-day tour from Dublin, you’ll travel to Northern Ireland, which has been experiencing a new dawn after the end of 30 years of political violence. Explore downtown Belfast as well as the glorious glens of Antrim. With its breathtaking scenery, welcoming local residents, unspoiled landscapes, and living history, Northern Ireland is sure to please. Day 1: Dublin to Belfast ADepart Dublin, heading north for the 2-hour drive to Belfast on the new Peace Highway. Your first stop will be St. Peters Cathedral in Drogheda, where you’ll find the fully preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett. He was beheaded by the English in 1681 and his head now sits staring out from a glass box by the altar. Take a drive off the highway to visit the haunting ruins of Monasterboice. See the 10th-century round tower and learn how residents of the time took refuge from the Vikings. Admire some of the most beautiful Celtic crosses in Ireland, carved by hand by monks in the 9th century. When you arrive in Belfast you’ll have 2 hours of free time. You might consider an optional and highly recommended Black Taxi Tour of the Falls and Shankill Roads. Alternatively, use your free time for lunch and shopping in the city’s bustling downtown area. Depart the city center for a drive to the docks to visit Belfast's number 1 attraction: The Titanic Experience. Spend 2 hours on a tour of the all-new Titanic Belfast. Follow the story from the ship’s conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. Overnight in Belfast's historic downtown university quarter. Day 2: Belfast – Giant's Causeway – Dublin The tour departs Belfast on a drive through the rolling farmland of County Antrim to the north coast of Ulster. Your first stop will be a photo stop at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, with views of Rathlin Island, before continuing along the coast. Next, visit the famous Giant's Causeway. Explore the site which features an estimated 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that were formed during a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. After at least 2 hours exploring the Giant’s Causeway, you’ll continue on to see the cliff-top ruins of Dunluce Castle, the ancestral home of the MacDonnell Clan. Benefit from paid entrance here and time for a comprehensive exploration. We'll also have time for a photo stop at amazing Dark Hedges - a tree-lined road that is said to be haunted and made world-famous by Game of Thrones. On the return to Dublin, you’ll have a short rest and relaxation stop with time for some refreshments. Arrive back in Dublin with a wealth of songs, stories, and memories of Belfast and the 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). The second last stop is a photostop at the spectacular ruins of Dunluce Castle, the ancient seat of power of Clan McDonnell perched on the edge of basalt sea cliffs. Dunluce appeared briefly in Game of Thrones® as the ruins of Harrenhal when Robb Stark and his entourage arrive. 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.

The Giants causeway is the only unesco world heritage site in Northern Ireland. Situated on the beautiful North coast in an area of outstanding natural beauty with breathtaking views, this is a must see for anyone traveling to our wonderful country. Often called the eighth wonder of the world, the Giants causeway is a magical, mythical and mysterious place to visit. Made up of over 40 thousand polygonal columns. These stones were created more than 60 million years ago. Was it volcanic activity or a dispute between two giants?? Let us take you there and you can decide for yourself when you see it firsthand. Travel in comfort in your own private vehicle, along with a professional local guide and enjoy some Irish craic (fun) at no extra cost!! Itinerary: Arrange pickup time and location. Travel to the Giants causeway taking in the breathtaking scenery of Ireland's North coast. Visit many areas of interest for example: Carrick-a-rede rope bridge (viewing point only) Ballintoy harbour The Giants causeway Dunluce Castle Bushmills Distillery (optional) Dark hedges The above itinerary is a template and can be tailored to suit if requested. The Giants causeway tour is an all day adventure lasting approximately 8hrs, although this can change in certain circumstances for example cruise ship schedule etc.....

Visit Belfast and the Giant's Causeway on a private tour. Explore the city of Belfast, the Titanic Quarter, and the iconic Peace Walls before heading to the north coast of Ireland. Customize your tour to suit your preferences. After exploring Belfast, head to the famous set from the Game of Thrones, the Dark Hedges, where you can walk through the hedges and take holiday pictures. Next, visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for an action-packed hour. Continue to Ballintoy Harbour, another famous set from the Game of Thrones. The world-famous Giant's Causeway is the main attraction of the day. Explore the legend of Finn McCool in this must-do experience. Finally, visit Dunluce Castle, dating back to the 15th century. Explore the story of Dunluce Castle before returning to Belfast.

Your first stop will be the Titanic Experience in Belfast. Spend 90 minutes here exploring the symbolism of the Titanic, which was Belfast’s iconic structure. Walk in the footsteps of the men who built RMS Titanic, the world’s most famous ship, in Belfast's historic shipyard. Visit over nine interactive galleries with state of the art exhibitions making use of special effects, rides, and full-scale reconstructions.  Continue your tour to the second stop Carrickfergus Castle. Built by the Anglo-Norman John de Courcy over 800 years ago, Carrickfergus Castle has long been the centre of a power struggle for those wanting to control the important port. The castle now houses historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries. There are ramparts, dungeons, and winding staircases with trip steps to deter any invaders. Afterward, visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for a fantastic view and photograph opportunities. This famous bridge, near Ballintoy in County Antrim, links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-rede. It spans 20 metres and is 30 metres above the rocks below.  The next attraction is the Giant's Causeway. Legend has it that Irish giant Finn McCool created the causeway to travel to Scotland and fight his rival Benandonner but that he came back smartish when he saw how big Benandonner was. The causeway consists of 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns along 6 kilometers (4 miles) of the northern coast of Northern Ireland. It was created by volcanic activity during the Tertiary between 50 and 60 million years ago. In 1986, the Giant’s Causeway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains one of the most famous attractions in Nothern Ireland.  The last stop will be a photography stop at the iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle, which bears witness to a long and tumultuous history. First built on the dramatic coastal cliffs of north County Antrim by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513. The castle has been used as the setting for the villains lair in the film The Medallion with Jackie Chan in 2001. The castle appeared in the artwork of the inner gatefold of the 1973 Led Zeppelin album Houses of the Holy. On your return, if time allows you will drive through Belfast on the way to your ship.

See some of the most photographed sights in Northern Ireland on a scenic tour from Belfast and discover Game of Thrones location sites along the way. Follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters as you visit the avenue of trees known as "Dark Hedges," used as the King's Road location where Ayra became friends with Gendry and Hot Pie. Next, make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant's Causeway and get 1.5 hours to explore the 40,000 interlocking hexagonal stone columns.  Spend an hour visiting Ballintoy harbor. This amazing little harbor looks like it was built as a set for Game of Thrones and is one of the most beautiful harbors in Ireland. Many scenes were filmed at Ballintoy, including Theon coming home for the first time, Theon being baptised, the crowing of the new king of the Iron Islands, Balon Greyjoy's burial and many more. Continue to Larrybane Quarry, where Catelyn Stark met one of the new kings, where King Renly set up camp in The Stormlands, and where the tournament took place that introduced Brienne of Tarth to the story. Take the opportunity to capture a photo of the stunning Dunluce Castle, before making your way back along the winding roads of the Glens of Antrim back to Belfast.