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The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges: Our most recommended tours and activities

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.

From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip

2. From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip

Embark on a scenic drive to Northern Ireland's most iconic locations from Belfast. Visit the Giant's Causeway, Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Dark Hedges. Learn about the history from live commentary on board. For the first stop, grab some photos at the beautiful Carrickfergus Castle. Then, journey along the coast, with stops along the way at the Caves at Cushendun and Carnlough Harbour—both recently made famous by the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Enjoy a delicious pub grub-style lunch at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, at your expense. Then re-board the luxury coach and head to the highlight of the tour, the Giant's Causeway. At Ireland’s only World Heritage Site, you’ll spend some time climbing over the ancient stones and enjoying the myths and legends that surround this world-famous attraction. After the Giant’s Causeway, make a short stop at the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle, and then a final stop at the World Famous Dark Hedges. Then it’s time to sit back and relax on the comfortable return journey to Belfast.

Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour

3. Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour

Tour the coastline of Northern Ireland on a day trip from Dublin in a comfortable bus. Visit iconic sights, including the Giant's Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and Belfast. Depart Dublin and travel North, stopping at a service station along the way for breakfast, to buy lunch, and to stretch your legs. Your first attraction is to take a 5-minute photo stop at the famous and picturesque ruins of Dunluce Castle. Afterward, head to the Giant's Causeway, formed from about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Enjoy at least 2 hours at the UNESCO World Heritage Site and get up close to the hexagonal columns, often referred to as the "8th Wonder of the World." Take in the fantastic views of the Irish Sea and then spend around 20 minutes traveling along the avenue of intertwined beech trees known as "Dark Hedges." Planted in the 18th-century by the Stuart family, the beautiful sight was used in the Game of Thrones series and the Transformers movie. Lastly, head to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and the birthplace of the Titanic ocean liner. Stop next to Belfast City Hall and spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring the city. Do some sightseeing, shopping, and grab some food before continuing the journey home.

From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Full-Day Guided Tour

4. From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Full-Day Guided Tour

On this full-day excursion to the Giant’s Causeway you’ll leave Belfast in the morning with your Irish guide and fellow travel partners for a drive through the rolling farmland of County Antrim to the northern coast of Ireland – an area of outstanding natural beauty. Dark Hedges (photos) Stop for photos and fresh air at one of the most amazing natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges. The trees were planted centuries ago by the Stuart family to make an impression upon guests visiting their estate. Many guests will recognize Dark Hedges as the King's Road from HBO's Game of Thrones. Carrick-a-Rede (photos) Enjoy amazing views overlooking the rope bridge. Traditionally fishermen erected the bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island over a chasm of 23m-deep and 20m-wide, to harvest salmon from their nets. Enjoy views of the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and Rathlin Island. Unesco Giants Causeway The Giant's Causeway has often been described as the 8th wonder of the world, and once you have visited the site you’ll quickly see why. The area consists of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed during a volcano eruption 60 million years ago. This is one of the world’s great natural attractions although many Irish passionately believe the causeway was built by the Celtic warrior hero Finn McCool. You’re guaranteed 2 hours at the Giant's Causeway on this tour before returning to Belfast. The entrance fee for the visitor center is not included as the Unesco World Heritage Site is actually completely free of charge to the public. Based on years of guest feedback guests prefer to have the best possible value price for the overall tour and then can make individual decisions locally as to whether they wish to access the adjacent visitor center for a fee at the door. Dunluce Castle (The House of Greyjoy) Make a photo stop at the incredible ruins of Dunluce Castle (entry not included), home to the McQuillan family who built the fortress around 500 years ago. Game of Thrones fans will immediately recognize the House of Greyjoy. One of the most spectacular castle ruins anywhere in the world, Dunluce Castle is located on top of cliffs that collapse into the North Atlantic below. The Castle’s dramatic history of violence, intrigue and rebellion is matched by the scandal and betrayal committed by the Greyjoys in Game of Thrones. Enjoy paid admission and approx 60 minutes to explore these most romantic ruins, grounds, and surrounds. Arrive Belfast The tour ends in Belfast in the late afternoon, which allows plenty of time for refreshments, rest, evening dinner, and entertainment options.

Belfast: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle

5. Belfast: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle

Discover the famous Giant's Causeway on a guided tour from Belfast. Visit the Dark Hedges, made famous in Game of Thrones, and admire the scenic views around Dunluce Castle. Depart Belfast and travel by coach to The Dark Hedges, a beautiful avenue of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century as an impressive feature of the driveway to their Gracehill Manor. Continue to the Giant's Causeway to marvel at 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Learn about the legend of Finn, said to have built the causeway to cross the Irish Sea to fight a Scottish giant known as Benandonner. Enjoy impressive views of Sheep Island and the Mull of Kintyre. Take around 2 hours to explore and look around. Stop for a picture at Dunluce Castle, a now-ruined medieval castle. Capture this photogenic castle built in the 13th century and hear how it has inspired many TV programs, poems, and songs.

From Belfast: Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast Tour

6. From Belfast: Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast Tour

Discover the Giant's Causeway and the highlights of County Antrim on a guided day trip from Belfast. See some of the filming locations from Game of Thrones and visit the largest Titanic exhibition with included entry tickets. Leaving central Belfast, travel through the Antrim countryside to the Dunluce Castle ruins to take a few photos of the castle dating back to the 13th century. The castle was featured in Narnia and Game of Thrones as the fortress of Greyjoy’s home. A highlight of the day is the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy around 2 hours exploring the 40,000 interlocking hexagonal stone columns formed during a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. Hear the legend of the Giant Finn McCool while admiring the shores of the Atlantic Ocean before stopping at the Dark Hedges. This location was made famous by Game of Thrones as the location where Arya Stark made her escape down The Kings Road. Journey down the tunnel-­like avenue of intertwined beech trees and get some spectacular photos of one of the most visited sites in Northern Ireland. On the return journey to Belfast, visit the Titanic Belfast (entry included). Stretching over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, experience the Titanic like never before. Experience a combination of special effects, rides, full-scale reconstructions, and interactive features. Learn about the Titanic story from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic end. After your visit, arrive back in Belfast where the trip began.

From Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Belfast Titanic with Ticket

7. From Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Belfast Titanic with Ticket

Discover the natural splendor of Ireland’s UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway and explore the Titanic Museum in Belfast with an included admission ticket on a guided day trip from Dublin. Travel by bus, stopping at the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle, with free time in Belfast. Visit the Titanic Museum and spend 1.5 hours learning the story of the Titanic ocean liner and her ill-fated maiden voyage. The story comes alive with innovative technology, scale models, and more. See the Giant's Causeway, comprising about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Spend 1.5 hours getting up close to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. You will have the time to walk along the cliffs overlooking the Causeway taking stunning pictures, before going for a stroll on the Giant's Causeway itself. Make a photo stop at the magnificent Dunluce Castle. This 13-century castle ruin is one of the most photogenic landmarks in Ireland. Stop at the Dark Hedges for 15-20 minutes. This centuries-old lane of beech trees has been featured in films (Transformers) and on television (Game of Thrones). Explore Belfast for around 30 minutes. See the Big Fish, Albert's Clock, St. Anne's Cathedral. You will have time to do some shopping and buy some food before heading back to Dublin.

Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour

8. Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour

With an early start in Dublin this tour is designed to take you to the best locations in Northern Ireland to ensure with the limited time you have that you will make the most of the day ahead. Enjoy a relaxed journey and listen to the stories and history from the guide as we take you on an adventure you will never forget. The first stop of the day is at the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO world heritage site is truly a view to behold. With Thousand of interlocking basalt columns spreading across the coastline you will discover how the strange rock formation was formed thousands of years ago due to a volcanic eruption. Or maybe it is the legend Finn McCool himself that created the rock formation as he battled with the Scottish Giant? Dunluce castle is just around the corner. Spend 10 min here taking in the views from the Atlantic Ocean and hear the waves crash against the rocks. Experience the castle from a spectacular angle. Situated on the sheer cliff edge the ruins are truly majestic and have a lot of history and myths locked up in the walls. A perfect spot for a memorable photograph! As we travel through the Glens of Antrim we will visit the Dark Hedges. Made famous (Not that it was needed) by the hit TV series “ Game of Thrones” as the Kings road you will have the opportunity to walk along the avenue of Beech trees. Planted over 200 years ago as a stunning entrance to James Stuart’s new house it still lives on and still impress visitors today. Reaching Belfast we have one last stop and definitely another highlight of the day. The world renowned Belfast Titanic Exhibition extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition. From special effects, rides, full-scale reconstructions and interactive features you will explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day in the Ocean Exploration Centre. With the entrance ticket included in the price of the tour this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this attraction. When time allows we will stop in Belfast city to have a quick break before heading back to Dublin, where you will be home in good time to have a great night out to finish a great day out!

From Belfast: Causeway Express Tour Shore Excursion

9. From Belfast: Causeway Express Tour Shore Excursion

This tour, specially created for cruise ship passengers, will cover some of the area's best sites, including Belfast City Hall and the International Peace Wall. Heading up inland, visit the Dark Hedges made famous by Game of Thrones TV Series, which is a romantic, atmospheric, tunnel-like avenue of intertwined beech trees planted in the 18th century. Next, head to Dunluce Castle for a photo stop. The iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle 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. Last but not least, you'll see the Giant's Causeway, an area of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns - the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.

From Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Belfast City Bus Tour

10. From Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Belfast City Bus Tour

Explore the marvelous, breathtaking beauty of Northern Ireland's coast on a full-day trip from Dublin that takes you to Giant's Causeway and Belfast. Step on board your private bus and head up to the Antrim coast, located on the tip of Northern Ireland. For our first stop, we will visit the Dark Hedges. The Dark Hedges consists of an avenue of beech trees joined together forming a natural tunnel. This is a highlight for everyone but in particular, for Game of Thrones fans, you may recognise it as 'The Kings Road'. Perfect photo opportunity. You will visit Giant's Causeway, a constellation of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Along the way, you will experience an amazing part of Northern Ireland, learning lots of history and seeing some of the country's most dramatic coastline. Once there, stop and breathe in the fresh air and explore the many different shapes and rock formations surrounded by mystery and mythology. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful sweeping beach looking over Whitepark Bay and Portbradden. Visit the vibrant and modern city of Belfast where you will have some free time for sightseeing or shopping before returning to Dublin.

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What people are saying about The Dark Hedges

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 7,114 reviews

We enjoyed the tour. Our time in some places were quite limited, however, that's just because we're trying to keep track on schedule so we can visit all the places included and can return back to Belfast on time. Stephen the tour guide was well knowledgeable and he entertained us during the whole trip, I think he knows the road well and we felt safe with his driving. Bus was nearly breaking down when we got back to Belfast. The company is thinking to get a new coach provider, i hope they do. We have our own eating schedule/intermittent fasting so we did not have lunch at Fullerton with the group and just chose to tour around the area. Stephen said he will keep the bus unlocked for those who did not want to have lunch at the resto or have their own packed lunch; there were quite a number of us who didn't but the bus was locked when we came back from the toilet and we just chose to stay out in the cold and not to bother looking for him. Overall, we enjoyed the tour. Kudos to McComb's!

Can’t recommend this trip enough! As a solo traveller the trip was a great way for me to visit lots of beautiful places in a safe environment. Our guide Patrick was great, he was very informative and had a great sense of humour. The day was very well planned out with toilet breaks factored into the journey. It was a great opportunity to see what there was to offer outside of Belfast and I had a great day. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Northern Ireland!

It was a great trip. I loved visiting the locations, and the tour staff was awesome. It was definitely worth the money and will consider booking tours with Finn McCools Tours in the future.

The trip was fabulous ! The locations are worth visiting. Patrick our tour guide was amazing he was humorous along with being informative.

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