Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 185 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland worth booking?
Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland is a 6-hour experience in Belfast, United Kingdom, from $282 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 185 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (185)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $282 per person
This is a full-day guided tour taking in the highlights of Belfast (optional), the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with a few surprise destinations off the beaten tr
What you get
- Round-trip transportation
- Bottled water
- Stops at multiple attractions
- Hotel / port pickup and drop-off (from Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, and surrounding areas)
- Guided experience
About this experience
This is a full-day guided tour taking in the highlights of Belfast (optional), the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with a few surprise destinations off the beaten track. This tour is aimed at the visitor who has limited time to spare on their trip to Northern Ireland. This tour will give you a great taste of the variety offered by the city, the coastline, the culture and heritage on a day-long tour from Belfast or any accomodation within Northern Ireland (additional costs apply). PLEASE NOTE THE TOUR ITINERARY CAN BE ALTERED AT SHORT NOTICE DUE TO THE TIME AVAILABLE, WEATHER OR SEASON
What's included
Included
- Round-trip transportation
- Bottled water
- Stops at multiple attractions
- Hotel / port pickup and drop-off (from Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, and surrounding areas)
- Guided experience
Not included
- Food and meals (only bottled water is included)
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional purchases, etc.)
What you'll see and do
Belfast City Centre
(Optional for Belfast Pick Up - Unavailable for Derry/Other Pick Up) Take a quick tour of the highlights of Belfast including its majestic City Hall, the grandeur of the Stormont Estate, the University Quarter and the wonderful maritime history of the Titanic Quarter.
Pass by without stopping
Carrickfergus Castle
NOT OFFERED ON MONDAY. One of the oldest and largest intact Norman Castles in Ireland, it has sat on the shores of Belfast Lough since 1177. Stop to take photos of this majestic building. Not available on bookings departing Derry/Londonderry.
15 minutes here
Glenarm Castle
Get up close with one of the few remaining Irish castles still lived in by the same family for hundreds of years. Sadly, as it is a private home, we cannot visit, but our tour will uniquely take you to an amazing vantage point (depending on vehicle) above Glenarm to view this Gothic masterpiece in all its glory and a stop at its amazing grand entrance, The Barbican (which features in Dungeons & Dragons 2023 Movie).
15 minutes here
Carnlough Harbour
A stopover in Carnlough - and not its library - will reward you with views of its beautiful limestone harbour, its railway bridges, the hotel once owned by the Churchill family and of course your first Game of Thrones location of the tour. You can also grab a coffee or a snack in the nearby shop.
20 minutes here
Glenariff Forest Park
DEPENDING ON WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SEASON. Travel through the Queen of the Nine Glens of Antrim - an inspiration for Narnia in the CS Lewis novels - and home to the tumbling waterfalls and ancient woodlands of Glenariff Forest Park.
30 minutes here
Cushendall
Before we pass through lovely Cushendall we take a stop at Agnew's Field and marvel at the sheer scale of Glenariff Glen and the ruins of the ancient Redbay Castle. The village itself has at its heart the 'Curfew Tower' and the magnificent murals celebrating the Irish game of Hurling. Comfort break available here.
Pass by without stopping
Cushendun Village
OPTIONAL. This pretty seaside village is a conservation area in the ownership of the National Trust. Admire its half-slated homes in the Scottish style and the sculpture of Johann the goat and the story of his tragic end.
Pass by without stopping
Torr Head
THIS TRIP DEPENDS ON WEATHER, ROAD CONDITION, VEHICLE SIZE. The Torr Head Scenic Route curves its way across the high cliffs of the Antrim Coast, with amazing sea views and the Scottish coast just 12 miles distant (weather permitting). Admire deep green inlets and otherworldly rock formations before reaching the astonishing Murlough Bay with its curious link to 20th century Irish history.
50 minutes here
Murlough Bay and Fair Head
(Depends on Season & Weather) This amazing bay is accessed by a narrow road that winds its way from the limestone cliffs that feature as the Stormlands in Game of Thrones, to the rocky shoreline with its limestone and basalt rock features, battered year-round by North Atlantic Ocean.
30 minutes here
We will stop at this celebrated seaside resort for lunch or dinner(depending on season) at one of the award-winning local restaurants with their famous seafood dishes and its world renowned chowder - Ballycastle being the first place to send and receive wireless radio signals by Marconi's team - then head along the coast to Kinbane. Winter Options Differ.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Kinbane Castle
(TIme and Weather Permitting) The ruins of Kinbane Castle sit on a long, narrow limestone headland projecting into the sea, overlooking the churning waters of the Straits of Moyle, Rathlin Island and the Scottish Islands. Marvel at the tumbling waterfall and the sea caves far below the coastal path.
15 minutes here
Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge
This trip does not include a crossing of the Rope Bridge (c. 3 hours). Instead we will view the Rope Bridge from above from Portaneevy Lookout Point and enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline and views across to Scotland (weather permitting).
10 minutes here
Giant's Causeway
Visitors are advised that this site is extremely busy with congestion at peak times. We will endeavour to reach the site at quieter times to enhance your enjoyment. Please also advise us in advance if you have mobility issues. The Giant's Causeway is the most visited natural attraction in Ireland and is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. With its astonishing collection of over 40,000 basalt columns, it is one of the must-see natural wonders on this spectacular coastline - if not the world - but let us know your thoughts.
45 minutes here
Dunluce Castle
TIME AND WEATHER DEPENDENT. Nearly 250 years in construction, the clifftop location of Dunluce Castle has attracted artists and photographers for years. One of the most impressive castle ruins in Ireland, this stop will appeal to your inner artist. Allow at least 10 minutes to enjoy this amazing testament to the enterprise of the Irish, 600 years after building began. ENTRANCE TO CASTLE NOT INCLUDED ON THIS STOP.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Belfast
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 3 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- InSite Tours Ireland
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- A maximum of 3 people per booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 185 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
185 verified traveler reviews for Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Avoid This Tour Company at All Costs
AVOID AVOID AVOID My wife and I booked a tour of Northern Ireland after docking in Belfast on a cruise, expecting a professional and enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, it quickly turned into a complete disaster. About an hour into the tour, we were stopped by law enforcement officers and informed that the driver, Fergal, was operating illegally and that his so-called "luxury vehicle" was also not legally compliant. This was incredibly embarrassing, stressful, and completely ruined what should have been a memorable day. To make matters worse, we were forced to abandon the tour and arrange alternative transport. We were placed in a local taxi to continue our sightseeing and had to pay for the tour again out of our own pocket. The biggest shock came when we discovered that using a local taxi for the same itinerary was approximately $500 cheaper than the tour we had originally booked. No visitor should have to endure the experience we went through. We felt misled, overcharged, and extremely disappointed. I would strongly advise others to avoid booking with this operator and to consider local taxi services instead. Don't be conned into paying premium prices for a service that may not even be operating legally.
Response from the operator: "I have supplied evidence that the traveller denies authorship and has reported this directly to TripAdvisor. If the review is to remain published, please explain what verification has been undertaken to satisfy TripAdvisor that the review complies with your authenticity requirements."
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful personalized tour of beautiful Northern Ireland!
Our guide Fergal took us on a wonderful personalized tour of Northern Ireland. He took us to all the highlights and added additional locations based on our preferences. He is highly knowledgeable and gave us a lot of background on the places we visited. We would highly recommend him and this tour
Response from the operator: Hello again Irma and Steve and thank you so much for these lovely words about our day together exploring the highlights of Northern Ireland. It was my great pleasure to show you all that is special about this place that I call home and it was lovely to witness your response to the many amazing locations we visited. It was a long day and hopefully when you go back to your ship, you had a good restful night. I also hope that your other Irish shore excursions were equally rewarding. Hopefully you will make it back this way soon to continue the adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Great trip with my wife.
What a great trip! The driver did a great job showing the country side and stopping at multiple castles and tailored our trip to what we wanted to experience.
Response from the operator: Hi again Marco and Melissa and than you for this lovely review and for being such wonderful company. Thank you also for the delicious lunch and for your generosity at the end of our day. Best of luck with all your future adventures! Go Raibh Maith Agat!
via Viator
N. Ireland Coastal Highlights - did not disappoint…
Fergel was knowledgeable, fun, and accommodating. We had the best time. He was able to show us everything we were looking for. Great conversation and just a blast all the way around. 100% recommend and will definitely hire him again when we come back. He made the trip very memorable.
Response from the operator: Hello again my lovely friends and thank you so much for your wonderful review of our day together in March. I always love the days out when we do things backwards and that you enjoyed your Bushmills Distillery visit and didn’t fall over later at the Giant’s Causeway. Glad that you had a great trip out with me and I do look forward to seeing you both back my way soon.
via Tripadvisor
Five star all the way around
Incredible scenery, and our host Fergal was an expert in his field and enjoyable to be with. We weren’t expecting a private tour in a gorgeous jaguar sedan so that was a bonus and Fergal had that car hugging every turn on the narrow and windy backroads. He also made great use of the shorter daylight time. This trip was beyond our expectations and couldn’t have been any better. The host/guide/driver is outstanding, the scenery is one beautiful scene after another, and the route was well planned and full of history. I especially liked that Fergal spoke just the right amount of the time and was very perceptive in knowing when and what to say. He reads his audience well.
Response from the operator: Hello again Michele and Abby and my huge thanks for this wonderful review of our day together in deepest darkest Ireland in November. It is wonderful to hear that Ireland, and those of us who call her home, can deliver such a great experience even when the days are short and the weather unpredictable. Yet our autumn and winter can often deliver the best of the Emerald Isle. Thank you for your wonderful company, for the awe that you both showed at every turn in the road and for every lovely word about your time with me as your guide. Go Raibh Maith Agat.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 10+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 65
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Belfast.
How much does Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland cost?
+
Prices start at $282 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Belfast usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland take?
+
Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Belfast is not rushed.
Is Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 185 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Belfast, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland suitable for kids and families?
+
The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 6-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland?
+
Around 65 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Belfast can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Belfast and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Belfast within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Belfast?
+
On Outty we rank every Belfast experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour, Belfast Troubles Tour: Walls and Bridges, Giants Causeway and Castles from Belfast: Guided Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Belfast?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Belfast?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland.
Pick your date
