Northern Ireland's stunning coastline is filled with breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, charming villages, and natural wonders that have captivated visitors for centuries. Our signature 9-hour Giant's Causeway and North Antrim Coast Tour offers the most comprehensive private touring experience available, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Northern Ireland's most iconic attractions at a comfortable pace.
Why Choose Our 9-Hour Tour Option?
While our 7-hour tour provides an excellent introduction to Northern Ireland's highlights, our extended 9-hour journey allows for a deeper, more relaxed exploration. This additional time means you can:
Visit more locations along the stunning coastline
Spend more time at each attraction without feeling rushed
Enjoy lunch at a local establishment recommended by your chauffeur
Personalize your itinerary with flexibility for detours to points of interest
Capture those perfect photographs without time constraints
Journey Through History and Natural Beauty
Carrickfergus Castle: Where Northern Ireland's Story Begins
Our tour typically begins at the magnificent Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland and a cornerstone of Northern Irish history. Built in 1177, this imposing fortress stands proudly overlooking Belfast Lough.
As our chauffeur Brian recently shared while touring in March 2024:
"This Castle was built in 1177, a fully standing Norman Castle as you can clearly see, set in this beautiful harbor behind me. This is where King William of Orange landed in 1690... King William came here to fight the Catholic King James. If you want to hear more about this story, come along and take one of our tours, and we'll be glad to show you everything about Carrickfergus."
The castle offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life, military architecture, and the strategic importance of this coastal position throughout centuries of conflict and change. Our knowledgeable guides provide context that brings these ancient stones to life.
The Scenic Coastal Route: Villages with Character
After Carrickfergus, our journey continues along the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route, often rated among the world's most scenic drives. The road hugs the coastline, offering dramatic views of the North Channel and, on clear days, even glimpses of Scotland across the water.
Glenarm: Historic Charm and Surprising Connections
The picturesque village of Glenarm, with its charming limestone buildings and historic castle, offers a delightful stopping point. Glenarm Castle has stood since 1636, and as Brian notes during tours, it's "only built yesterday in Irish terms!"
The village holds unexpected stories, including the remarkable tale of Paddy the Pigeon:
"Paddy was a carrier pigeon who was given to the British army for the Second World War to carry messages because they could get a message across the English Channel even in bad weather. Paddy's owner came from this little village, and Paddy did a very special thing—he flew across the English Channel in 4 hours and 50 minutes, which was quite a record. In doing so, he was awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest medal an animal can receive in battle."
These fascinating local stories and historical connections are just some of the treasures our experienced chauffeurs share throughout your journey.
Carnlough: Harbor Views and Screen Fame
The charming harbor village of Carnlough is another highlight, featuring distinctive limestone harbor steps that gained international fame through their appearance in HBO's Game of Thrones as "Braavos Canal."
"Why are these steps famous? For those Game of Thrones fans, this is the reason. This was Braavos canal in Game of Thrones... they put up barriers around the steps for safety reasons now."
Our guides can point out exact filming locations and share behind-the-scenes insights about the production of this globally acclaimed series.
Natural Wonders of the Glens of Antrim
The tour winds through the lush Glens of Antrim, a series of nine glens (valleys) of exceptional natural beauty. Each glen has its unique character and legends.
The Vanishing Lake: Myth and Nature Combined
One fascinating stop is the mysterious Vanishing Lake in the Glens:
"Welcome to the Vanishing Lake here in the Glens of Antrim. It's actually rare to see so much water in the lake today because, as we know, for those that have read the story, Finn McCool normally comes and drinks the water out of the lake and leaves nothing behind."
This natural phenomenon—a lake that appears and disappears depending on rainfall and drainage patterns—is enhanced by the folkloric tales of Finn McCool, the legendary giant associated with many Northern Irish landmarks, particularly the Giant's Causeway.
The Crown Jewel: The Giant's Causeway
The highlight of our tour is undoubtedly the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant's Causeway. This geological marvel features approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. However, local legend attributes its creation to the giant Finn McCool, who built the causeway to reach Scotland.
Our extended 9-hour tour allows you to truly appreciate this natural wonder:
Take the scenic walking path down to the main causeway area
Explore the different formations, including the famous Wishing Chair and Organ Pipes
Visit the award-winning visitor centre with its interactive exhibits
Hear both the scientific explanation and mythological tales from your knowledgeable guide
Capture stunning photographs from various vantage points
With our private chauffeur service, you'll have the flexibility to spend more time here than standard group tours allow, ensuring you don't miss any aspect of this extraordinary site.
The Dark Hedges: A Tunnel Through Time
No tour of Northern Ireland's north coast would be complete without visiting the enigmatic Dark Hedges. This atmospheric avenue of intertwined beech trees was planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors approaching their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House.
Now world-famous as the "King's Road" from Game of Thrones, these ancient trees create a tunnel-like effect that seems straight from a fairytale. Our 9-hour tour provides ample time to appreciate this location properly:
Visit during optimal lighting conditions for the best photographs
Avoid the crowds with our guide's knowledge of timing
Learn about the conservation efforts to preserve this natural landmark
Hear about local ghost stories, including the "Grey Lady" said to haunt the hedges
Personalized Experiences: The Private Tour Advantage
What truly sets Belfast Causeway Tours apart is the personalised nature of our service. In a comfortable, luxury vehicle with your own private chauffeur-guide, you'll enjoy:
Flexible Itinerary: While we have suggested routes, we can adjust the day based on your interests
Local Knowledge: Our guides share insights and stories not found in guidebooks
Comfortable Pace: No rushing to keep up with large groups or strict timetables
Photo Opportunities: Stop whenever and wherever you wish for that perfect shot
Exclusive Access: Visit locations off the beaten path that larger tour buses can't reach
Weather in Northern Ireland: Part of the Experience
As visitors to Northern Ireland quickly learn, the weather is changeable and part of the charm of this beautiful region. As Brian noted during a March 2024 tour:
"It's a very wet day here in Belfast..."
But don't let variable weather deter you! Our private tours run year-round, and many of Northern Ireland's most dramatic landscapes are even more impressive under moody skies or after rainfall. Our comfortable vehicles ensure you stay dry between locations, and our guides know the best-sheltered viewing points at each stop.
A Comprehensive Cultural Immersion
Beyond the physical landmarks, our 9-hour tour provides deep cultural context. Northern Ireland's complex history—from ancient myths to Norman invasions, plantation settlements to modern conflicts—is sensitively explained by our knowledgeable guides. For first-time visitors, this offers an invaluable introduction to the region - check out our First Timer's Guide to Northern Ireland Sightseeing for more information.
You'll gain insights into:
The geological forces that shaped this spectacular coastline
The mythological figures who populate local legends
The historical events that defined Northern Ireland's past
The cultural significance of sites to local communities
The film and television productions that have showcased the region globally
Booking Your Ultimate Northern Ireland Experience
Our 9-hour Giant's Causeway and North Antrim Coast Tour represents the pinnacle of private touring experiences in Northern Ireland. Perfect for photography enthusiasts, history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone who prefers a relaxed, immersive travel experience, this extended journey delivers unforgettable memories.
To secure your booking or to learn more about customising your itinerary, contact Belfast Causeway Tours today. Our friendly team will help you plan the perfect Northern Ireland adventure, with pickup available from Belfast, Dublin, or cruise ship terminals.
Want to know more before booking? Check out our frequently asked questions or read our travel guide for more information about visiting Northern Ireland.
Experience the magic of Northern Ireland's coastline with those who know it best—book your private chauffeur-guided tour today.
If you're looking for other touring options, consider our Top 5 Sights of Northern Ireland Tour, Game of Thrones Tour, or Belfast City Tour.
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