For a tour of Northern Ireland’s best sights, clients would do well to book Dublin-based Paddywagon Tours’ convenient, full-day Giant’s Causeway Tour from Dublin, a round-trip bus drive that offers a relaxing ride for anyone interested in history, nature or simply filling his or her social media stories with breathtaking photos.
The Northern Ireland tour hits the road early, making a short fuel stop mid-way through the drive’s first leg where clients can grab coffee, pastries and other road snacks. When I did the tour, our first stop was for a photo op that any “Game of Thrones” fan will love: The Dark Hedges. Cast as the “King’s Road” in the popular television series, the imposing beech trees lining the avenue offer the first of many stunning backdrops along the tour.
The comfortable tour bus then followed the country’s curvy northern edge onto the Causeway Coastal Route. A truly special experience will await guests if they choose to daringly cross the 260-year-old Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Waves crashed against the rocks 100 feet below us, but those who are comfortable crossing this swaying 65-foot link will end up standing proudly atop an empty island to take in the spectacular 360-degree view.
With a morning full of memories, clients will be thankful for the opportunity to swipe through their photos over lunch in the nearby village of Ballintoy. I stand by the steak-and-ale pie at The Fullerton Arms, but travelers who may not be interested in authentic Irish food can’t go wrong with a burger or classic basket of fish and chips.
Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Credit: 2021 Carlos/stock.adobe.comFull bellies, wide smiles and rested feet were then loaded back onto the bus for the tour’s namesake destination: Giant’s Causeway. I peered out the window at Portbradden and Whitepark Bay as we headed into this intriguing UNESCO World Heritage Site where, according to legend, a giant created more than 35,000 hexagonal basalt columns to cross the sea and reach Scotland. The guests were free to walk along these “stepping stones,” but should be advised to wear closed-toe shoes and watch their footing.
As the sun started to meet the cliffside, the tour continued on to the historic Dunluce Castle for a quick photo stop. Though it also makes an appearance in “Game of Thrones,” this medieval castle is uninhabited and has been in ruins for centuries. In fact, part of the cliffside collapsed many years ago, sending the kitchen — and everyone in it — down into the sea below.
Finally, the tour made its way to Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, just in time for supper. Guests enjoyed an hour to roam around the city center, which was just enough time to visit the Peace Wall, St. George’s Market and the Cathedral Quarter. Finally, our bus returned to Dublin and arrived at Paddywagon around 8:30p.m. If clients are fortunate enough to have many more days in Ireland, I suggest booking another Paddywagon tour to the can’t-miss Cliffs of Moher or the stunning Ring of Kerry.
However, those who want to extend their adventure abroad have alternate options available. Paddywagon allows clients to end their tour and remain in Belfast, leaving ample time for a visit to the interactive Titanic Belfast or a ride with the famous Black Taxi tours.
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