Overview
Travel through gorgeous coastal terrain, including the Glens of Antrim, on this 2-day trip to Northern Ireland from Dublin. Head to Belfast by train for an overnight stay, and then enjoy a scenic coach day tour along the Antrim Coast Road with a knowledgeable guide.
En route, you’ll stop in the town of Ballycastle, walk along the stunning basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway and get great photos of Dunluce Castle. Depending on the season, you might even cross the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge!
NB: Winter Schedule (November-March): The winter schedule does not take in the Causeway Coastal Route, along Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast. From November - March, we join the tour at Ballycastle, approximately 10 minutes from the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 6 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Local guide
In-vehicle air conditioning
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Breakfast
1 nights accommodation
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Entrance fees: Carrick-a-rede rope bridge (Open March to October only)
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Railtours Ireland Representatives will be waiting in the main concourse area with your travel pack. They will be wearing bright yellow jackets so that they are easily located. Check in is 20 minutes prior to the departure time listed.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• Clients are advised to be on time at meeting points given by hosts, guides and coach drivers as tours will proceed without them.
• Wheelchair accessibility: As long as the passenger has some mobility then this tour would be suitable. Trains in Ireland are wheelchair friendly however buses/coaches are not. The guest would have to be able to climb the steps on to the bus. Mobility Scooters cannot be accommodated on this tour.
What to expect
Day 1 Dublin-Belfast
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Lanyon Place Railway Station
12 hours Admission ticket included
On arrival in Belfast (Ireland’s second largest city) at 15:35, there is a connecting train service to Belfast Great Victoria Street, where your hotel is located. The rest of the evening in the Northern Capital is free.
Day 2 Belfast, Giant's Causeway, and Glens of Antrim
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2 hours Admission ticket included
There are about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns resulting from a volcanic eruption. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and is owned and managed by the National Trust. However, legend has it that the Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Phon: Fyun Ma Cool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight Benandonner. Legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he didn't arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Úna (Phon: oo-na) laid a blanket over Fionn and pretended he was Fionn's baby son. When Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed that Fionn must be gigantic indeed! He fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn.
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Dunluce Castle
15 min
We head to Dunluce Castle for a photo stop and to stretch the legs.
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Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge
1 hour Admission ticket not included
We stop at the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Its construction facilitated the local fishermen to access Sheep Island, where there is excellent fishing. The original single handrail was subsequently replaced by a two hand railed bridge and the present caged bridge was installed by the National Trust. There is a nominal charge to cross the bridge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 6 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel between 2 and 6 days before the start time: 50% refund.
Cancel within 2 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Dublin).
Additional Information
- WHEELCHAIR POLICY: Railtours Ireland First Class ltd very successfully offers hosted railtours for the independent traveller. Our tours are a combination of train and luxury coach and include a moderate level of physical activity, such as short walks to meeting points etc. Unfortunately even the most modern luxury coaches (buses) are not wheelchair friendly, thus our tours are not suitable for those with mobility issues, and regretfully walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on our tours.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about 2-Day Northern Ireland Rail Tour: Belfast, Antrim Coast, and Giant's Causeway
How long does 2-Day Northern Ireland Rail Tour take?
It takes about 2 days.
Where does it start?
Railtours Ireland Representatives will be waiting in the main concourse area with your travel pack. They will be wearing bright yellow jackets so that they are easily located.
What's included?
- Local guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Breakfast
- 1 nights accommodation
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Entrance fees: Carrick-a-rede rope bridge (Open March to October only)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Lanyon Place Railway Station, Dunluce Castle, Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Railtours Ireland First Class
