Giant's Causeway And Dark Hedges Tour From Belfast
If you are planning to visit Northern Ireland, a day trip from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges is a must. These two scenic spots are one of the top destinations in Northern Ireland and have become popular tourist spots for visitors from all around the world.
What is the Giant's Causeway?
The Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder located on the north coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. It is made up of over 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns, which were formed over 50 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity.
The legend behind the formation of the Giant's Causeway is fascinating. The story goes that two giants, one from Ireland and one from Scotland, challenged each other to a battle. The giant from Ireland decided to build a causeway across the sea to Scotland to reach his opponent. When he arrived, he saw that his rival was much bigger than he had anticipated, so he ran back to Ireland in fear. His Scotsman opponent came over to Ireland to find him, and when he arrived, he destroyed the causeway so that the Irish giant couldn't follow him back to Scotland. The remains of the causeway are what we see today.
What is the Dark Hedges?
The Dark Hedges is a beautiful avenue of beech trees in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The trees were planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family as a grand entrance to their estate, Gracehill House. Today, the Dark Hedges is one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland and has become a popular spot for tourists.
The Dark Hedges is also famous for its appearance in the popular TV series, Game of Thrones. The avenue of trees was used as the location for The Kingsroad, the fictional medieval road that runs through the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
How to Get to the Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges from Belfast?
The easiest way to get to the Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges from Belfast is by taking a day trip with a guided tour. There are several tour operators that offer day trips from Belfast to these popular tourist spots. The tours usually include transportation, a guide, and admission to the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre.
The journey from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway takes about an hour and a half by car. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful coastal villages and scenic countryside, so it is a great opportunity to enjoy the views.
What to Expect on the Tour?
A day trip to the Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges from Belfast usually starts with a pick-up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point. The tour guide will provide you with some background information on the history and geology of the Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges.
When you arrive at the Giant's Causeway, you will have access to the visitor centre, where you can learn more about the geological processes that led to the formation of the basalt columns. You can also take a guided tour of the site, or you can explore the area on your own.
After visiting the Giant's Causeway, the tour will take you to the Dark Hedges, where you can walk down the avenue of trees and take some memorable photographs. You may also have a chance to see some of the other locations used in Game of Thrones.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges should be at the top of your list of places to visit. These two scenic spots are a great way to experience the natural beauty and history of Northern Ireland. A day trip with a guided tour is the best way to visit these popular tourist attractions.