Here are the principal excursion tours available to cruise ship passengers calling at Larne, a docking port on the east Antrim coast, serving as a gateway to the Glens of Antrim, the Causeway Coastal Route, and nearby attractions. These are the most commonly offered and popular options, typically arranged through cruise lines or local operators (such as private guides, small-group coaches, or walking tour providers) with guaranteed return to the ship.
- Causeway Coastal Route and Giant’s Causeway Tour: A full-day coach excursion along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, featuring basalt columns, coastal cliffs, and legends of Finn McCool, often with stops at viewpoints such as the Dark Hedges or Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
- Carrickfergus Castle and Medieval History: A half-day trip to the well-preserved 12th-century Carrickfergus Castle, one of Ireland’s finest Norman fortresses, with guided tours of the keep, battlements, and dungeons, plus time to explore the adjacent harbour town and its maritime heritage.
- Glens of Antrim Scenic Drive: A full-day journey through the nine Glens of Antrim, showcasing lush valleys, waterfalls (such as at Glenariff Forest Park), traditional villages, and mountain views, with commentary on local folklore and the area’s Gaelic heritage.
- Glenarm Castle and Walled Garden: A half-day visit to the privately owned Glenarm Castle and its award-winning walled garden, featuring formal parterres, orchards, a yew hedge maze, and riverside walks, often combined with a stop in the picturesque village of Glenarm.
- Ballylumford Dolmen and Islandmagee Coastal Walk: A shorter half-day tour to the ancient Ballylumford Dolmen (a Neolithic portal tomb), followed by a gentle coastal path on Islandmagee with views across to Scotland, lighthouses, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as seals or seabirds.
- Larne Town and Olderfleet Castle: A gentle half-day or short walking excursion around Larne itself, including the promenade, Chaine Memorial Tower, the ruins of Olderfleet Castle (a 13th-century tower house), and the local museum, with time for shopping or a seaside café.
- Lough Neagh and Antrim Castle Gardens: A full-day tour to Lough Neagh (the largest lake in Ireland), with a boat trip or lakeside walk, combined with the historic Antrim Castle Gardens featuring formal landscapes, a yew hedge, and heritage trails.
- Private or Small-Group Custom Tour: Tailored half-day or full-day private excursions (by vehicle) combining favourites such as the Giant’s Causeway, Glens of Antrim, or Carrickfergus Castle, with flexibility for photography, local history focus, or a relaxed pace.
These excursions highlight Larne’s location on the Causeway Coastal Route and its proximity to Antrim’s natural and historic attractions, with many involving coach transfers directly from the port. Full-day tours to the Giant’s Causeway or Glens are especially popular. Independent options like local taxis or walks in Larne suit shorter port calls, but organised tours ensure timely return to the ship. Availability depends on ship schedules, weather, and tendering if required.
Ireland’s cruise ship ports
Aran Islands – Bangor – Bantry – Belfast – Cork – Derry – Dingle – Donegal – Dublin – Dún Laoghaire – Foynes – Galway – Killybegs – Larne – Rathlin – Tory Island – Warrenpoint – Waterford
Attractions
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth\ – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County-by-county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
