I am staying in Derry but want to take a day trip to the Giants Causeway, the rope bridge and the Bushmills distillery. Any suggestions as to the best way to do this? Rent a car? Take a tour? This will be in May.
Renting a car gives you complete flexibility and you can spend as long (or as little time) as you want at the different places. You can also stop off at other places of interest on the way - Mussenden Temple and Dunluce Castle spring to mind.
I agree that for the comfort, convenience, and ease of mobility a car is the way to go.
Am sure there are public transportation options which would save you a bit of money if prefer - all of the sites you mention are popular tourist destinations so I'm sure there will be a convenient bus stop nearby.
We had a rental car which is easiest, in that it saves time. While there may be public transportation, I’m not certain how often it stops at Carrick-a-Rede and the causeway. Check the time of the last Bushmills tour. When we visited, we caught the last tour and I believe it started about 4pm and lasted about an hour.