Game of Thrones Tours Belfast
Game of Thrones, one of the most popular fantasy television series of all time, is filmed in many stunningly gorgeous locations. Over the course of the show’s seven seasons, Northern Ireland, with its forests, sea cliffs, beaches, caves, and medieval ruins, has provided the backdrop for much of the magic of Westeros. Many of the show’s fans, seeking out the actual locations for Westeros, decide to make the trek to Northern Ireland to immerse themselves in the fantasy world of the Seven Kingdoms with a Game of Thrones tour in Belfast.
If you are a fan of the Game of Thrones planning a visit to Northern Ireland, you will find many ways to experience and reenact the scenes of the show with a Game of Thrones tour in Belfast. Whether you choose a daylong tour from Belfast or Dublin, a multi-day package tour, a private tour, or decide to explore on your own by using the Game of Thrones Northern Ireland app, you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience. This article will provide you with all of the information you need to plan your Northern Ireland Game of Thrones adventure.
Game of Thrones Tours Belfast
Day trips
Belfast: Game of Thrones Day Tour with Castle Ward
This day trip from Belfast, led by a guide who appeared in the show, visits more than 15 Game of Thrones filming locations.
Included: Guide, transport, admissions
Not included: Tips, archery and costume hire, lunch
Who this tour is good for: Fans of Game of Thrones and families
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 9 hours
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: $65.65 per person
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From Belfast: Game of Thrones Locations Tour Noon Departure
This Game of Thrones tour Belfast departs later than other tours making it ideal for late risers or for people looking for a more relaxed morning.
Locations visited: Carnlough Harbor, Cushendun, The Dark Hedges, Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle
Included: Admission to Causeway Visitors Center, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, transport in a luxury coach, bottled water
Not included: Food and drinks
Who this tour is good for: Game of Thrones fans who want more time in the morning
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 10 hours
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: $45.95 per person
Game of Thrones: Guided Bus Day Tour & Giant’s Causeway
On this tour, led by a guide who has appeared in the show, you will learn insider gossip about the show’s cast and crew.
Locations visited: Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges
Included: Tour guide and driver, transportation in coach, entry to Giant’s Causeway Visitors Center
Not included: Gratuities, food
Who this tour is good for: Game of Thrones fans
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 9 hours
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: $39.93 per person
Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast
Hotel pick-up is included in this tour, which visits key filming locations and stops for photos on Dark Hedges road and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Locations visited: Belfast, Cushenden, Ballycastle, Dark Hedges road, Larrybane Quarry, Ballintoy, Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge, Giant’s Causeway
Included: Hotel pickup, driver/guide, commentary from the guide, transport by air-conditioned coach
Not included: Gratuities, food and drinks, hotel drop-off
Who this tour is good for: Game of Thrones fans
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 9 hours
Pick up from Hotel: Yes
Starting price: in $45.89 per person
From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway, Titanic, and Dark Hedges Tour
This tour includes a visit to the Titanic Museum in Belfast, the largest Titanic Museum in the city where it was built.
Locations visited: Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Museum, Dark Hedges,
Included: Transportation, guided tour
Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop off, food and drinks
Who this tour is good for: Adults who don’t have mobility issues
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 1 day
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: in $ 52.52 per person
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Belfast: Game of Thrones Full-Day Shore Excursion
You will travel on a luxury air-conditioned coach on this tour to many of the main Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland.
Locations visited: Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant’s Causeway
Included: Luxury coach transportation, complimentary bottle of water, approved tour guide, access to the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center
Not included: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge crossing, food and beverages
Who this tour is good for: Fans of Game of Thrones
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 7 hours
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: $45.95 per person
Private Tours
Northern Ireland: Game of Thrones Private Tour of Giant’s Causeway
This full-day guided tour will take you to see the sights along the Antrim Coast and to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Locations visited: Carrickfergus, Mageramonre Quarry, Antrim coast road, Glens of Antrim, Glen Dun, Ballycastle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Larrybane, Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges
Included: Access to Giant’s Causeway, pick-up service from hotels
Not included: Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge crossing charge, lunch and other food purchases
Who this tour is good for: Game of Thrones fans
Small Tour: Yes
Tour length: 7 hours
Pick up from Hotel: Yes
Starting price: in $1,181.64 per group up to 50
Private Tour: Giant’s Causeway, Norman Castles, and Game of Thrones Film Locations
This private day trip from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway is ideal for families or small groups who want to avoid the crowds for a great Game of Thrones Tour.
Locations visited: Belfast, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce and Carrickfergus Castles, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges
Included: Private tour, hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in executive Mercedes V Class or S Class, bottled water, light refreshments, driver/guide, live commentary on board, local guide
Not included: Entrance fees, lunch
Who this tour is good for: Family of 3-8 or small group
Small Tour: Yes/No
Tour length: Flexible
Pick up from Hotel: Yes
Starting price: $511.37 per group
Private Tour: Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast
On this private tour of Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland, you will have the full attention of your guide, hear insider gossip about the show, and learn about Irish culture.
Locations visited: Belfast, Cushendun, Ballycastle, Dark Hedges road, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant’s Causeway, Downward Strand
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by minivan, private guide
Not included: Food and drinks, gratuities
Who this tour is good for: Family or small group
Small Tour: Yes
Tour length: 9 hours
Pick up from Hotel: Yes
Starting price: $113.49 per person
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Game of Thrones Tours from Dublin
Day Trips
From Dublin: Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway Tour
Departing from Dublin, this tour will take you to quiet villages and scenic coves, as well as the more popular sights.
Locations visited: Dublin, Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves, Glens of Antrim, Belfast
Included: Transportation, guided tour
Not included: Lunch, hotel pick-up and drop off
Who this tour is good for: Adults with full mobility
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 1 day
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: in $ 65.07 per person
Giant’s Causeway & Game of Thrones Tour from Dublin
On this full-day tour from Dublin, you will learn about Irish history and folklore and visit many popular Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland.
Locations visited: Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle
Included: Guided tour, all entrance fees
Not included: Lunch
Who this tour is good for: Game of Thrones Fans
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 12 hours
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: $77.09 per person
Game of Thrones Tours Dublin: Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Tour from Dublin
On this full-day trip from Dublin, you will see the main sights, spend time in Belfast, and hear many stories about the history of Ireland.
Locations visited: Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dark Hedges, Belfast
Included: Transportation, guided tour, crossing rope bridge if open
Not included: Hotel pick-up/drop off, lunch
Who this tour is good for: Adults without limited mobility
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 1 day
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: $65.31 per person
Giant’s Causeway and Belfast Titanic Experience from Dublin
This full-day excursion from Dublin includes a visit to the Titanic Museum in Belfast and the Dunluce Castle.
Locations visited: Titanic Museum, Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Belfast
Included: Transportation, guided tour, entrance fee to the Titanic Museum
Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop off, lunch
Who this tour is good for: Adults with no mobility issues
Small Tour: No
Tour length: 1 day
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: in $65.82 per person
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Multi-day tour
From Dublin: 3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Tour
This is a great trip for anyone who wants a fuller experience of the highlights of Northern Ireland.
Locations visited: Antrim Coast, Giant’s Causeway, Belfast, Titanic Quarter, Mount Stewart House and Gardens, Mourne Mountains, Winterfell, Dark Hedges, Bangor, Glenarm, Ballycastle, Cushendun Caves, Ards Peninsula, Portaferry, Castle Ward, Downpatrick, Carlingford Lough
Included: Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini coach, driver/guide, 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation
Not included: meals other than breakfast, refreshments, visitor attraction entry fees
Who this tour is good for: Minimum age is 5 years
Small Tour: Yes
Tour length: 3 days
Pick up from Hotel: No
Starting price: in $469.50 per person
Game of Thrones App Northern Ireland – Filming Locations
If you prefer to go it alone, a new app is available that will help you locate your favorite Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. The interactive app will lead you to 25 filming locations including Inch Abbey, Ballintoy Harbour, Tollymore Forest, Portstewart Strand, Dark Hedges, Castle Ward, and the Shilnavogy Valley. Tourism officials in Northern Ireland have added signs at sites where the show was filmed, including the Visitors’ Center at the Giant’s Causeway, to help you navigate your way.
The app gives detailed information for 25 scenes from seasons 1-7 about where they were filmed and provides official stills from the show. The app’s interactive map allows you to go back and forth between the mythical, fantasy worlds of Westeros and Essos to the reality of Northern Ireland’s locations. For each location on the app, you will find 360-degree panoramic photographs that allow you to experience the beauty of the Northern Ireland from your own home.
Developed by Northern Ireland studio, The Design Zoo, the Game of Thrones Northern Ireland app is available for Apple and Android and is free on Google Play and iTunes. By providing an online digital guide to the world of Westeros, the app helps Game of Thrones fans to appreciate how important the Northern Ireland landscape is to the series. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, whether or not you are planning a trip to Northern Ireland, the Game of Thrones Northern Ireland app is a great way to learn more about the show and its real-life locations.
List of 15 Game of Thrones Film Locations in Northern Ireland
1. Ballintoy Harbour, County Antrim
Ballintoy is a small fishing village on the coast, still used by local fishermen and boatmen today. It is the northernmost point of the Antrim Coast and the Glens coastline and near Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder on the Causeway Coastal Route. On Game of Thrones, Ballintoy Harbor was the location for Lordsport Harbour and Pyke featured in Seasons 2 and 4. The nearby beach served as the backdrop for Theon’s return to the Iron Islands and baptism into the religion of the Drowned God.
2. Downhill Beach (Strand), County Derry
Downhill Beach or Strand is a scenic beach, featuring a seven-mile stretch of sand, on which the ruins of the 18th century Mussenden Temple are located. On the Game of Thrones, it was used as the scene for Dragonstone, where Melisandre sacrificed those who defied the Lord of Light and burned the old gods.
3. Portstewart Strand, County Derry
The National Trust manages this beautiful area of miles of golden sand found between Portstewart town and the River Bann. On the Game of Thrones, it is used as the Coast of Dorne, where Jaime Lannister and Bronn approached the gates of Water Gardens in Season 5.
4. The Dark Hedges, County Antrim
Even before the Game of Thrones, the Dark Hedges attracted many tourists with its enchanted beauty. The Stuart family planted this impressive avenue of beech trees in the 18th century. The Game of Thrones uses this landmark as Kingsroad where Ned Stark is led to his death and where Arya disguised herself as a boy to avoid capture.
5. Cushendun Caves, County Antrim
These caves, located on the Causeway Coastal Route, were once a safe landing place for travelers between Ireland and Scotland. They formed over 400 million years ago. On the Game of Thrones, they serve as the location for a cave in the Stormlands in Season 2 where the Red Priestess Melisandre gives birth to the shadow creature, which later kills Renly.
6. Glenariff and Sallagh Braes, The Glens of Antrim, County Antrim
The nine Glens of Antrim, formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, are one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful areas. Waterfalls and walking trails surround Glenariff, known as the queen of the Glens. Sallagh Braes is close to the village of Ballygally and can be accessed by the Ulster Way footpath. Glenariff is the location for Runestone, in season 5, where Littlefinger and Sansa Stark watched Robin Arryn training in the Vale. Sallagh Braes is the location for Game of Thrones episode 7 Season 6: The Broken Man, where Sandor Cleagane, the Hound, survived after being left to die by Arya Stark.
7. Larrybane Quarry, County Antrim
The Quarry at Larrybane, a sheltered area on the Causeway Coast, provides a stunning view of the coastline including the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and Sheep Island. Game of Thrones used this location in Season 2 for Renly Baratheon’s camp in the Stormlands, where the tournament introducing Brienne of Tarth took place, and for the Kingsmoot on the Iron Islands in Season 6.
8. Shillanavoghy Valley, County Antrim
According to legend, St. Patrick tended sheep in this valley after pirates who slaughtered his family brought him there. Located beneath Slemish Mountain, Game of Thrones fans will know it as Dothraki Sea, where Daenerys and Khal Drogo made camp in Season 1 and where Khalasar departs Pentos and rides to Vaes Dothrak.
9. Lough Neagh, Toome Canal, County Antrim
The ruins of Shane’s Castle from the 14th century make this picturesque area an ideal location for Old Valyrian Canal, the backdrop for the jousting tournament where Gregor Clegane beheaded a horse. In Season 5, Jorah Mormont takes Tyrion prisoner here, binds and gags him, and sets sail for Meereen.
10. Murlough Bay, County Antrim
Murlough Bay is a secluded beach on the Causeway Coast, accessible by way of a steep winding path. Gnarled trees, sea vistas, wild headlands, and spectacular views across to Scotland make this location a perfect place for Game of Thrones scenes of Slavers Bay and Renly’s Camp. It is where slavers discover and capture Tyrion and Ser Jora and take them to Meereen in Season 5 and where Stannis and Renly debate one another in Season 2.
11. Binevenagh Mountain, Antrim Plateau
Formed 60 million years ago by molten lava flows, Binevenagh Mountain is located on the western edge of the Antrim plateau. Its vast views make it a dramatic setting for the Dothraki Grasslands above the city of Meereen where a horde of horse warriors encounters a stranded Daenerys at the end of Season 5, and Drogon, her dragon, rescues her and brings her to his lair.
12. Pollnagollum Cave, County Fermanagh
This cave, in Belmore Forest, is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, an extensive maze of underground passages, which attracts explorers from around the world. Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as the Brotherhood without Banners’ hideout in Season 3.
13. Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
This forest consists of 600 hectares of ancient redwoods and Gothic stone arches remaining from an 18th-century estate. Builders used wood from this forest for the interiors of White Stars liners including the Titanic. In the Game of Thrones, it is used as the location around Winterfell appearing in the first episode. In this location, Robb, Bran, Jon, and Theon Greyjoy spotted White Walkers and found the Direwolf pups and the Bastard of Bolton hunted Theon.
14. Castle Ward, County Down
Castle Ward is a 16th-century ruin featuring a mansion from the 18th century surrounded by an 820-acre walled demesne with gardens and woodland. Game of Thrones remodeled the site’s sheds and barns to create Winterfell, the home of the House Stark before Bolton’s siege in Season 1.
15. Inch Abbey, County Down
John de Courcy founded this Abbey in the 12th century by the River Quoile. Located by the River Quoile with views of Downpatrick, its remains were used as Rob Stark’s Camp, Riverrun, in Game of Thrones Season 1. This is where he was proclaimed the King of the North.
A Game of Thrones tour will bring fantasy to life for fans of the show who are planning a visit to Northern Ireland. Taking a tour of the filming locations provides insight into the show, a firsthand experience of the world of Westeros, and the opportunity to relive and reenact your favorite scenes.
Of course, there are many other reasons to visit Northern Ireland even if you don’t watch the show. The breathtaking scenery of Northern Ireland, with its medieval castles, ancient landscapes, and enchanting forests, mountains, and moorlands, is sure to delight any visitor and create many lasting memories.
Game of Thrones Tours Belfast was written by Maria Haase for EuropeUpClose.com
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Arunima Dey
Friday 7th of September 2018
Very, very detailed! I knew there were a few but didn't know that many! I was there two years ago and seems I missed out a lot! Would definitely want to cover a few more of these whenever I visit next.