Explore the continent of Westeros on these magical Game of Thrones tours from Belfast! The fantasy world created by author George RR Martin in his ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ novels comes to life in the Games of Thrones television series. It’s filmed all over Europe but County Antrim (in the north) and County Down (south of Belfast) plays host to many of the key scenes in this epic show. These full day hosted tours lift the lid on Game of Thrones territory for you.
If you choose the North Tour you’ll drive along the Dark Hedges which becomes the mysterious and strangely enchanting Kings Road where we see Arya travelling along after having escaped from King’s Landing. In the gorgeous village of Cushendun you’ll be led to the atmospheric coastline caves where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow assasin. The real life story of these caves is just fascinating having been formed over 400 million years ago.
Another highlight is Carrick-e-Rede rope bridge just along Northern Ireland’s famous Antrim coast from Ballintoy. You’ll need a head for heights to walk the bridge between the headland and a small island which rocks ever so slightly in the wind. In Game of Thrones this is Stormland near Storm’s End where Renly Barantheon’s army camp is based.
The South Tour gives fans of the Direwolfs a real treat. You’ll meet the Northern Inuit dogs Odin and Thor who play Summer and Greywind in Game of Thrones. When they’re not filming they love going for long walks along the shoreline near their Ballyhornan home in County Down.
And County Down is where theGOT tour concentrates on the sightseeing. Over 20 different set locations alone are at the lovely Castle Ward estate on the edge of Strangford Lough. Owned by the National Trust there’s lots of fascinating stuff to see here before we even mention the fact that is serves as Winterfell in the hit series. A highlight? You’ll love seeing the verty tree under which Rob Stark and Tulisa exchanged wedding vows.
Then there’s Tollymore Forest with it’s unforgettable gatehouse. Hidden caves Gothic style bridges and more have all appeared in Games of Thrones and is without a doubt a formidable setting for falling foul of the White Walker…eek!
Although they haven’t featured to date in the Game of Thrones series these tours also give you time to explore Giant’s Causeway (on the North Tour) one of the most famous coastal marvels you could ever wish to see. This is where myth and legend meets reality and is a truly fascinating place to visit just a couple of hours north of Belfast. And on the South Tour you get to see where St Patrick (yes THE St Patrick) is buried at Down Cathedral.
If you’re an avid fan of Games of Thrones these tours from Belfast are a must-do. Your hosts have even worked as extras on the show so expect lots of insider gossip as well as an encyclopaedic knowledge of the characters history and story lines. From forbidden forests and dramatic cliffs to imposing castles and untames weather-beaten coastline Northen Ireland is Game of Thrones.
