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Game of Thrones Self Drive

Dublin, Strangford, Ballygally, Ballintoy, Belfast
Best-Time
May - October
Stops
5
Experience
City Life, Events, Family, Nature
Length
7 Days
Type
Tailormade

Highlights

Follow the Three-Eyed Raven through Northern Ireland, where crumbling castles, ancient landscapes, and enchanting shorelines become key Seven Kingdoms filming locations in Game of Thrones.

This self-drive itinerary is perfect for the hard-core fans of this cult-favourite TV show. It takes you across forests, moorlands, castles, beaches and more! You will get to visit real-life locations that were used to film some of the scenes of this show.

To make your experience even better, you will stay in haunted castles, attend GOT inspired banquets, dress up as the Starks, meet people (and dire wolves!) who played “extras” in the GOT cast and see authentic props, costumes & jewelry used during filming.

So pack your bags, put on your cloaks, sharpen your swords and get ready to visit the real-life Westeros in this epic 7 day Game of Thrones locations Northern Ireland itinerary!

What will you cover?

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7

Day 1 : Dublin Arrival

Upon arrival at Dublin airport, Pick up your rental car and drive towards your hotel. Check in and enjoy rest of the day at leisure.

Small though it is, the Irish capital radiates an outsized charm and offers myriad attractions and cultural experiences. From atmospheric pubs and vibrant streets once trod by literary superstars to historic landmarks and grand Georgian buildings, Dublin has much to offer travellers.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Dublin

Day 2 : Dublin - Strangford

Start your day early by hitting the road and drive to County Down, which is located to the south of Belfast.

Your first stop is Tollymore Forest Park. Covering 630 hectares (1,600 acres), this forest is the backlot for many key scenes, such as the pit where Wills finds the dismembered bodies in the snow, Tyrion and Jon’s campfire on their journey north to the Wall and the bridge where the Starks discover a dead direwolf and her pups. For those who want to get fully immersed in the mood of the North, feel free to dress up in character using the Northern wool cloaks, Stark shields, swords and helms.

Your second stop is at Inch Abbey. Visit the ruins of the 12th century Cistercian Abbey where Catelyn and Robb hear terrible news from King’s Landing, and Robb’s bannermen pledge fealty to him as the ‘King in the North’.

Your final stop is a visit to Castle Ward Estate. There are nine Game of Thrones® film locations on site, all close together. A 16th century castle and stableyard is the film location of Winterfell. Nearby, on the wooded shores of Strangford Lough, a 15th century Tower House (small castle) served as one of Walder Frey’s Twins and as the location of Robb’s Camp in the Riverlands. Other scenes filmed nearby include the spot where Brienne of Tarth dispatched three Stark bannermen and the Battlefield of Baelor. If you are lucky, you may actually get the chance to meet the actual dogs who acted as the Direwolves in the series!

Head to The Cuan, a wonderful inn and your accommodation for the night. The Cuans hosts a delicious Game of Thrones banquet.  The entire menu is taken word for word from the Game Of Thrones books! Each dish is carefully crafted using actual excerpts from the book. The Cuan was also the cast’s choice for accommodation, food and drink while filming Series 1 & 2 at Winterfell Castle.


Where to rest your head ?

The Cuan, Strangford

Day 3 : Strangford - Ballygally

locations. The drive is beautiful and gives you a chance to enjoy the stunning Irish countryside.

Your first stop is at Carincastle. This is the location where Ned Stark and his children were introduced in the first episode of the show, where the Night’s Watchmen gets his head chopped off by Ned and when Lady Catelyn Stark captures Tyrion.

Your next stop is at Steensons Jewelry. This family-run jewellery store was instrumental is making jewellery for the cast in the show. Some of the pieces they’ve created include Cersei’s Crown, Joffery Baratheons' ‘Golden’ Crown, Daenerys dragon brooches, “hand of the king” pin and more. These stunning pieces are available to purchase at the store! You can even spend some time browsing the store and talking to the owners.

Drive through Shillanavogy Valley which was home to the very first Dothraki Camp.

Head to Ballygally Castle Hotel, a beautiful 17th Century Castle that will be your accommodation for the night. This beautiful castle hosts both, Game Of Thrones Afternoon Tea and a Game Of Thrones banquet. The cast and crew from the series were frequently found relaxing at this Castle.


Where to rest your head ?

Ballygally Castle Hotel, Ballygally

Day 4 : Ballygally - Ballintoy

After breakfast, begin your drive to the Northern Irish coast.

Your first stop will be at Cushendun Caves. This is where Game Of Thrones filmed Millesandre giving birth to the shadow baby with Davos

Your next stop is Ballintoy Harbour, home to the Iron Islands. This is the location where Theon Greyjoy was welcomed home, and also see the nearby beach where Theon was baptised and where the pirate Salladhor Saan pledged his support for Stannis Baratheon.

The next stop is Carrick A Rede rope bridge. This attraction does not feature in the Game of Thrones series but nonetheless, it is an attraction not to be missed. Summon your courage to cross the nail-biting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that is suspended 100 feet (30 meters) above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. It is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Head to the accommodation for your night which is the Fullerton Arms Hotel. They have a special room dedicated to the show including a custom built iron throne for you to sit on. Game Of Thrones cast used to hang out at the bar of the hotel while filming in the surrounding area.


Where to rest your head ?

The Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy

Day 5 : Ballintoy - Belfast

Start your morning early and drive to the Dark Hedges to avoid tourist crowds. The picturesque Dark Hedges tree tunnel, formed by the overhanging and intertwined branches of beech trees that line either side. This is the location chosen for the scene of Arya's nail-biting escape from King's Landing.

Your next stop is to the Giant’s Causeway. Although it hasn’t been featured in Game of Thrones, the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see. Explore the 40,000 interlocking hexagonal stone columns that fit together like a puzzle.

Next, head to Dunluce Castle. This castle was used as backdrop location to create the Iron Islands. Spend your time walking in the grounds and admiring the views.

Hit the beach in your next stop. You can drive on Portstewart Strand and spend some time at the beach. The coast of Dorne was filmed here and the beach is where Jaime Lannister and Bronn landed to rescue Myrcella, and where they fought the sand serpent sisters.

Next, drive to Mussenden Temple. This is where Melisandre burnt the effigies of the Seven Gods of Westeros.

Your final stop will be at Binevenagh. This location was used when the Dothraki horde surround Daenerys after her escape from the Meereen fighting pits on the back of Drogon.

Finally, drive to Belfast and check in at the accommodation.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Belfast

Day 6 : Belfast

After breakfast, visit the Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition

Inspired by and filled with the breath-taking images and enthralling artifacts from the hit HBO series GAME OF THRONES, this exhibition will drop fans into the center of the Seven Kingdoms for an up-close and personal look at authentic props, costumes and set decorations from the show.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Belfast

Day 7 : Belfast - Dublin Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Dublin airport and return your rental car before catching your flight back home.


Where to rest your head ?

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Inclusions

accommodation
Hotels & Apartments
meals
Daily Breakfast
sightseeing
Tours & Excursions
transfers
Private Airport Transfers
transport
Private Car
visa
Irish Visa
travel insurance
07 Days

Exclusions

flights
International Flights
meals
Food & Drinks

Starting from
60000 per person