Wandering Westeros (Game of Thrones) | 7 Day Self-Drive

Northern Ireland is the principle location for filming of this hit HBO series that continues to draw viewers in with its unpredictability and stunning locations.

• Winterfell and the Godswood where Catelyn informed Ned that the King was coming and Maester Luwin met his end
• Riverrun where the Blackfish showed his nephew how to light Lord Hoster’s funeral pyre
• the Dothraki Grasslands where Daenerys learned how to be a Khaleesi
• the King’s road where Arya escaped King’s Landing following her father’s beheading
• the beach on Dragonstone where Melisandre burned the Seven and Stannis pulled Lightbringer from the flames
• the horse ride where Theon Greyjoy awkwardly met his sister or was chased by Ramsay Snow following his release
• Davos’ rescue following the Battle of the Blackwater and Melisandre’s “shadow baby”.

All of these and many more key scenes found life in Northern Ireland. Take a look at the tour we have laid out below to see how you can see more key scenes from Game of Thrones before your very eyes on your trip to Northern Ireland.

Day 1: Arrive & Stay in Dublin

Arrive at Dublin airport. You will have plenty of time to explore the city. While it is not the home to any scenes from the show, there is still certainly plenty of history from the time that Game of Thrones would be based on.

The Book of Kells, a 9th century manuscript famous throughout the world, is housed at Trinity College. Glasnevin Museum provides a rich history and features a who’s who of modern Irish history including Daniel O’ Connell, Michael Collins, Charles Stewart Parnell, Éamon de Valera, Arthur Griffith, Countess Markievicz, Erskine Childers, and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Dublin Castle and the GPO also provide plenty of history about Dublin’s storied past.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Dublin

Day 2: Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Today is the beginning of your Game of Thrones touring – and may well be the highlight! The Game of Thrones Studio Tour invites you to explore behind the scenes of Westeros. Located at the original filming location, Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, this unique experience features stunning imagery, authentic sets, original props, and costumes – everything that will excite passionate fans and TV buffs alike.

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Westeros, captivating families, fans, and filmmaking enthusiasts of all ages. Given the timing of the day, it might be worth also booking in for Seven Kingdoms Afternoon Tea here before you continue your journey on to the north coast of Ireland and your hotel for the next two nights.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel on the north coast

Day 3: Dragonstone & Pyke

Take a stroll on Dragonstone or Downhill Strand as it is locally known. It is on this beach that Melisandre burned the Seven and Stannis Baratheon pulled Lightbringer from the flames. Next take some time in the real world that feels like fantasy with Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway where 40,000 hexagonal basalt rock columns dominate the seascape. It’s said giants had a hand in their creation. Admire medieval Dunluce Castle, perched precariously on its clifftop. In 1534, a mysterious woman in white was seen gazing at the sunset, before disappearing over the cliff’s edge. Years later, locals used to see her walking the shore below. Continue to relive scenes at Ballintoy Harbour. This sleepy little port was transformed into the rugged Iron Islands for Theon’s homecoming scene. Parts of the beach here were also used to depict Dragonstone.

Slightly west from here is Murlough Bay, and the setting for Theon’s uncomfortable reunion with his sister Yara; and the scene where Davos is rescued by a passing ship following the Battle of the Blackwater. Return to your hotel.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel on the north coast

Day 4: Beheading & Dothraki Sea

Today you cover quite a bit of ground, striking out along the coast you will be jumping all over the maps of Westeros and Essos today. Head north toward Ballycastle. You will recognize the stretch of road that ended season one. Arya Stark on the King’s Road having left King’s Landing on her way back to Winterfell. Move further South through Cushendall and onto Cushenden Caves which played host to one of the most terrifying scenes in the entire show. Ser Davos Seaworth brought the Red Woman ashore and in the caves she gave birth to the shadow baby that would eventually murder Renly Baratheon. You will then go make your way to Cairncastle where Ned Stark administered the King’s Justice to the Night’s Watch deserter in the very first episode. From there you will go west “across the Narrow Sea” to Shillanavogy Valley where the Dothraki led by Khal Drogo set up camp during season one. Continue on to Belfast.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Belfast

Day 5: Titanic Belfast & Shane’s Castle

After a Game of Thrones filled day yesterday, you will get take a little break this morning. As well as Titanic Belfast (which we recommend everyone to go see), Belfast is also home to Titanic Studios. Many of the memorable interior scenes from Game of Thrones were shot here including anything in the Throne Room and the Sept of Baelor. This was also the home of the Red Wedding. Unfortunately, the studios are not open to the public but the amazing Game of Thrones Exhibit will make a long-awaited return to Belfast in the near future.

After you are done touring the city and have seen Titanic Belfast, you can take a trip out to Lough Neagh and Shane’s Castle which is used extensively during filming. It is where the Hand’s Tourney takes place and where Gregor Clegane kills his horse in one clean strike. The caverns beneath are used as the crypts underneath Winterfell, the Black Cells of King’s Landing, and Dragonstone’s dungeons. The bridge is the one where Brienne of Tarth and Jaime Lannister have an epic duel before being captured by Roose Bolton’s men.You can spend a lot of time here and on the shores of Lough Neagh recognizing parts from the show.

Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Belfast

Day 6: Winterfell and the Haunted Forest

Today you have a packed day of Game of Thrones exploring. You will creep along the shores of Strangford Lough. Make your way to Inch Abbey. Inch Abbey pops up in the show all the time and was the site where Catelyn Stark crossed the river to the Twins to treat with Walder Frey and make an ill-fated marriage pact. Hoster Tully’s funeral was also staged in the area as was the scene where Arya realizes that the Hound is taking her to her mother and brother and not to King’s Landing.

Castle Ward in County Down was used to depict the home of House Stark: Winterfell. This 18th century property was transformed for the memorable scene when Robert Baratheon and his court arrive in Winterfell. With both classical and gothic architecture inside and out, Castle Ward makes for a perfect afternoon’s adventuring. You can even take archery lessons on the actual set where Bran practiced in the very first episode. Nearby in Audley’s Field was where Robb set up camp and the Kingslayer was captured and subsequently released. Pop into the farmyard or walk along the shore of the lough before making your way to Newcastle.

Continue to your hotel on the edge of Tollymore Forest Park this was the site for the very opening scene of Game of Thrones so beware of White Walkers.

Overnight at Slieve Donard

Day 7: Return Home

Make your way to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.

This tour is independently operated by Crystal Travel & Tours. It is not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with HBO or anyone associated with ‘Game of Thrones’.

Flights

We are more than happy to include a flight quote separately to your package so that you can decide if you would like to book with us or on your own.  While booking flights can seem straight-forward, there are often hidden fees or classes of service that do not include seat assignments, meals or checked bags. We have been booking flights since 1985 and know the best routings and have great contracts that mean we often have better prices than what you will see online.

Accommodation

In Ireland, we generally try to book hotels that are at a 4-star level or higher. In some situations, we will book some 3 star or B&B properties but we do require them to be at a certain standard. We try to ensure a member of the team have stayed at each property in recent years or that we have done a site inspection.

Planning Deposits

Your first vacation quote, and up to two revisions, for trips of 9 or fewer days, and 45 days in advance of travel, are complimentary. If an itinerary requires further revisions subsequent to this, we will require a non-refundable deposit of $75 per person in order to continue.

If you are requesting a quote for a vacation that is 10 days in length, or with travel dates within 45 days, or to a non-core destination, a deposit of $75 per person will be required in order for us to begin working on your proposal.

Planning deposits can then be put towards the cost of the trip should you decide to proceed with the booking.