As a HUGE fan of Game of Thrones, I was making every excuse to get to Belfast in Northern Ireland. During the creation of the itinerary, I started my research on a Game of Thrones Tour. During my week long adventure to Ireland and Northern Ireland, this was one of the highlights of my trip.
At the filming location of Pyke, we could dress up in Greyjoy costumes for a photo opp.
This is not a sponsored post.
After searching through various tour websites and reading countless reviews, I decided to book the Game of Thrones Tour: Belfast Iron Island & Giant’s Causeway Adventure. Starting at 7:45 a.m., the coach delivered us to various filming locations for the show and some national landmarks that would be a shame to miss.
These signs marked various filming locations.
The tour included: Castle Black, The Wall, Melisandre’s Cave, Pike Bridge, Renly’s Camp, Pike, Gentry’s Escape from Melisandre, Battle of Blackwater, Giant’s Causeway, Harrenhal and the King’s Road.
Passing by Magheramorne Quarry, which was the filming location of the Wall and Castle Black.
For more filming locations, check out my Visit Westeros in Real Life: The Game of Thrones Travel Guide post.
The Tour Guides
Once I stepped onto the coach to check into the tour, I was taken back by our tour guide. My first thought was “You look like Davos!”
As the tour went on, it was revealed that many of their tour guides were extras and involved with the show. However, our tour guide was not only a Northerner and Iron Islander extra, he is also the stand in for Davos Seaworth.
He went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. Yet, with his personal stories about being on set and meeting the actors added a special connection for his tour group.
The Game of Thrones Doors
In 2016, a storm knocked down two trees in the Dark Hedges (King’s Road). From these fallen trees, the country had them carved into 10, intricately designed doors.
Each door was designed to represent an episode of Game of Thrones Season 6
After each door was finished, they were scattered near different filming locations in Northern Ireland. You can find them at different cafes, pubs or inns. When we stopped for lunch, we were able to see one of the doors at the pub. Inside the pub, they have a room dedicated to the show, and allowed us time for a photo opportunity.
Bonus location: The Giant’s Causeway
It was not a filming location for the show, but no trip to Northern Ireland is complete without a stop at the Giant’s Causeway. Although not related to the show, Giants fit into the theme of the day. Perhaps in an alternative universe it was built by Wun Wun, instead of the Irish Giant Finn MacCool.
For the legend of the Gaint’s Causeway, check out The Gaint's Causeway post.
Game of Thrones Trivia
The tour did not end at the last stop. Oh no, the “fan”tastic Game of Thrones experience continued. During the drive, the tour guide hosted a special Game of Thrones Trivia game. We broke into our teams and competed for the title of Trivia Champion.
As a Game of Thrones fan and trivia lover, I could not imagine a better way to end the tour. The questions ranged from medium to difficult. It was a rough game, since you are competing against avid fans and book readers. Yet, in the end, I took home the title of Game of Thrones Trivia Champion. It was the best souvenir I could ask for.
Cost
When it comes to the cost, I could not pick a better tour. The cost was 50 Pounds or ($65.57 USD) for a full day (8 hour), coach tour. The cost included the driver, tour guide, transportation and admission to each site.
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