From Belfast: The Giant’s Causeway & Game of Thrones Tour

Experience the stunning beauty and legendary stories of Northern Ireland’s coast with From Belfast: The Giant’s Causeway & Game of Thrones Tour. This 8-hour guided journey from Belfast takes travelers through historic castles, dramatic landscapes, and iconic filming locations. Led by professional guides, the tour combines natural wonders, folklore, and popular culture, making it ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and Game of Thrones fans alike.

Starting from Belfast city centre, this fully insured private group experience offers a well-paced itinerary with convenient pickup and drop-off options. While the tour does not include entrance tickets or meals, it provides detailed commentary at each stop, and the stops are flexible enough to accommodate additional shopping or sightseeing. One notable aspect from reviews highlights the friendly guidance and the excellent navigation through busy sites, ensuring a smooth day out.

Key Points

• Fully insured private group tour lasting about 8 hours from Belfast.
• Includes visits to Glenarm Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, and the Dark Hedges.
• Expert guides share stories of Irish folklore, castle history, and Game of Thrones filming locations.
• Comfortable transportation with pick-up and drop-off in Belfast city centre.
• Stops include photo opportunities, walks on iconic sites, and possibilities to explore at your own pace.
• Food, drinks, and entrance tickets are not included but can be purchased or arranged separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Starts in Belfast and Visits Historic Castles

This tour departs from Belfast city centre, with pick-up available at designated locations. The journey begins with a coach ride northward along the Antrim coast, offering scenic views en route. The entire day is structured to give a comprehensive look at the area’s castles, coastline, and legendary sites, making for a relaxed yet engaging experience.

The first stop is Glenarm Castle, still home to the McDonnell Clan and the Earl of Antrim, where a quick photo stop allows travelers to appreciate its historic architecture. The guide shares insights about its significance and the clan’s battles before heading to the next destination.

Exploring the Coastal Village of Carnlough and the Setting of Braavos

Next, the journey takes travelers to Carnlough Harbour, a charming seaside town where movies have filmed the steps of Braavos from Game of Thrones. This stop provides a chance to see the iconic steps where Arya Stark appears after her fight with the Waif, giving fans a tangible connection to the series.

The guide explains the significance of this location and the way it has been used to portray the fictional city. It’s also an ideal spot for a quick toilet or coffee break before continuing along the coast.

Crossing the Famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

One of the tour’s highlights is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, perched over the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can choose to cross the bridge at their own risk or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from the viewing platform. The guide offers context about its history as a fishing platform and its modern status as a popular attraction.

Adjacent to the bridge is Larrybane Quarry, used as the camp where Brienne of Tarth battles Loras Tyrell in Game of Thrones. This provides an extra layer of interest for fans and a chance to explore the rugged coastline.

Discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is the tour’s centerpiece, and it truly lives up to its reputation. Over 40,000 volcanic hexagonal columns stretch across the landscape, dating back over 60 million years. The guide shares legends about Finn McCool, the giant who supposedly built the causeway, and rival Benandonna.

Visitors have the opportunity to walk among the columns, marvel at the natural formations, and take plenty of photos. Nearby cafes and toilets are available for comfort during this visit. This UNESCO site is a must-see for its natural beauty and the stories woven into its stones.

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Exploring Dunluce Castle and Its Legendary Past

Next, the tour visits Dunluce Castle, which once housed the McDonnell Clan. The ruins sit dramatically atop cliffs overlooking the sea, offering a striking combination of history and scenery. The guide explains its turbulent history, battles, and legends associated with the castle, including stories of its fiery past.

This site is ideal for those interested in medieval Ireland and provides fantastic photo opportunities with the castle’s rugged silhouette against the sky.

Visiting Ballintoy Harbour and the Iron Islands

Ballintoy Harbour, known as the home of the Greyjoys in Game of Thrones, offers a rugged, windswept landscape perfect for fans wanting to see the Iron Islands. The harbor’s raw beauty contrasts with the more cultivated sites, making it an excellent spot for photos and exploration.

The guide details the Greyjoy storyline and the significance of this location within the series, adding context for fans eager to connect scenes to real places.

Walking Through the Dark Hedges – The King’s Road

The Dark Hedges provide a striking visual experience, with ancient beech trees lining a narrow road. Known as King’s Road in Game of Thrones, this site is famous as Arya Stark’s passage on her journey.

The walk along this iconic avenue is brief but memorable, offering a peaceful moment amid the day’s more active stops. The guide shares tales of the trees’ history and their role in the series.

End of the Day and Return to Belfast

The tour concludes with a bus ride back to Belfast, arriving after approximately 80 minutes. The comfortable coach ensures a relaxed end to a full day of sightseeing. The tour’s flexibility allows travelers to be dropped off at the city centre, with options for outside locations available for an extra fee.

Belfast’s Scenic Costal Highlights and Filming Sites

Throughout the day, the guide provides engaging commentary on Ireland’s coastal geography, including the Irish and Scottish coasts visible from certain vantage points. The cliffs, caves, and castles are complemented by tales of Vikings and local clans, enriching the sightseeing experience.

The stops are arranged to maximize viewing time and photo opportunities, with some locations allowing exploration at leisure. The Larrybane Quarry and Dark Hedges stand out as particularly popular for their cultural and cinematic significance.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

This private group tour begins with pick-up options in Belfast city centre. The fully insured vehicle offers a comfortable ride across the coast, with timed stops ensuring visitors see each site without feeling rushed.

While entrance tickets are not included, the guide offers plenty of historical and contextual information to enhance the visit. The tour is suitable for travelers prepared with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as outdoor walking and exposure to Irish weather are expected.

The tour offers cancelation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and allows reservations with pay later, providing flexibility for travel plans.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day exploring Northern Ireland’s natural beauty and Game of Thrones filming locations. History buffs, landscape enthusiasts, and fans of the series will appreciate the detailed storytelling and accessible stops. It suits travelers seeking a relaxed, guided experience with personalized attention in a private group setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entrance tickets?
No, entrance tickets are not included but can be purchased separately at each site.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting and ending in Belfast city centre.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a fully insured vehicle takes you between stops, with pick-up and drop-off in Belfast.

Can I cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
Yes, visitors can choose to cross the bridge or enjoy the views without crossing. Book tickets online if crossing is desired.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and outdoor clothing are recommended.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included but stops are available for refreshments.

Are the stops suitable for all ages?
Yes, the stops are accessible for most travelers, but outdoor walking and uneven terrain should be considered.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private group experience designed for your party.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is provided by Belfast Millie Tours.

This tour offers an engaging and scenic journey through some of Ireland’s most iconic coastal sites, with added appeal for fans of Game of Thrones. Its combination of history, natural beauty, and cinematic locations makes it a compelling choice for a memorable day out from Belfast.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby