From Belfast: Iron Islands & Giant’s Causeway

Discover the Game of Thrones Magic Along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast

This 9-hour tour from Belfast offers a fully immersive journey through iconic Game of Thrones filming locations combined with stunning natural wonders. Priced competitively, it includes visits to Cushendun Caves, Ballintoy Harbor, Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, and the famous Dark Hedges. The tour is led by a former Game of Thrones extra, ensuring lively storytelling, authentic insights, and a passionate guide experience.

With a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews, this tour appeals to fans of the show, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. Expect a well-paced itinerary, plenty of photo opportunities, and the chance to don Iron Islands costumes and banners. The tour is suitable for most physically active travelers but is not recommended for under-18s or those with specific mobility issues.

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Key Points

• Fully immersive Game of Thrones experience with costumes, swords, and banners
• Visits to filming locations such as Cushendun Caves, Ballintoy Harbor, and Dunluce Castle
• Includes UNESCO World Heritage site: the Giant’s Causeway with over 40,000 basalt columns
• Expert guide who is a former Game of Thrones extra, offering authentic stories
• Tour duration of 9 hours, departing from Leonardo Hotel Belfast
• Stops include scenic photo opportunities at Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and the Giant’s Causeway

Departing from Belfast’s Leonardo Hotel for an Adventure Along the Causeway Coast

This tour starts at the Leonardo Hotel Belfast, formerly known as the Jurys Inn, located on Great Victoria Street. The meeting point is at the hotel’s front door, making it easy for travelers to begin their day. The coach ride lasts about one hour as you head along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ocean views.

The comfortable coach ensures a smooth journey, with stops built into the schedule for rest, photos, and snacks. The journey itself sets the tone for the day, with the guide sharing insights about the landscape and the show’s filming sites along the way. The pace keeps the group engaged without feeling rushed, thanks to strategic breaks and a well-organized itinerary.

Exploring the Cushendun Caves: Melisandre’s Dark Moment in Season Two

First stop in this Game of Thrones-themed journey takes place at the Cushendun Caves, a striking natural site where Melisandre gave birth to a shadow spirit in the show. Visitors are encouraged to take photos of these rugged caves set against the backdrop of the coast. The visit lasts about 30 minutes.

The caves’ impressive formations and dramatic scenery make for memorable pictures. This location is a favorite for fans due to its significance in the series and the striking landscape that looks just like it did onscreen. The stop offers a good balance of sightseeing and time to soak in the natural beauty.

Ballintoy Harbour and the Iron Islands: Reenacting Theon’s Return and the Drowned God

The next major stop is Ballintoy Harbour, a key Game of Thrones location representing the Iron Islands. Here, Theon Greyjoy came ashore on Pyke Island, and the site was also used for scenes where Theon rededicates his faith to the Drowned God. The harbor is a rugged, windswept spot perfect for photos and exploring.

The guide, a former extra, opens the trunk of the coach to reveal Iron Islands costumes, swords, axes, and Greyjoy banners. Wearing these accessories, visitors can pose for photos and get a real sense of the pirate-like atmosphere of the Iron Islands. The visit lasts about 1 hour, giving ample time for photos, exploring, and soaking in the scenery.

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Lunch Break at The Fullerton Arms and Local Flavors

Midway through the tour, travelers stop at The Fullerton Arms for a one-hour lunch. This cozy local pub provides a chance to relax, enjoy hearty meals, and chat about the morning’s sights. The guide helps with food orders during the coach ride, ensuring minimal wait time upon arrival.

This break is a highlight for many, offering a taste of Northern Irish hospitality and cuisine. The setting is warm and welcoming, and the service is praised for being quick and friendly, making it a good opportunity to recharge before heading to the next stops.

The Marvel of the Giant’s Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The tour then proceeds to the Giant’s Causeway, famous for its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed around 50-60 million years ago. Visitors spend 75 minutes exploring this geological wonder. The site offers dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, with towering rock formations and scenic walking paths.

It’s important to note that there is up to 2 kilometers of walking at the site, so comfortable shoes are advised. The guide shares insights into the formation of the columns and their mythic stories, making the visit enriching both visually and culturally. The location’s natural beauty makes it a standout highlight of the tour.

Dunluce Castle: Historic Ruins with a Series of Game of Thrones Cameos

Next, the coach makes a short 15-minute stop at Dunluce Castle for photos. Perched on basalt sea cliffs, this ruined medieval castle was the Harrenhal ruins in Game of Thrones. The castle’s dramatic location and crumbling walls make it perfect for photos and a quick history lesson from the guide.

The ruins date back centuries and offer a striking contrast against the ocean backdrop. The brief stop allows visitors to appreciate the castle’s rugged beauty and imagine its role in ancient times and within the series.

The Dark Hedges: The Enchanted Avenue and Arya’s Escape

The final scenic stop is at the Dark Hedges, a tunnel of 200-year-old beech trees that form a winding avenue. This iconic setting was used in Game of Thrones as the route Arya and Gendry took as they escaped King’s Landing. The 25-minute photo stop provides ample opportunity to capture the haunting beauty of this natural tunnel.

The Dark Hedges’ atmospheric quality and twisting branches create a perfect backdrop for photos. It’s a fitting end to the day, leaving visitors with a sense of the show’s landscape and the magic of this ancient avenue.

Logistical Details and Tour Pacing

This 9-hour tour from Belfast is organized for comfort and efficiency. After departing at Leonardo Hotel, the schedule includes carefully planned stops, with a total travel time of about 3 hours across the day. The pace is moderate, with no location feeling rushed, thanks to the thoughtful timing.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour is not suitable for under-18s, pregnant women, or visitors with mobility, back, or heart conditions, due to the walking involved and the nature of some sites.

The Guide: A Former Game of Thrones Extra with a Passion for the Show

The guide’s background as a former Game of Thrones extra adds a genuine touch to the experience. Reviews highlight Andy’s wit, knowledge, and storytelling skills, with many praising his ability to describe scenes with humor and detail. The guide’s firsthand stories from the set, combined with visual aids, make each location come alive.

Participants appreciate the helpful attitude, especially when assisting those with physical challenges or when managing time at each stop. The guide’s enthusiasm and expertise make the day both informative and lively.

The Overall Value and Experience Quality

This tour offers excellent value for those interested in both the natural beauty of Northern Ireland and the world of Game of Thrones. The combination of filming locations, UNESCO sites, and scenic spots creates a varied and engaging day. The cost includes costumes and props for photo sessions, adding an interactive element.

While the coach is described as small and the walk at the Giant’s Causeway can be up to 2 kilometers, the overall experience remains accessible to most travelers with moderate fitness. The full-day schedule balances sightseeing, storytelling, and free time for photos.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This Belfast-based tour is ideal for Game of Thrones fans eager to see filming locations in person, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The detailed storytelling and costume photo opportunities make it especially memorable for those who appreciate an immersive experience. It’s also suitable for travelers looking for a well-organized, engaging day trip with plenty of photo opportunities.

However, the tour is not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues. The physical demands of walking and standing for periods mean that a moderate level of fitness is recommended.

Final Words on the Causeway Coast Game of Thrones Tour

This nine-hour journey from Belfast delivers a mix of stunning landscapes and famous filming sites, with the added bonus of a guide who genuinely loves the show. The itinerary’s highlights like the Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle are well-chosen and offer a rich visual and cultural experience.

The authentic storytelling and interactive costume moments elevate this tour beyond a typical sightseeing trip. It remains a highly-rated choice for fans of Game of Thrones and anyone wanting to explore Northern Ireland’s rugged scenery. The tour’s moderate pace and expert guide make it a reliable pick for a memorable day along the Causeway Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation, visits to all listed locations, and the opportunity to wear costumes and pose for photos with swords and banners. Lunch is paid separately at The Fullerton Arms.

How long is the walk at the Giant’s Causeway?
Expect to walk up to 2 kilometers around the site, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
No, it is not suitable for under 18s or travelers with mobility, back, or heart problems due to the walking involved and site terrain.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is there a guide who shares insider stories?
Yes, the guide is a former Game of Thrones extra who offers firsthand stories and humorous anecdotes.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, departing and returning to the Leonardo Hotel Belfast.

Are there rest stops during the trip?
Yes, stops include Carnlough for coffee and restrooms, and breaks at Cushendun Caves, Dunluce Castle, and Dark Hedges.

What is the overall rating of this tour?
It holds a 4.7 out of 5-star rating based on 27 reviews.

Is the tour good value for money?
Given the detailed stops, costumes, expert guide, and scenic locations, it is considered excellent value for fans and sightseers alike.

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