Private Tour: ‘Game of Thrones’ and Giants Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast

Exploring Northern Ireland through the lens of Game of Thrones and its stunning landscapes is a highlight for fans and scenery lovers alike. This private full-day tour from Belfast, offered at $414.07 per person, provides an intimate experience with a knowledgeable guide, allowing for personalized attention and deeper insights into both the filming locations and Irish culture. The 9-hour journey covers iconic sites like the Giants Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves, and Ballintoy Harbour, with plenty of time to enjoy each stop at leisure. While the tour is praised for its expert guides and scenic routes, some reviews note potential discrepancies in the itinerary, particularly regarding the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

This tour is ideal for Game of Thrones fans eager to see the actual filming locations or anyone interested in exploring the dramatic Irish coastline with an expert guide. The private setting means your group enjoys undivided attention, making it suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and tailored experience. Keep in mind, a small additional fee is required for entry to the Giants Causeway (£13.00), but pedestrian access is free. This tour combines spectacular scenery, entertaining storytelling, and flexibility, offering a memorable day in Northern Ireland.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with your own guide
• Includes iconic Game of Thrones filming locations and scenic landmarks
• Leisure time at Giants Causeway to walk and explore freely
• Stops at Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbour evoke key series moments
• Scenic drive along the Causeway Coastal Route, considered one of the top five most spectacular drives worldwide
• Cost of $414.07 per person, with optional entry fee for Giants Causeway (£13) and lunch at Lordsport Harbour

The Private Guide and Customizable Journey

This full-day tour is led by a private guide from McComb’s Coach Travel Ltd, ensuring undivided attention and the opportunity to customize the experience based on your interests, especially for fans of Game of Thrones. The guide shares insider stories about characters and filming secrets, enriching the visual journey with fascinating anecdotes. Many reviews highlight guide enthusiasm, with some mentioning guides like Derrick or Ian known for their knowledgeable storytelling.

The pick-up and drop-off happen directly at your Belfast hotel, and transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. The entire experience is designed to balance sightseeing, storytelling, and free time, with stops carefully curated for their series significance and natural beauty.

Exploring the Game of Thrones Filming Locations

The tour’s main focus is visiting the series’ most famous sites. In Cushendun, visitors find the caves where Melisandre gave birth to her shadow baby, a key moment in the plot. Ballycastle is featured as the birthplace of Varys, adding another layer of series lore. The Dark Hedges, a breathtaking avenue of intertwining trees, serve as Arya Stark’s escape route on “Kings Road.” Although the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge isn’t directly linked to Game of Thrones, crossing it provides the same adrenaline rush seen in many series scenes.

At Ballintoy Harbour, the setting for Pyke Harbour of the Iron Islands, you can imagine Theon Greyjoy’s return. The tour also includes a stop at Causeway Coast, widely regarded as one of the world’s top scenic drives, which offers stunning coastal views and photo opportunities.

Giants Causeway at Leisure with UNESCO Status

The Giants Causeway is a major highlight of this tour, featuring its hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. While not used directly in the series, the site’s natural beauty and geological significance make it worth the visit. Visitors are encouraged to wander at their own pace and take advantage of the leisurely stop to explore and photograph the dramatic coastline. The admission fee of £13 is not included but is payable on-site, though pedestrian access remains free.

Many reviews praise the spectacular scenery and informative commentary provided by guides during this stop, which often becomes a memorable part of the trip.

The Iconic Dark Hedges and Filming Backdrops

The Dark Hedges is one of Ireland’s most photographed locations thanks to its natural archway of interlinked trees. It’s the site where Arya Stark made her escape, making it a must-see for Game of Thrones fans. The short 15-minute stop allows for photo sessions and soaking in the atmosphere. Many reviews mention how guides help visitors visualize scenes from the series, making the experience both cultural and cinematic.

This location’s atmosphere offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and series nostalgia, especially for those familiar with the show’s iconic scenes.

The Causeway Coastal Route: Ireland’s Top Scenic Drive

The drive along the Causeway Coastal Route is renowned as one of the world’s top five most spectacular drives. Covering approximately 2 hours, the route passes through charming towns like Carnlough and Ballycastle, each offering a glimpse into local life. The scenic drive is praised for its breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Travelers on this tour appreciate the expert navigation and the informative commentary about local traditions, history, and landscape features, making the journey itself a highlight.

Cushendun Caves and Varys’ Birthplace

The Cushendun Caves are a popular stop where Melisandre’s shadow baby was born. The caves evoke series memories and are accompanied by stories of power struggles and family alliances within Westeros. Visitors walk to the caves, experiencing the moody atmosphere of this key filming location. The 20-minute stop offers enough time for exploration and photos.

Many reviews commend the guide’s engagement and storytelling, which bring the location to life beyond just the series.

Ballintoy Harbour and The Iron Islands

Ballintoy Harbour, used as Pyke Harbour in the show, offers a scenic view of the cliffside port and rocky shores. This stop allows visitors to imagine Theon Greyjoy’s return and the harsh environment of the Iron Islands. The 30-minute visit emphasizes series authenticity and natural scenery, with picturesque views perfect for photos.

Guides often highlight series trivia and local landscape features, making the visit both entertaining and informative.

Lunch Break at Lordsport Harbour

The tour includes a lunch stop at Lordsport Harbour, the fictional location of the Iron Islands. While lunch expenses are not included, the harbour setting provides a scenic backdrop for a break. Many travelers take this opportunity to relax, discuss the series, and enjoy local scenery before heading to the Giants Causeway.

This part of the day offers a little downtime amid busy sightseeing, with the chance to recharge before the final stop.

Visiting Downhill Strand: Series’ Dragonstone

The tour concludes with a stop at Downhill Strand, which is used as Dragonstone in the series. The broad beach and rugged coastline serve as a fitting finale, giving visitors a chance to reflect on the day’s sights. The free stop allows for additional photos and taking in the landscape that doubled as a key series stronghold.

Many reviews mention this scenic final stop as a beautiful ending to a full-day adventure.

Practicalities, Pricing, and Booking Tips

The full-day private tour begins at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The transport is a spacious minivan, making the experience comfortable, especially given the 9-hour duration. The private nature of the tour ensures a more relaxed pace and tailored experience, which many reviewers value highly.

While the admission to Giants Causeway costs £13, pedestrian access is free. The tour price reflects the private guide service and customized itinerary, making it a good value for those seeking a comprehensive and personalized experience. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private tour is perfect for Game of Thrones fans eager to see filming locations in person, as well as scenery enthusiasts who appreciate dramatic coastlines and geological formations. The expert guides often share stories and insights that deepen the experience, especially for travelers interested in Irish culture and history.

The small group setting and flexibility make it suitable for couples, families, or groups of friends wanting a personalized day. However, the extra fee for Giants Causeway entry and the moderate walking opportunities mean travelers should be prepared for some light outdoor activity.

Final Thoughts on the Game of Thrones and Giants Causeway Tour

This full-day private tour from Belfast offers a well-rounded experience combining series filming locations, spectacular natural scenery, and local Irish culture. Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, with some highlighting Derrick and Ian as particularly engaging storytellers. The drive along the Causeway Coastal Route ranks among the world’s top scenic journeys, making the trip as much about nature as about series lore.

While some reviews mention discrepancies in the itinerary, notably regarding the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, overall, the tour provides a flexible, enjoyable, and immersive way to explore the North Irish coast. This tour is especially suited for fans of Game of Thrones who want a personalized, in-depth experience and for those who value scenic drives and geological wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking at stops like Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbour, which may require some light outdoor activity. Mobility limitations should be considered.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch and drinks are at your own expense, though a lunch stop at Lordsport Harbour is part of the itinerary.

How much does entry to Giants Causeway cost?
The admission fee is £13, payable on-site, but pedestrian access is free.

What makes this tour stand out among other Belfast day trips?
Its private, customizable approach, combined with expert storytelling, scenic routes, and series-specific stops, distinguishes this tour from larger group excursions.

Is this tour good for non-series fans?
Yes, the scenery and geological features like Giants Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route are spectacular in their own right, even without series context.