I get sooo many calls about where to go in Northern Ireland to explore the area where Game of Thrones is filmed. I came across this 3 day itinerary that is so doable, affordable and easy to navigate that I just had to pass it on.
GAME OF THRONES
This three-day itinerary brings you right into the bloody heart of the Seven Kingdoms. Along the route, you’ll pass through the most memorable locations from the show, where the wicked Lannisters, honourable Starks and all the rest play out their parts.
So sharpen your sword, tighten your shield- strap and set forth on a journey into the real world Westeros.
Day One
Leaving Belfast and heading north, Cairncastle is your destination and you’re right back to the very first episode. It was here that Ned Stark took his long-sword Ice and struck off the head of a Night’s Watch deserter, as John, Bran, Rob and Theon looked on. Heading west from Cairncastle, the Shillanavogy Valley is your next stop. This was where the ferocious Dothraki hoard set up camp, and the verdant, green valley was seamlessly transformed into the swaying grasslands of Vaes Dothrak. The journey continues to Glenariff Forest Park taking you to the Fight practice ground at Runestone, seat of House Royce in the Vale of Arryn which is located east of the Eyrie, on the coast of the Narrow Sea. You will recall that Robin Arryn has been sent to Runestone, where Royce's men are training him to use a sword under the watchful eye of Littlefinger, Sansa Stark and Yohn Royce.
Head north east towards Antrim’s stunning coastline: the Cushendun Caves are calling. Davos Seaworth acted against his better judgment when he escorted Lady Melisandre on her quest to assassinate Renly Baratheon. The Cushendun Caves were used for the unforgettable scene where Melisandre gave birth to the monstrous “shadow baby” that was Renly’s undoing.
And so the day is done. All that’s left to do is to find a good inn for the night and treat yourself to a hearty flagon of mead. Or a local beer, your choice. The nearby coastal town of Ballycastle is the perfect place to rest up and prepare for day two.
Day Two
Travel from this small seaside town to explore several more Game of Thrones settings. First up, Ballintoy Harbour. This sleepy little port was transformed into the rugged
Iron Islands for Theon’s homecoming scene. Most recently, it’s where Lady Melisandre was back to doing what she does best: playing with fire. Her unfortunate victim in season four was Stannis’s brother-in-law, Lord Florent. Slightly east from here is Murlough Bay: the setting for Theon’s unconventional horseback ride with his sister Yara, and the scene where Davos is rescued after the Battle of Blackwater. A quick trip back to Ballycastle and then it’s off to one of Northern Ireland’s iconic sites: the Dark Hedges, an atmospheric avenue of beech trees (complete with resident ghost, according to the locals). This stretch of road was used to depict the Kingsroad, which was usually plagued by bandits and thieves. Thankfully, it’s quite safe
in real life, so take your time and take lots of pictures. It’s a magical spot.
Suggested Detour
No visit to the Causeway Coast and Glens would be complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Giant’s Causeway or the world’s oldest licensed distillery Bushmills Distillery.
The conservation village of Bushmills or the nearby seaside resort of Portrush is the perfect place to rest up and prepare for day three by indulging on some local fare fit for a king or queen in one of our local hostelries.
Day Three
Begin your journey towards Portstewart Strand, one of Northern Ireland’s glorious beaches or better known to you as Kindgom of Dorne where Jaime and Bronn, disguised as Martell soldiers, approach the gates of the Water Gardens. From here make your way to the ancestral seat of House Targaryen: Dragonstone. Downhill Strand in the Causeway Coast and Glens is famous for its seven-mile stretch of golden sands. With the iconic Mussenden Temple in the background, Downhill was used for the scene where Lady Melisandre burned the seven gods of Westeros in sacrifice to R’hllor. Take the Bishop’s Road to your last stop on day three to Binevenagh Mountain which straddles the Derry/Antrim county borders. It marks the edge of the Antrim plateau and has panoramic views providing the location for The Dothraki Sea and the grasslands far above the city of Meereen. It is here where Daenerys finds a wounded Drogon in her lair.
Let us arrange air, hotel stays and car rental for your journey. Call 1 800 422 3727 today!.
For more details go to: visitcausewaycoastandglens.com
This itinerary is not sponsored, endorsed or affiliated with HBO or anyone associated with ‘Game of Thrones'.
GAME OF THRONES
This three-day itinerary brings you right into the bloody heart of the Seven Kingdoms. Along the route, you’ll pass through the most memorable locations from the show, where the wicked Lannisters, honourable Starks and all the rest play out their parts.
So sharpen your sword, tighten your shield- strap and set forth on a journey into the real world Westeros.
Day One
Leaving Belfast and heading north, Cairncastle is your destination and you’re right back to the very first episode. It was here that Ned Stark took his long-sword Ice and struck off the head of a Night’s Watch deserter, as John, Bran, Rob and Theon looked on. Heading west from Cairncastle, the Shillanavogy Valley is your next stop. This was where the ferocious Dothraki hoard set up camp, and the verdant, green valley was seamlessly transformed into the swaying grasslands of Vaes Dothrak. The journey continues to Glenariff Forest Park taking you to the Fight practice ground at Runestone, seat of House Royce in the Vale of Arryn which is located east of the Eyrie, on the coast of the Narrow Sea. You will recall that Robin Arryn has been sent to Runestone, where Royce's men are training him to use a sword under the watchful eye of Littlefinger, Sansa Stark and Yohn Royce.
Head north east towards Antrim’s stunning coastline: the Cushendun Caves are calling. Davos Seaworth acted against his better judgment when he escorted Lady Melisandre on her quest to assassinate Renly Baratheon. The Cushendun Caves were used for the unforgettable scene where Melisandre gave birth to the monstrous “shadow baby” that was Renly’s undoing.
And so the day is done. All that’s left to do is to find a good inn for the night and treat yourself to a hearty flagon of mead. Or a local beer, your choice. The nearby coastal town of Ballycastle is the perfect place to rest up and prepare for day two.
Day Two
Travel from this small seaside town to explore several more Game of Thrones settings. First up, Ballintoy Harbour. This sleepy little port was transformed into the rugged
Iron Islands for Theon’s homecoming scene. Most recently, it’s where Lady Melisandre was back to doing what she does best: playing with fire. Her unfortunate victim in season four was Stannis’s brother-in-law, Lord Florent. Slightly east from here is Murlough Bay: the setting for Theon’s unconventional horseback ride with his sister Yara, and the scene where Davos is rescued after the Battle of Blackwater. A quick trip back to Ballycastle and then it’s off to one of Northern Ireland’s iconic sites: the Dark Hedges, an atmospheric avenue of beech trees (complete with resident ghost, according to the locals). This stretch of road was used to depict the Kingsroad, which was usually plagued by bandits and thieves. Thankfully, it’s quite safe
in real life, so take your time and take lots of pictures. It’s a magical spot.
Suggested Detour
No visit to the Causeway Coast and Glens would be complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Giant’s Causeway or the world’s oldest licensed distillery Bushmills Distillery.
The conservation village of Bushmills or the nearby seaside resort of Portrush is the perfect place to rest up and prepare for day three by indulging on some local fare fit for a king or queen in one of our local hostelries.
Day Three
Begin your journey towards Portstewart Strand, one of Northern Ireland’s glorious beaches or better known to you as Kindgom of Dorne where Jaime and Bronn, disguised as Martell soldiers, approach the gates of the Water Gardens. From here make your way to the ancestral seat of House Targaryen: Dragonstone. Downhill Strand in the Causeway Coast and Glens is famous for its seven-mile stretch of golden sands. With the iconic Mussenden Temple in the background, Downhill was used for the scene where Lady Melisandre burned the seven gods of Westeros in sacrifice to R’hllor. Take the Bishop’s Road to your last stop on day three to Binevenagh Mountain which straddles the Derry/Antrim county borders. It marks the edge of the Antrim plateau and has panoramic views providing the location for The Dothraki Sea and the grasslands far above the city of Meereen. It is here where Daenerys finds a wounded Drogon in her lair.
Let us arrange air, hotel stays and car rental for your journey. Call 1 800 422 3727 today!.
For more details go to: visitcausewaycoastandglens.com
This itinerary is not sponsored, endorsed or affiliated with HBO or anyone associated with ‘Game of Thrones'.
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