Game of Thrones Tour with Giant’s Causeway

Please check in 15 minutes early at the Irish Tour Tickets Shop, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7BA (facing the Grand Opera House).

Carnlough, a picturesque coastal village nestled along the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland, served as the stunning backdrop for the city of Braavos in Game of Thrones. Its idyllic charm and unique features made Carnlough the perfect choice to bring the mystical city to life.

Braavos, one of the significant locations in the Game of Thrones universe, is a city known for its vibrant culture, intricate canal system, and iconic landmarks. Carnlough effortlessly embodied these qualities, transforming into the enchanting city of Braavos with its own distinct character.

The village’s picturesque harbor, lined with colorful houses and small fishing boats, served as the central point of Braavos, creating a visual spectacle that captivated viewers. Its narrow streets and quaint buildings were adorned with intricate designs and architectural details, reminiscent of the rich tapestry of the Game of Thrones world.

Visitors to Carnlough can immerse themselves in the essence of Braavos by exploring the village’s charming streets and harbor. They can stroll along the water’s edge, imagining themselves as characters from the show, and take in the awe-inspiring coastal scenery that enchanted both viewers and filmmakers alike.

The transformation of Carnlough into Braavos highlights the incredible fusion of fantasy and reality that Game of Thrones achieved through its use of Northern Ireland’s diverse landscapes. Carnlough’s portrayal of Braavos will forever be etched in the hearts of fans, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a touch of magic from the world of Westeros.

The Cushendun Caves helped to create some of the eerie settings near Storm’s End. These 400-million-year-old caves provided the perfect rocky, coastal landscape to represent the Baratheon homeland.

In the GOT TV series, the Cushendun Caves feature in one of the show’s most famous and mystical scenes. Here, Melisandre gives birth to the Shadow Assassin, much to the amazement of Davos Seaworth. This smokey spectre travels through the air to find Renly Baratheon, killing him in his tent. For viewers, this was the first time they saw how powerful Melisandre could really be. It also showed how far Stannis Baratheon would truly go to sit on the Iron Throne.

But the Cushendun Caves are more than just the backdrop for Storm’s End. They are a thing of natural beauty and undeniable proof of the picturesque qualities of the Northern Irish coastline. When visiting the cave featured in the show, make sure to take the time to soak up the verdant green landscape, and breath in some fresh Irish Sea air.

While Ballycastle doesn’t feature in the Game of Thrones TV series, it does play an important role. This small seaside town is the home of actors Conleth Hill (Lord Varys) and Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark).

This is a quintessential coastal town, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, and fill your lungs with salty, Irish Sea air. It is the perfect place to indulge in a refreshing coastal walk, some fresh seafood, and maybe even a quiet beer or two!

Looking out on a clear day, you can make out Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre far off in the distance. A regular ferry service also makes trips to and from nearby Rathlin Island, a wildlife sanctuary. It makes for a fun day-trip. And it gives you the opportunity to spot some of the colourfully-beaked puffins that the island is known for.

Other attractions in the area include Ballycastle Beach, the 16th century Kilbane Castle, and Glentaisie, the most northerly of the Nine Glens of Antrim. For the avid Game of Thrones fans, there is nearby Ballintoy Harbour, the filming location for the island Pyke. Also not too far away is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Giant’s Causeway. A must-see for anyone visiting the area.

The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Northern Ireland’s most popular historical landmarks. It draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Situated on the County Antrim coast, Giant’s Causeway is the product of two natural forces coming together. It formed when molten lava cooled down as it met with the cold sea water, around 50 to 60 million years ago. The result was a sprawling bed of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, that covers just under 5km of coastline.

Some legends also talk about how Giant’s Causeway came to be. The most popular features the Irish mythical character Fionn mac Cumhaill, who was feuding with a Scottish giant, Benandonner. Fionn built the causeway between the two islands so that they could fight it out.

However, when he saw how big Benandoner really was, he retreated back to his wife for help. She quickly wrapped Fionn in a blanket and laid him across her lap. When the Scottish giant arrived she told him that this was, in fact, the infant son of Fion mac Cumhaill. Seeing how big the toddler was, Benandonner figured that the father must be enormous. So, he ran away, destroying the causeway as he went.

Exterior shots of Dunluce Castle were used in Game of Thrones for Pyke Castle of House Greyjoy on Pyke Island. But that’s not the only exciting thing about this 16th-century structure. It has many other claims to fame and tales from within its walls.

Featuring on the HBO TV series wasn’t the first time that Dunluce Castle was shown to the world. In the early 70s, it also featured on the inner sleeve of the Led Zeppelin album Houses of the Holy. It was also the one-time home of the famous Scottish warrior chieftain Sorely Boy MacDonnell. It was during Sorely’s reign that the Girona, a vessel from the Spanish Armada, was caught in a storm and wrecked on nearby rocks. The canons were taken from the ship and installed as the castle’s security system.

A local legend also claims that at one time, due to cliff beneath the castle eroding, the castle’s kitchen suddenly plummeted into the sea. The only member of staff left alive was the kitchen boy. He was sitting on a stool in the inside corner of the room when it fell.

The Dark Hedges looked like a place straight out of a fantasy novel long before it became the backdrop of The Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. The interlocking canopy of trees covering the road naturally creates a sense of magic and mystery.

James Stuart originally planted the beech trees lining this road in 1755. He wanted them to grow and line the entranceway to his home, Gracehill House.

According to local legend, a ghost named the Grey Lady haunts the Dark Hedges. Some say she is the spirit of James Stuart’s daughter, or possibly a housemaid who died mysteriously. Others speculate that the Grey Lady is a spirit from a nearby abandoned graveyard. People say that on Halloween night, her fellow graveyard residents join in on the haunting fun!

While James Stuart originally planted 150 trees, only around 90 are still standing. In 2016, Storm Gertrude fell two trees and damaged a third. The timber from these trees made 10 bespoke doors. Each one features a Game-of-Thrones-inspired design. You can find them throughout Northern Ireland.