Game of Thrones Winterfell Tour from Belfast

The tour starts and ends outside Visit Belfast Tourist Office (opposite the City Hall),
9 Donegall Square North, Belfast BT1 5GB

Inch Abbey is a large 12th century ruined monastic site an example of early Gothic architecture. ‘King in the North’: Following the news of Eddard Stark’s death, the North decided to bend the knee to their own Northern King. This is the ruin where King Robb ‘The young wolf’ was crowned ‘The King in the North’. This is a picturesque place to visit on the first part of the tour.

The next stop will be Tollymore forest park – Ireland’s oldest pine forest – to see the very place where the Direwolf pups were discovered, and where the White Walker ambush took place. This stunning woodland in the heart of the ancient ‘Kingdom of Mourne’ is most famous for the place the Starks first found their Direwolf pups. Other scenes include the mysterious Wildling massacre by the White Walkers from episode 1. You’ll also see Jon and Tyrion’s tree, where they discuss life at the Wall. Make sure you bring good shoes as this section of the tour contains a 3km walk through the forest.

Make sure to meet the Castle Ward Direwolves, Odin and Thor. Two of GOT’s canine stars! These fluffy and friendly dogs were used during filming as Stark-family direwolves.

There are few more iconic representations of the Stark family than their direwolf sigil. An image of the canine accompanies them wherever they travel. It is a symbol of their loyalty to one another and their cause. You can even see this loyalty in the direwolf pups that are gifted to the Stark children in the very first episode of the GOT TV series. Each of these pets becomes a faithful companion and ferocious protector, assisting their master whenever they’re in need.

To bring direwolves to the screen, the production used real-life Northern Inuit dogs. Then, through some post-production wizardry, they were able to make these already-large canines look more like the hulking mythical wolves described in A Song of Ice and Fire. Retired from acting, Odin and Thor are now the resident Castle Ward Direwolves. They are happy to let you take some photos and make your family and friends jealous.

Castle Ward estate is an 18th century mansion, noted for its unique architecture and its historic farmyard and for having been used as the location of Winterfell. You’ll see the gateway to Winterfell’s court yard, plus over 10 Game of Thrones filming locations portraying Westeros from the Riverlands to battle fields and more. Memorable scenes include Jamie and Briene of Tarth leaving Rob’s camp on their way to Kings Landing. You’ll see the notorious Twins home of Lord Walder Frey, Tyrion and Bronn’s first meeting after their trial in The Eyrie. Even the Tree under which King Robb Stark and Tulisa spoke their wedding vows.