Game of Thrones Locations Tour including Westeros & Giant’s Causeway

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones or simply someone who loves breathtaking landscapes, this tour from Belfast promises a full day of adventure. It takes you to some of the most recognizable filming sites from the show and highlights Northern Ireland’s natural wonders, especially the majestic Giant’s Causeway. Based on numerous reviews and the tour details, we can tell you it offers a solid mix of cultural insights, scenic vistas, and fun sightseeing — all for a reasonable price.

What really draws us to this experience are the knowledgeable guides who share interesting tidbits about the filming locations and the chance to see the iconic Giant’s Causeway with your own eyes. On the flip side, a potential downside is the long day (about 9.5 hours), which might be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to lots of walking or if the weather turns poor.

This tour is well-suited for those who want a comprehensive day trip that combines pop culture with natural beauty. Whether you’re a die-hard GoT fan or just in search of stunning coastal landscapes and historic sites, you’ll likely find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Diverse Stops: Includes filming locations, castles, and breathtaking natural formations.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, funny, and eager to share insights, according to reviews.
• Good Value: Priced around $34.42 per person for a full-day experience.
• Comfortable Transport: The bus is well-rated, with some reviews noting the driver’s skill and friendliness.
• Long but Worthwhile: The tour lasts approximately 9.5 hours, so be prepared for a full day.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain.
• Weather Dependency: You might find the experience more enjoyable in clear weather; poor conditions could impact some outdoor stops.
• Mixed Reviews on the GoT Content: Some reviewers felt it was more of a scenic trip than a true insider’s tour of the show.

This tour kicks off early in Belfast, at around 8:45 am, which is ideal if you want to maximize your day. The first stop is Carrickfergus Castle, a medieval fortress with history dating back centuries. Visitors can explore its walls and grounds, while the guide might offer some interesting historical context, though it’s not strongly tied to Game of Thrones. The stop is about 40 minutes, and most find it a good introduction to the day.

Next, you’ll head to Carnlough Harbor, which played a pivotal role in Season 6, Episode 7. The scene where Arya Stark escapes her pursuers by jumping into icy water was filmed here, among other moments. Several reviewers appreciated the opportunity to snap photos at this iconic location, with one saying, “the scenery here was stunning,” even if the tour doesn’t focus heavily on in-depth show stories.

The Dark Hedges follow — a truly stunning avenue of twisted, ancient beech trees that fan out like a tunnel. This spot is a must-see for many visitors, especially Game of Thrones fans, as it famously served as the “King’s Road” in the series. The walk here takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving plenty of time for photos and props, which some travelers enjoy dressing up with, as seen in shared images. It’s a favorite for many reviews, with one praising the “great dress-up props,” making it a fun photo op.

After the Dark Hedges, the tour moves along the coast to Giant’s Causeway, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the highlight for many, and rightly so. The unique hexagonal basalt columns creating a rugged, otherworldly landscape are breathtaking. The free time here is about 1 hour 30 minutes, enough to wander, take photos, and soak in the scenery. We love how several reviews mention the marvelous views and how the site is steeped in myths and legends — it’s genuinely one of those places that makes you feel small and humbled.

Next on the list is Dunluce Castle, a striking medieval ruin perched dramatically on the cliffs. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, and visitors can explore at their own pace. While some reviews mention the castle’s scenic appeal, others note that it can be a bit rushed, especially if you’re keen on exploring every nook.

Finally, the tour concludes back in Belfast, near the Grand Opera House. This quick stop allows travelers to get back to the city, with many expressing satisfaction with the overall experience.

The tour provides a professional guide and driver, which keeps things running smoothly. Several reviews rave about the guide’s knowledge and the friendly demeanor of the driver, enhancing the overall experience. One reviewer even mentions the guide’s humor, making the long day more enjoyable. The bus itself is described as comfortable, and the group size (around 48 people max) strikes a good balance between social and manageable.

Transportation is key on such a long trip, and the reviews indicate that the coach is reliable, with some travelers noting the driver’s skill, especially navigating narrow or busy roads along the coast. The live commentary on board helps keep everyone engaged, whether you’re a Game of Thrones superfan or just in it for the scenery.

A noteworthy aspect is the value for money — at roughly $34.42 per person, many reviewers feel they’re getting a lot. The stops are well spread out, giving enough time to explore rather than rushing through. Plus, being able to see sites like the Giants Causeway and Dark Hedges without the hassle of planning it all yourself makes this an attractive option.

While the tour has many strengths, there are some considerations. A few reviews note that the tour isn’t purely focused on Game of Thrones. If your main goal is an in-depth behind-the-scenes or insider tour of the series, this might fall a bit short. The guide generally mentions the filming sites, but some visitors felt the show-related commentary was limited.

Plus, the long duration can be tiring, especially if the weather isn’t cooperative. Some stops involve walking on uneven terrain, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the weather in Northern Ireland can be unpredictable, so packing rain gear is wise.

A small number of reviewers experienced organizational hiccups, such as delays or poor communication from the tour operator, which underscores the importance of arriving on time and being flexible.

Another point is that the free time at some sites might feel a little rushed if you want to explore every corner thoroughly. For example, the castle stop is only 30 minutes, which is enough for a quick look but not for extensive wandering.

This tour is ideal for Game of Thrones fans who want to see filming locations in person but don’t mind a bit of a scenic trip mixed with history and legends. It’s also great for those wanting a full-day coastal adventure, with the added bonus of iconic sites like the Giants Causeway and Dark Hedges.

Travelers who enjoy guided tours and appreciate the insights of knowledgeable guides will find this a worthwhile experience. It’s also a good fit if you’re looking for value for money, since the price is quite reasonable for such an all-encompassing day trip.

However, if you have mobility issues, prefer a more relaxed pace, or seek a tour with a deep dive into the show’s behind-the-scenes secrets, you might want to explore other options.

All in all, this tour offers a comfortable, scenic, and culturally interesting day exploring some of Northern Ireland’s most memorable sights. It balances beautiful landscapes, historic castles, and famous filming locations, making it attractive for a wide range of travelers.

The guides’ knowledge and friendliness consistently receive praise, which adds a lot of value. The cost is reasonable, especially considering the number of sites visited and the quality of the experience. It’s a solid choice whether you’re a Game of Thrones enthusiast or just someone looking to enjoy Northern Ireland’s rugged beauty.

For those who don’t mind a long day filled with walking, exploring, and soaking in scenic views, this tour offers a memorable way to see a good chunk of Northern Ireland without the hassle of organizing everything yourself.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly aimed at children, the tour is generally manageable for kids who can walk and stand for periods. Keep in mind there’s uneven terrain and a full day involved.

Do I need to bring my own food?
The tour doesn’t mention included meals, so packing some snacks or a light lunch is recommended, especially if you want to maximize your time at each stop.

Is there any free time to explore each site?
Yes, most stops provide about 30 to 90 minutes, giving enough opportunity to take photos, wander, or soak in the scenery.

Are the stops all related to Game of Thrones?
No, not entirely. While some locations are famous for their connection to the show, others are more about the scenery and history, like Carrickfergus Castle and Dunluce Castle.

Can I expect insider or behind-the-scenes info about Game of Thrones?
Reviews suggest that the guide offers some insights, but don’t expect a deep behind-the-scenes tour. It’s more about showing the filming locations and the scenery.

What’s the weather usually like?
Northern Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring rain gear and dress in layers. The experience is better in clear weather, but the sites are still worth seeing in the rain.

How long is the total trip?
Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time and stops, so be prepared for a full day.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, due to uneven terrain at some sites, it’s not suitable for wheelchairs.

What should I do if the weather is bad on the day?
Check with the tour operator about possible rescheduling or refunds. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor conditions can impact outdoor stops.

All in all, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day out with plenty of scenic, historic, and pop culture moments. Whether you’re here for the show or the landscape, it’s worth considering.