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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicola Brady

It’s hard to turn a corner in Northern Ireland without stumbling upon a location from the insanely popular TV series Game of Thrones.

From the mythical woodlands that doubled up as the Haunted Forest, to the wave-battered Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre birthed a shadow demon), numerous locations across the country served as the ancient-feeling backdrop to the series.

While some can get crammed with fans (it’s best to visit the Dark Hedges first thing to avoid the crowds), you’ll likely have most of them all to yourself.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
A harbour rich with vegetation and people enjoying the sun
Experience

Ballintoy Harbour

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

This beautiful little inlet on Northern Ireland’s north coast starred as the Iron Islands in the TV show Game of Thrones. 

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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A small stone castle tower with a red door
Experience

Castle Ward

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

An 18th-century manor house, now under the care of the National Trust. The grounds were the setting for Game of Thrones’ Winterfell (ancestral home of the Starks) and you can now tour the sets, including Robb Stark’s Camp.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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A trail leading to a cave nearby the sea
Experience

Cushendun Caves

Ballymena, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

The spot where Melisandre birthed a shadow demon in Game of Thrones, this cave is at the end of a picturesque coastal walk.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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A road in the countryside with people walking in the daytime
Experience

Dark Hedges

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

One of the most photographed spots in the country, these tangled beech trees formed Game of Thrones’s Kingsroad.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast

Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast

Belfast

Combine ‘Game of Thrones’ gossip with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway on a full-day tour from Belfast! With a friendly local g...

£30 | Rating 4.79 / 5 [1654 ratings]

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Giant's Causeway Tour including Game of Thrones Sites from Belfast

Giant's Causeway Tour including Game of Thrones Sites from Belfast

Belfast

Spend a memorable day visiting what is undoubtedly Northern Ireland's most infamous attraction. Travel by coach on a journey you will rememb...

£30 | Rating 4.27 / 5 [271 ratings]

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

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

Belfast

Travel with the OFFICIAL TRANSPORT FOR THE SHOW, yes folks travel in the same vehicles as the Cast & Crew from HBO’S Game of Thrones giving ...

£35 | Rating 4.44 / 5 [180 ratings]

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Giant's Causeway and Belfast City Murals Tour inc Game of Thrones Dark Hedges

Giant's Causeway and Belfast City Murals Tour inc Game of Thrones Dark Hedges

Belfast

When your cruise ship docks in Belfast, enjoy this express shore excursion to the Giants Causeway.  The shore Excursion will pick you up  fr...

£35 | Rating 4.18 / 5 [58 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Elegant and glamorous yet laid back, this charming hotel pairs suave, retro-feeling interiors with a central location.

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Grand Central Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

A smart, modern design hotel with exceptional views of the city, in a great central location.

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Malmaison Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Sultry, chic and quietly opulent, this boutique hotel is the perfect base for a romantic getaway.

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The Merchant Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

A nod to traditional luxury, this lavish city-centre hotel is one of Belfast’s favourite hangouts.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Belfast

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Northern Ireland’s capital makes for a surprisingly arty city break, with convivial and cosy pubs, elegant architecture and cutting-edge cuisine.

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