Belfast: Game of Thrones Tour, Iron Islands & Giant's Causeway

Summary

Game of Thrones filming sites, Ballintoy Harbour and Giant’s Causeway day trip from Belfast with guides who worked on the show

You’ll walk Ballintoy Harbour as the Iron Islands, climb basalt columns at Giant’s Causeway, dress up as Iron Born with swords and banners, and share stories with guides who worked on Game of Thrones. Expect laughter, local flavors at lunch (not included), and a real sense of standing inside your favorite scenes—plus some rain in your hair.

What’s the experience like?

I’ve never been much for tours where you just sit and listen, but this Game of Thrones day trip from Belfast was nothing like that. The first thing I noticed was our guide—he’d actually been an extra in the series (he showed us a blurry screenshot later, which cracked everyone up). There was something about seeing those familiar landscapes—the Dark Hedges twisting overhead, Ballintoy Harbour with that salty wind—that made it feel less like a set and more like you’d stumbled into Westeros by accident. My shoes were full of sand after Dragonstone beach, but I didn’t care. The sea smelled sharp and cold, and someone in our group tried to say “Balon Greyjoy” in their best accent. It wasn’t good. We laughed anyway.

We stopped at the caves from the Stormlands scenes—where Melisandre did her shadow magic thing. It’s weird how quiet it gets there, just the sound of water dripping somewhere behind you. Our guide pulled out a tablet to show how they layered VFX over these places; honestly, I’d always thought it was all green screen. Turns out most of it is just Northern Ireland being itself. Later at lunch in the Fullerton Arms pub (the one with the carved Thrones door), I tried to order something local but ended up with fish and chips again. The wood on that door is smooth from so many hands—I ran my fingers over it without really thinking.

The Giant’s Causeway was packed even though it started drizzling, but there’s this moment when you look out and realize how tiny you are compared to all those basalt columns stacked by ancient lava or whatever story you want to believe. Someone handed me a Greyjoy banner for a photo—I felt ridiculous but also kind of proud? The wind nearly took it right out of my hands. By the time we got back to Belfast I was tired in that way you only get after a day outside—hair full of salt air, shoes still gritty.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Game of Thrones filming locations tour

• Coffee and restroom stop at Braavos canal
• Visit caves in the Stormlands
• Explore Ballintoy Harbour and Dragonstone beach
• Visit Giant's Causeway basalt columns
• Photo stop at Dunluce Castle ruins
• Photo stop at the Dark Hedges avenue

Top questions

How long is the Game of Thrones tour from Belfast?

The tour lasts around 8-9 hours including travel between sites.

Is lunch included on this Game of Thrones day trip?

No, lunch at Fullerton Arms pub is not included—you pay separately.

Are costumes provided during the tour?

Yes, Iron Born costumes, swords, shields & Greyjoy banners are included for everyone at no extra cost.

What locations do you visit on this Game of Thrones tour?

You visit Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands), Ballintoy beach (Dragonstone), Stormlands cave, Dark Hedges (Kingsroad), Dunluce Castle ruins & Giant's Causeway.

Does the tour include entrance fees?

Yes—all entrance fees are included in your ticket price.

Is transportation included from Belfast?

Yes—the tour departs from Belfast and includes all transport between sites.

Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

The minimum age is 18 years old unless you're a student with valid ID.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes—a driver and local guide who has worked as an extra on Game of Thrones will lead your group.

What’s included

Your day includes transport from Belfast to each filming location, live commentary from guides who appeared as extras in Game of Thrones seasons 1–8, use of Iron Born costumes plus metal swords and Greyjoy banners for photos along the way—all entrance fees covered. Lunch is not included but happens at Fullerton Arms pub with its famous carved door before heading back toward Belfast together.