Belfast to Giant's Causeway: Private Game of Thrones Tour Wildling Guide

Summary

Game of Thrones filming sites, wild coastlines and stories with a Belfast insider

You’ll ride north from Belfast with Richard, an actual Wildling from Game of Thrones, exploring filming locations like Ballintoy Harbour and the Dark Hedges. Try on Iron Born cloaks, swing a replica sword, and see behind-the-scenes footage right on location. The day’s full of stories, coastal air, and those odd moments when fiction feels suddenly close.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of Belfast when Richard — our guide, driver, and apparently former Wildling — started pointing out little things I’d never have noticed. The light was that pale Irish grey, kind of soft around the edges, and you could just make out the Glens of Antrim rolling away under it. Richard had this battered tablet loaded with behind-the-scenes clips, and he’d pause to show us exactly where Sansa and Baelish stood in that tense scene. I tried to picture all those cameras here, but honestly, it just smelled like sea air and sheep.

Ballintoy Harbour was next, which is apparently the real Iron Islands (Theon’s home turf). The rocks were slick underfoot — I nearly slipped, but Richard laughed it off and handed me a sword prop. He had these Iron Born cloaks too; I put one on even though it smelled faintly like damp wool and old stories. Some local fishermen gave us a nod — not sure if they cared about Game of Thrones or just thought we looked ridiculous.

I didn’t expect to feel anything at the Dark Hedges — just a road lined with trees, right? But walking under those twisting branches felt weirdly quiet. Richard told us how they filmed Arya’s escape there; for a second you could almost hear horses in the leaves. We ended up at the Giant’s Causeway (not Thrones-related but worth every step), where the wind nearly took my hat off and the basalt columns felt cold through my jeans. Still think about that view sometimes — something about standing where fantasy meets real history sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Game of Thrones filming locations tour

• Stop at coastal village viewpoint
• Visit Ballygally Castle Hotel door
• Visit harbour and limestone steps
• Explore caves of shadow assassin birth
• See Stormlands confrontation and cliffs
• Visit the real Iron Islands
• Optionally visit Giant's Causeway
• Visit the Dark Hedges avenue

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Game of Thrones tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your private tour booking.

Which Game of Thrones locations will we visit on this private tour?

You’ll visit Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands), Dark Hedges (King’s Road), Cushendun Caves (Melisandre’s scene), plus stops along the Glens of Antrim and optional Giant’s Causeway.

Does this tour include costumes or props?

Yes, Iron Born costumes and replica swords are included at no extra cost during your tour.

How many people can join this private Audi A6 tour?

The maximum group size is 4 people per booking.

Is lunch included in this Game of Thrones day trip?

No lunch is included; please advise dietary requirements if needed for recommendations.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour from Belfast port?

Yes, cruise ship passengers can be picked up at Belfast port; provide ship details when booking.

Is this Game of Thrones tour suitable for children?

No, minimum age is 18 years old for participants on this private tour.

What should I wear for this day trip from Belfast?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain and cool temperatures along the coast.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport in an Audi A6 with hotel or port pickup and drop-off around Belfast, live commentary from your Wildling guide Richard (with plenty of stories), access to Iron Born costumes and replica swords for photos or fun moments along the way—all set among iconic filming locations before heading back in comfort at day’s end.