Game of Thrones Tour Dublin

Have you already made your plans for your trip to Dublin? If you enjoyed the Game of Thrones series, a trip from the Irish capital to the sets where it was filmed is sure to be on your list. As if it were a pilgrimage, many viewers sign up for these tours to enter the world of the famous series and feel, in a way, part of it.

The Giant's Causeway or Dark Hedges are two of the best known locations, but there are many more. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to visit them all at the same time, although there is no shortage of options to go to one or the other. In my opinion, the advantage of organised tours, whatever the specific route, is that they make transfers much easier, and the guides always have secrets, anecdotes and interesting things to tell about the production of the series and the scenes that were filmed at each site.

Game of Thrones fans know that one of the best tours to do from Dublin is to the Giant's Causeway and other Game of Thrones locations.

If you agree with this statement, join this tour which includes entrance and plenty of time to walk among the 4000+ basalt columns. The price is also very affordable (approximately €80 per person), especially considering you'll also be visiting Ballintoy Harbour. The name may not ring a bell at first glance, but it's where some of the series was filmed.

In total, it's almost 13 hours to see the main scenes of Game of Thrones on board a comfortable bus.

Although there aren't many other stops on this tour, which only focuses on the essentials, you'll quickly pass Dunluce Castle and Dark Hedges, which are also important to the story. At the end of the tour, you'll have free time to wander around the nearby city of Belfast.

Ballintoy Harbour

Ballintoy Harbour, this small fishing village, may not catch your eye at first, but it has to be part of the basic tour for Game of Thrones viewers.

This is where Theon Greyjoy's return to the Iron Islands was filmed, as well as his christening, Euron's coronation and Balon's death. Listen carefully to the guide's explanations and use your imagination (and memory), because a lot happened behind the scenes.

Please note that this stop is not possible all year round, as it is not available in the spring and summer months, approximately. In that case, don't worry because there will be something prepared in return, such as more time in Belfast or admission to the touring exhibition of the series.

Giant's Causeway

Legend has it that this road was built by the Scottish giant (Bennandoner) to cross into Ireland to face the giant there (Finn McCool). However, on his arrival, McCool had disguised himself as a baby so that Bennandoner would think that if a child was so big, his father must be even bigger. The trap worked and Bennandoner ran off, destroying part of the path he had built earlier. That's what it looks like.

The other explanation is that over 55 million years ago, a large tongue of lava cooled rapidly on the surface but was slow to cool on the underside, creating this landscape.

Whichever story you stick with, the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage Site, is a great natural and historical monument that also plays an important role in Game of Thrones. In the surrounding area, for example, is Dunluce Castle, which served as Greyjoy's House. However, entrance is not included in the price, just a quick photo stop.

Dark Hedges

Remember the King's Highway? The one where Arya escapes. Well, maybe you won't escape, but you'll be able to have your photo taken on it during your visit. There won't be much time, so make the most of this arched tree-lined path.

Although the HBO series has helped make this place famous, Dark Hedges was already well known for being an unprecedented natural spectacle. As well as Arya, it seems that an ancient ghost, that of Lady Grey, also makes a habit of wandering around. Will you meet either of them?

Interesting facts

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately €80
• Duration of tour: from 13 hours onwards
• What's included: transfers, entrance to Giant's Causeway and stops at Dark Hedges and Ballintoy
• Recommended if: You want to see the must-see sights

Are you more of a House Stark fan? Then during your trip to Dublin you will want to take a trip to the place where the scenes of Winterfell were filmed: Ward's Castle. For the same price (approximately €75), during the 11-hour tour you can also visit the Enchanted Forest.

The journeys are a little long, but you'll be in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach, and the excitement of seeing the real Game of Thrones locations will make the time fly by.

The first stop will be the Enchanted Forest, which was also the starting point for the White Walkers on their route to the Kingdom of Men. You'll have time to explore at your leisure and to listen to the facts the guide provides.

Then it will be time to leave this place and head towards Castle Ward. But first, you will quickly pass through Downpatrick Abbey, which does not feature in the series but does feature in Irish history, as it is where St. Patrick is buried.

Finally, Winterfell (or rather Castle Ward) will open up before you. It is a huge mansion dating back to the 18th century that mixes two architectural styles (Romanesque and Gothic). For a fully immersive experience, head to the courtyard and sign up for an archery lesson, just like the Stark brothers and Jon Snow did.

Facts & Figures

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately €75
• Duration of tour: 11 hours or more
• What's included: Transfers, admission to Ward's Castle and stop at Downpatrick Abbey
• Recommended if: You would like to experience Winterfell while appreciating Ireland's cultural heritage.

Many of the tours do not include access to Dunluce Castle, even though it is very important in the Game of Thrones series. If you fancy going in, don't worry because there are some tours that do. They usually also include a visit to the Giant's Causeway, so you can combine the two.

The approximate price is €75 and, in the 12 hours it lasts, most of the time is dedicated to these two places, although it also stops in Belfast.

The Giant's Causeway, that road of volcanoes and mythological creatures, is very close to Dunluce Castle. Although you can just spot it from afar or just walk around it, if you get the chance I recommend you go inside. Not only because it's the tower that doesn't grow on the Iron Islands, but also because it was used in the filming of the Chronicles of Narnia.

Its non-film history is also very interesting, and I'm sure the tour guide will explain how this castle saw soldiers fight and, being on a cliff, also witnessed shipwrecks.

Useful facts

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately €75
• Duration of tour: from 12 hours onwards
• What's included: transfers, entrance fees to Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway
• Recommended if: You are not content with just seeing Dunluce Castle from afar and want to go inside

If you're a film buff, you may already know that in Belfast, very close to the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed, you'll find the Titanic Museum and the studio where interior scenes from the HBO series were filmed.

If you're travelling from Dublin, why not visit both sites? You can do so on a combined tour. The approximate price is around €75 and includes not only entrance fees but also a quick tour of Belfast city. Almost 12 hours full of history, film and culture.

Did you know that the Titanic was built in the Belfast shipyard? Questions like this will be answered during your tour of the Museum. Even two hours won't seem long enough to see all the interactive rooms and learn about the history (and tragedy) of this ship.

Another aspect you may not have known about is that the Titanic Studios are located in the same museum. It is one of the most famous and was used for Game of Thrones. Yes, this is where the actors went for the interior scenes, especially during the first four seasons.

Although there's not much left of it now, as it has of course been dismantled so that other productions can be filmed, there's always a story your guide can tell you.

Facts & Figures

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately 75€.
• Duration of tour: from 12 hours onwards
• What's included: Transfers, entrance to the Titanic Museum and Studios and guided tour of Belfast.
• Recommended if: You are interested in seeing how the interior scenes of Game of Thrones were produced

There are many alternatives for getting from Dublin to Belfast, but if you followed every episode of Game of Thrones with excitement, I recommend combining a trip to the Giant's Causeway with Belfast.

You'll have about 12 hours to explore each of the sites in detail, accompanied by a guide. Plus, you won't have to worry about how to get there, as a bus will take you and the rest of the group from one place to the other. The general price is approximately €55.

As soon as you leave Dublin, as you won't have to drive or watch for stops, you will be able to see the entire Atlantic coastline out of the bus window. Once you arrive at the Giant's Causeway you will have free time to walk around it, enter the Visitor Centre, learn more about it and generally appreciate this World Heritage Site.

For a change of scenery, there's nothing better than sightseeing in Belfast. A city steeped in history and which has changed dramatically in recent years. Your guide will explain all the cultural and artistic heritage of this place. Please note, meals are not included, but you will have plenty of options to fill your stomach (your guide may even have a discount for you).

As this type of tour only includes transfers, the walking tour of Belfast and entrance to the Giant's Causeway, the price is more affordable, so it's a good alternative. Also, as half of the tour is in Belfast, if you're travelling with people who haven't seen the HBO series, they'll also have a good time and won't find it too boring.

Facts and figures of interest

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately €55
• Duration of tour: 12 hours or more
• What's included: Transfers, entrance to Giant's Causeway and guided tour of Belfast
• Recommended if: Travelling with people who have not seen Game of Thrones

Typically, Game of Thrones tours focus on the most iconic locations where the series was filmed, such as the Giant's Causeway. However, if you want to go further afield, I recommend booking a tour of the Carnlough area and Larrybane Quarry.

Not only will you get to see some beautiful seaside towns, but you'll also get to visit the sites where some of the show's most dramatic plots were filmed. The price is approximately €55 and includes all the day's sightseeing.

For me, the great thing about this type of tour is that it's a bit further afield (a 3-4 hour bus ride from Dublin), so it's not as crowded and you get to experience Game of Thrones without the crowds of touristy locations like Dark Hedges.

Carnlough

Situated on the coast, Carnlough is worth a visit for its beauty. One of its most important features is the harbour which, as well as being essential for trade, acted as the Canal of Braavos. You may have seen it at the beginning of season five.

Just 30 minutes from Carnlough are the Cushendun Caves. Your guide will probably take you there; it's close by and is the site of Melisandre's birthing scenes and Jamie Lannister's last battle.

Larrybane Quarry

Although Larrybane Quarry wasn't where many scenes were filmed, it's quite relevant; it's where Renly Baratheon's camp in the Stormlands was set up. While you're there, maybe you'll dare to cross the Carrick A Rede suspension bridge, perched 100 feet above the ocean. I'm not going to lie, it's a bit dizzying.

Another place to visit is the Fullerton Arms Hotel. Why? Because it's where actors from the HBO series stayed, so maybe the staff has some stories to tell! It's a good time to grab a bite to eat, but remember that food and drink are not included in the tour.

Facts & Figures

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately €55
• Duration of tour: 13 hours or more
• What's included: transfers, visits to Carnlough and Larrybane Quarry
• Recommended if: you want to avoid the crowds at the busier locations

Want to feel like you're really in the show? Your chance to act in Game of Thrones may have passed you by, but there are tours out there working hard to make sure you don't miss out.

For around €65 and for 11 hours, the guides (who have sometimes been extras) will guide you around the sets with the help of tablets where you can watch clips from episodes, so you can get in the mood. They will also lend you costumes and even fake swords so you can walk around Winterfell and other places like a real Stark.

The truth is, for me, I appreciate these themed tours where there is an extra effort to recreate scenes. If you like Game of Thrones, you'll love being able to wield the sword or banner of the different houses while they explain what scenes were filmed and, most interestingly, how they were filmed.

As for places to visit, as soon as you arrive from Dublin, you'll stop at Tollymore Forest Park, famous for its river, the 16 bridges that cross it and also for having housed the Enchanted Forest. There you'll do one of the 4 hiking trails while your guide tells you what scenes were filmed there.

Then it's time to head to Winterfell, also known in the real world as Old Castle Ward, and make a quick stop at Inch Abbey where Robb Stark was crowned King of the North.

Facts of Interest

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately €65
• Duration of tour: 11 hours or more
• What's included: transfers, entrance to Tollymore Park and Castle Ward
• Recommended if: you like to dress up and enjoy themed tours

One day is not enough for you? For big Game of Thrones fans it seems like it, so there's always the option of taking a tour that lasts a couple of days. The price is higher (approximately €300) as it includes the train journeys, all the visits and the hotel night. All in all, a very complete tour so that you don't come back to Dublin with the feeling that you've seen everything too quickly.

I'm not lying when I tell you that with this tour, you won't miss anything. Plus, there will be times with a guide, who will explain secrets from the making of the series, but also other times to explore at your own pace.

For example, on the first day you'll have free time to visit Belfast, as the price includes a ticket for a tourist bus, so you'll be able to hop on and off at the most emblematic places in the city.

The second day is the most Game of Thrones-centric day; after an overnight stay in a central Belfast hotel and breakfast (both included in the price), your 8-hour tour of the Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges and other important locations from the series will begin.

Useful facts

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately €300
• Duration of tour: 2 days
• What's included: transfers, entrance fees to the Giant's Causeway, visits to Belfast, Dark Hedges and other locations, bed and breakfast in a central Belfast hotel
• Recommended if: You want to see everything in time and you will be in Dublin for several days.

From 2022, Game of Thrones viewers have one more place to visit: the official Game of Thrones studios. A number of tours are being organised from Dublin which, for around €70, offer return transfers plus admission to the studios. There is no limit to the magic, fantasy and excitement.

Ever watched Game of Thrones and wondered how it was filmed? During a visit to the studios, which are like a huge museum and theme park at the same time, many of your questions will be answered.

There you can get up close and personal with the original costumes worn by the actors to get into character as Arya, Daenerys or Jon Snow. There are also detailed recreations of locations such as the crypt of Winterfell.

But without a doubt, the most interesting thing is to walk through the rooms where the special effects are explained and how, from the creators' sketches, everything was translated into the production of the series.

In total, there are about 10,000 square metres that will take you about 3 hours to walk through. You won't be bored for a moment, although it's clear that this tour is only suitable for Game of Thrones fans.

Facts and Figures

• Means of transport: shared coach
• Price: approximately €70
• Duration of tour: from 8 hours onwards
• What's included: transfers, entrance to the official Game of Thrones Studios
• Recommended if: You are a big fan of Game of Thrones and want to know how it was produced.

If you want to feel like royalty on your trip from Dublin to the Game of Thrones locations, the best thing to do is to book a private tour. The price is around €150, but a chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel and take you around the main locations of your favourite series during the 12 hour tour. At the end of the tour you will be returned to your hotel in Dublin.

The tour usually focuses on the most important locations, such as the Giant's Causeway and the surrounding area, which is also a World Heritage Site and is noted for its green landscapes full of nature.

My advice is that, when you book this tour, you should discuss which places you would like to visit. After all, the service is exclusive and tailored to your interests.

This type of tour has a higher price tag, of course, but you are investing in a unique experience. There is no more unique way to delve into the world of Game of Thrones than by being able to ask all the questions you want and taking your time, without having to adapt to the schedules of a group.

Useful facts

• Means of transport: private vehicle
• Price: approximately 150€.
• Duration of tour: from 8 hours onwards
• What's included: transfers and private guided tours
• Recommended if: you don't mind paying more for a more exclusive and personalised tour

I'm not going to kid you, Game of Thrones locations are always packed to the rafters. Think of it as a hugely successful series that attracts fans from all over the world, so you won't be the only person who wants to do this tour from Dublin.

However, there are times, outside the high season, when you will find less crowds. If you're travelling to Dublin in winter, even if you're going to be a little colder, you can take advantage of these tours.

In any case, remember to book both the tour and any additional visits you want to do, in advance. There is usually a lot of demand and you don't want to be surprised if, once in Dublin, you can't find any alternative way to see the sets of your favourite series.

Have you chosen your Game of Thrones tour yet? You can be sure that whichever one you choose, you'll feel the thrill of every episode.