Belfast becomes Westeros for a day. This private Game of Thrones® locations tour takes you north from the city in an air-conditioned Land Rover, guided by Adrian, the Other Ser Davos, who also served as an extra and photo double for Ser Davos on multiple seasons. Two things I really love here: the on-the-spot filming context at each stop, and the hands-on photo time with Iron Islands replica costumes and metal swords.

The route is built for a full day—about 10 to 11 hours—with lots of short hops between rural locations. One possible drawback to plan around: lunch is not included, and Giant’s Causeway is optional (admission not included), so you’ll want to decide early whether you’re adding that extra stop.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Adrian as your guide: real behind-the-scenes perspective from his time as an extra and photo double for Ser Davos
• Greyjoy photo time at Ballintoy Harbour: replica costumes plus metal swords for fun, in-location shots
• Free admission for most stops: many locations are quick visits with admission listed as free
• You control the pace: private format and the ability to build your own itinerary
• One optional big-ticket add-on: Giant’s Causeway is extra, with admission not included
• Strong scenery even if you’re not a superfan: you still get the Glens of Antrim and classic Northern Ireland coastline views

A private Land Rover day north from Belfast

This tour is built around comfort and timing. You’re picked up in Belfast and start at 8:00am, then ride north in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. For a day like this, that matters more than you’d think. Game of Thrones filming sites are spread out, and public transport would turn the day into a puzzle. Here, you skip the stress and get your bearings fast.

Adrian’s background is the secret sauce. He’s not just reciting lines. He brings show-specific context tied to what you’re seeing, plus the kind of little details that make the scenes click in your head. If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t deep into the series, you’ll still be fine—Northern Ireland’s coastline and countryside are the real stage, and the filming info acts like a bonus layer.

“Build your own itinerary” in a practical way

The itinerary is structured, but the promise is flexibility. You’re not stuck on a rigid cattle-car loop. You can shape the day so it matches what you care about most: more time in the big locations, fewer optional detours, or simply a smoother pace between stops.

That said, you still need to plan for the reality of a long day. You’ll be in the car a lot, especially on the northern route. This tour is best if you like a steady rhythm: brief filming-site visits, quick scenic stretches, and then a longer stop where photos and costumes happen.

Stop 1: Ballygally and Door No. 9

Your day opens with a 40-minute drive from Belfast to Ballygally, where you visit the Ballygally Castle Hotel. The specific focus is Door No. 9 from the Doors of Thrones Collection.

This is a small stop, by design. Expect it to feel more like a scene “bookmark” than a full attraction. The value is that you start your day with a clear Game of Thrones reference point before you move onto bigger filming geography.

Practical tip: since the stop is short, keep your camera ready. Don’t waste time digging for settings—this is the kind of moment you want to grab quickly.

Stop 2: Glenarm and the Sansa crown prototype

Next up is Glenarm, where you stop at Steenson’s Jewellery Workshop and Showroom. Admission is listed as free, and the visit is brief but fun—especially if you like props, costumes, and the craft side of the show.

Two standout moments here:

• You can see pieces of jewelry made for the show.
• You can try on the prototype of the Sansa Stark crown from Season 8.

This is where the tour adds variety. Not every stop is a coastline viewpoint or a dramatic sea cave. This one is about objects—hands-on scale, materials, and the way the production translated fantasy jewelry into something you could actually wear.

If you care about detail: pay attention to how the pieces are presented and how the workshop explains what you’re seeing. Even if you’re not a long-time fan, the workshop angle is easy to appreciate.

Stop 3: Murlough Bay and Fair Head

Then the tour turns cinematic. At Murlough Bay and Fair Head, filming took place across several places in the area. This stop is tied to a specific story moment: it’s where Stannis and Renly confront each other on horseback, and also the last time they will meet.

This kind of stop is great because the setting does real work for you. Instead of just “this scene happened here,” you get a stronger sense of how the geography shapes the mood of the moment. The coastline and headland views also help if you’re traveling with someone who isn’t caught up on episodes—they can enjoy the scenery even while you nerd out on the scene references.

What to watch for: the “best moment” can shift depending on weather and light. If it’s overcast, you’ll still get atmosphere. If the light breaks, you’ll get more definition in the water and cliffs.

Stop 4: Carnlough Harbour and Arya’s escape steps

At Carnlough Harbour, you head to a set of limestone steps used by Arya to exit the water and escape from the Waif.

This stop is very tactile. It’s not an enormous viewpoint where you just admire from afar. It’s a specific spot tied to action. That makes it better for photos and for storytelling in your group: you can point, stand where the scene player stood, and talk through what’s happening in that moment.

Timing note: it’s about 50 minutes at this stop, so it’s long enough for photos without dragging the day down.

Stop 5: Cushendun Caves and Melisandre’s dark scene

Next is Cushendun Caves. The tour here links directly to a major sequence: Melisandre is smuggled ashore by Ser Davos into a dark sea cave where she gives birth to a dark shadow spirit assassin. The tour also notes the caves are used again in Season 8, and Adrian will test your knowledge to see if you remember which scene.

This is one of those stops that feels slightly different from the other locations. Caves have a way of shrinking your sense of scale and making the surroundings feel more intense—even in daylight. It’s also a strong choice if you like the supernatural, gritty side of the show.

Bring your phone confidence: you may want to check how your camera handles dimmer areas. If you’re planning video or low-light photos, test once early rather than after everyone’s moved on.

Stop 6: Ballintoy Harbour, Greyjoy costumes, and the main photo moment

This is the heart of the tour: Ballintoy Harbour, described as the main event for good reason. The beach location is tied to the Drowned God storyline, including the moments where Theon and Euron are reborn.

Here’s where the included goodies become real fun. You get the chance to wear Iron Islands replica leather and fabric costumes and hold metal swords for photo opportunities. It’s not just standing around for a quick picture. It’s a built-in block of time designed for you to enjoy the moment like part of the story.

After the harbour time, you head to lunch quickly (about a 5-minute ride). Lunch is at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, with around 1 hour for it.

What you should know for value: costumes and swords are included at this stop, and that turns the experience from “tour” into “activity.” If you want your photos to feel personal instead of generic, this is the stop to prioritize.

Stop 7: Giant’s Causeway (optional, UNESCO, extra admission)

Then there’s an optional stop: Giant’s Causeway. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can step on the footsteps of giants while you take in the famous formations.

This optional add-on is a smart choice if you want a “Northern Ireland headline” at the end of a Game of Thrones day. It also gives you a change of pace: less character-driven scene matching, more big-geology wonder.

The catch: it’s not included for admission, and it adds time (about 1 hour 20 minutes at the attraction). If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t as interested in the show, Giant’s Causeway can be a strong compromise.

Stop 8: The Dark Hedges and the beech-tree corridor

Your final major stop is The Dark Hedges, famous for a beech-tree avenue that has appeared in the series. The trees were planted over 247 years ago to welcome visitors to Gracehill House, and they became an iconic visitor attraction after appearing in a short scene in Season 2.

This is a perfect wrap-up because it’s visually striking even if you can’t place every episode instantly. The avenue feel also makes your photos easy. You get a clear path, a dramatic framing effect, and a natural sense of scale.

Timing note: the drive back to Belfast is about 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic and where you’re dropped off. You’ll feel the full-day rhythm at this point, so it’s helpful that this stop is strong for quick photos and then movement.

Price and value for a group of up to 4

The price is $828.14 per group (up to 4 people). That means the big value is not “cheap per person,” but “good private-day value.” When you split it among two to four people, you’re paying for a full, guided, private day with transport, and the included extras like costumes and metal swords.

Also, most stops list admission as free, so you’re not stacking up lots of ticket costs at each location. The one big exception is the optional Giant’s Causeway stop, where admission is not included.

A useful way to think about it: you’re buying three things at once:

• convenience (private transport and pickup),
• guidance (Adrian’s show-specific context),
• and experience (costume and photo time).

If you’re the type who hates spending your first vacation day researching parking, opening hours, and “is this even the right spot,” this tour solves that problem.

Who this tour is best for

This is a great fit if:

• You want a private, adult-only (18+) day built around Game of Thrones locations.
• You care about photos and want the included Greyjoy costume moments to happen at the right time.
• You want the show facts connected to real places, not just vague “this is where they filmed.”

It also works if someone in your group isn’t caught up on the series. The countryside and coastline scenery keep the day feeling like a Northern Ireland outing first, with show references as the added layer.

If you dislike long car days, you might find the 10–11 hour duration a lot. This is very much a “drive, stop, photo, move again” structure.

Booking smart: timing, clothing, and your photo plan

Tours like this usually get booked ahead—on average, this one is booked about 65 days in advance—so if you’re serious, lock it in early.

For what to wear and bring, keep it simple:

• comfortable shoes for harbours and outdoor stops,
• layers for coastal weather,
• your camera fully charged before each outdoor location.

If you want the best photos at Ballintoy Harbour, don’t treat costume time as an afterthought. Plan to spend a little time switching up poses and getting both group and solo shots.

Should you book this Game of Thrones private day?

Book it if you want a guided, private day that turns filming locations into a story you can actually walk through. The combination of Adrian’s show involvement, free admission for many stops, and the hands-on Greyjoy photo experience at Ballintoy Harbour makes this feel like more than a sightseeing drive.

Skip it (or adjust expectations) if you’re expecting a quick half-day outing or if you want to avoid optional ticket costs and long time in the car. This is a full-day plan, built for people who enjoy the journey between locations as much as the locations themselves.

FAQ

How many people can join the tour?

It’s a private tour for up to 4 people in your group.

What time does the tour start in Belfast?

The start time is 8:00am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 to 11 hours.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered in Belfast.

What’s included in the price?

Included are private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, Iron Islands replica costumes for photo opportunities, and a mobile ticket.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you stop at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy for about 1 hour.

Is Giant’s Causeway part of the tour?

Giant’s Causeway is optional. Admission is not included.

Is this tour only for adults?

Yes. It’s certified as 18 years and older, and no children can partake.

Is there a cancellation option if plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund.