3 Days in Northern Ireland for Game of Thrones Fans
Anyone else dream of visiting Westeros? I may have been 15 years late to the Game of Thrones hype; however, I now fully understand it. While they filmed scenes all over the world, the majority of the 8 seasons were filmed in Northern Ireland.
After finishing the show, I immediately began my (slightly crazy, slightly nerdy) research and began planning this bucket list trip. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Northern Ireland for Game of Thrones Fans.
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Table of Contents
TLDR: 3 Day Game of Thrones Northern Ireland Itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of what you will see during your 3 days in Northern Ireland. Make sure to keep reading below for alllll the details!
- Day 1: Game of Thrones Studio Tour + Stained Glass Walk in Belfast
- Day 2: Winterfell, Inch Abbey, & Tolleymore Forest
- Day 3: Causeway Coast Day Trip
- Bonus! Day 4: Horseback Ride
Know Before You Go:
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to know before you visit!
- You don’t need to be a Game of Thrones superfan. While this itinerary focuses on filming locations, many stops are worth visiting for the scenery alone. The Causeway Coast, Tollymore Forest, and Dunluce Castle are incredible, whether you’ve watched the show or not (however an obsession with the show makes it 100 times better).
- Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. You’ll cross from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland without any border checkpoints, but you’ll notice a few changes:
- Currency changes from Euros (€) to British Pounds (£)
- Speed limits switch from kilometers to miles
- Road signs use miles and mph
- Rent a car. The filming locations are spread throughout the countryside, and having your own car is a must. Want tips about renting a car and driving in Ireland? Check out this post!
- Pack for all four seasons. Northern Ireland weather changes quickly. Bring all the layers and plenty of waterproof options. My Vessi shoes were, truthfully, my saving grace (everything was always soaked except my socks).
- Expect narrow roads. Many country roads are surprisingly tight, especially around rural filming locations. Take your time and be prepared for plenty of roundabouts.
- Download offline maps before your trip. Cell service can be inconsistent in some of the more remote areas.
Getting to Northern Ireland
Getting to Northern Ireland is easy, with most travelers either flying directly into Belfast International Airport or flying into Dublin Airport and driving north.
We did this as part of a larger Ireland road trip, so we flew in and out of Dublin.
While there are no border checkpoints between Ireland and Northern Ireland, remember that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
As of 2026, many visitors (including U.S. citizens) must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Northern Ireland, even when crossing by land from the Republic of Ireland. The ETA is not a visa, but it is a required travel authorization linked to your passport, so be sure to check the latest entry requirements before your trip.
Northern Ireland Game of Thrones Itinerary
Okay, time for the good stuff. This itinerary was so much fun to plan and even more fun to experience. From behind-the-scenes sneak peeks to epic scenery and castle ruins, it’ll be one that you’re talking about for years to come!
Day 1: Game of Thrones Studio Tour & Belfast
- Where to stay: Near Belfast (we stayed at Culloden Estates and Spa...it was a little out of the way, but I wanted to stay in a castle)
Stop 1: Game of Thrones Studio
Located in Banbridge, the immersive experience takes visitors behind the scenes of the series with original costumes, props, weapons, set pieces, and interactive exhibits from all eight seasons. I’m normally not a big museum fan, but it was super cool!
You have to start the day by parking at The Boulevard, and then you take a short shuttle ride to the set (about 15 minutes).
After arriving, you’ll walk through (self-guided) recreated locations like Winterfell, King’s Landing, and Dragonstone while learning how the show’s iconic scenes were brought to life. It was impressive to see the amount of planning, detail, and people it took to bring the show to life.
After wandering around, you can grab lunch and a themed drink in the restaurant (milk of the poppy anyone?) and then check out the gift shop (make sure to take some fun pictures in the throne here!) They also offer a fun, themed afternoon tea that you can book in advance.
Plan to spend at least 3–4 hours exploring, and be prepared to leave wanting to rewatch the entire series.
Stop 2: Belfast
Spend your evening finding the famous stained-glass windows along the Maritime Mile in downtown Belfast. You can park at the Corporation Square Car Park, and then you’ll find your first stained glass window right in front of the AC Hotel.
Each window depicts major characters, houses, and pivotal moments from the series.
Even better, the windows are arranged chronologically, allowing fans to relive the story as they walk along the waterfront. We thought it sounded a bit cheesy at first, but it turned out to be a fun way to spend an hour or two!
Finish the evening with dinner along the river. We ate at Novelli at the City Quays.
Day 2: Winterfell, Inch Abbey, & Tollymore Forest
- Where to stay: Along the Coast (we stayed at Shorebraes Farmstay Airbnb)
Stop 1: Winterfell
Start your second day at Castle Ward, the filming location used for Winterfell in Season 1 of Game of Thrones.
While you can certainly visit the grounds on your own, I highly recommend booking the Winterfell cycle and archery experience.
This guided tour combines biking, storytelling, and hands-on activities to bring the filming location to life. Our guide was an extra in the show and shared so many fun stories about filming.
After a tour of the grounds (with pictures and stories from filming), the guide will give you a map, bikes, and a backpack complete with cloaks and swords (cheesy, but fun). You’ll cycle along the path where you’ll find numbered shields that point out filming locations.
You’ll recognize locations from Winterfell’s courtyard scenes, Robb Stark’s military camp, and the tree where Robb Stark and Talia were married.
The experience also includes an archery lesson, giving you the chance to channel your inner Arya Stark.
I’ll be honest, my archery skills would not have earned me a spot among the Stark children, but it was still super fun to try!
Even if you’ve never picked up a bow before, the instructor made it approachable and entertaining. I did get pretty close to a bullseye after a few tries!
Beyond the Game of Thrones connection, Castle Ward itself is stunning. Rolling green hills, waterfront views, and historic buildings make it worth visiting even if you’ve never watched a single episode.
Stop 2: Inch Abbey
Just a short drive away from Castle Ward is Inch Abbey, another important filming location from the series. These ruins date back to the 12th century and sit quietly along the River Quoile.
Game of Thrones fans will immediately recognize this location as the place where Robb Stark was proclaimed King in the North.
You know the scene. The one where everyone starts chanting: “The King in the North!” Standing among the ruins, it’s surprisingly easy to picture the scene unfolding around you.
The site is relatively small and just a short walk from the parking lot, so you only need about 30 minutes here.
Stop 3: Tollymore Forest
Finish the day at Tollymore Forest Park, one of the most beautiful places we visited during the entire trip.
The park served as the backdrop for several Game of Thrones scenes and was actually the first filming location used in the series where the Starks first found their direwolf pups.
Even if you’ve never seen Game of Thrones, Tollymore is absolutely worth visiting. We hiked the 3.6-mile River Loop Trail and passed so many colorful flowers, moss-covered bridges, and rushing rivers.
Allow about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete the loop and take plenty of photos along the way.
Day 3: Causeway Road Trip
- Where to stay: Along the Coast (we stayed at Shorebraes Farmstay Airbnb)
If you’ve seen photos of Northern Ireland that made you want to book a flight immediately, there’s a good chance they were taken somewhere along today’s route.
The Causeway Coast is easily one of the most scenic drives in Europe (and I loooove a good scenic road trip). Dramatic cliffs, castle ruins, hidden harbors, and world-famous natural wonders seem to appear around every corner.
Today is packed, but every stop is worth it.
Stop 1: The Dark Hedges
Begin your morning at one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed locations.
Planted in the 1700s, this tunnel of twisted beech trees creates an eerie and beautiful scene that feels straight out of a fantasy novel (or fantasy TV series…)
Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as the Kingsroad, where Arya Stark escaped King’s Landing disguised as a boy.
The road itself is relatively short, making this a quick stop (about 1 hour).
Stop 2: Dunluce Castle
Next, make your way to the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the most spectacular castle locations in all of Ireland. The castle dates back to the 1500s and seems to cling impossibly to the edge of the cliffs.
It’s worth it to pay the small fee (under $10 pp) to explore inside the castle. You’ll see defensive towers, courtyards, ocean viewpoints, and can check out the historic exhibits.
Game of Thrones fans may recognize Dunluce as part of the inspiration behind House Greyjoy’s seat of power, Pyke.
Bonus! If you have the time, you could stop at the Wishing Arch (right before the castle stop) for epic overlook views of the coastline and the castle in the distance!
Stop 3: Giant’s Causeway
No Causeway Coast road trip would be complete without visiting Northern Ireland’s most famous (and definitely the busiest stop of the day) natural attraction. This isn’t a Game of Thrones stop, but it’s still one that deserves a stop.
The Giant’s Causeway is made up of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Of course, local legend tells a much better story. According to Irish folklore, the giant Finn McCool built the causeway to cross the sea and battle a Scottish giant.
Whichever explanation you choose to believe, the result is incredible.
Parking and Hiking Logistics:
In order to park at the visitor center, you need to purchase your tickets in advance. We did not, but we were able to park in the hotel lot for €10 (+ they gave us €10 to use in their restaurant). From the parking lot, we made our way to the Red Trail (2 miles rt) for the most scenic views.
There is also a shuttle bus that can take you to the beach for €1.20 each way (runs every 10 to 15 minutes). However, if you are able to hike, it’s definitely worth it.
After the hike, we finished in the hotel restaurant with a drink and some of the best fried squid I’ve ever had.
Stop 4: Dunseverick Castle
Just a short drive away sits the lesser-known ruins of Dunseverick Castle. While only a small portion of the castle remains today, the location itself is spectacular.
The ruins sit atop rugged sea cliffs overlooking crashing waves and endless ocean views.
Many visitors skip this stop entirely, which means you’ll often have the place nearly to yourself. It’s a great opportunity to experience the quieter side of the Causeway Coast.
It’s not technically a Game of Thrones filming location, but you can definitely picture a dragon flying overhead.
Stop 5: Ballintoy Harbour
If there’s one stop that completely exceeded my expectations, it was Ballintoy Harbour. We were running out of time at this point, but I know I could have explored for much longer.
This small fishing harbor combines rugged coastal scenery with another famous Game of Thrones filming location. Fans will recognize it as Lordsport Harbour in the Iron Islands, where Theon Greyjoy returned home after years away.
The harbor itself is beautiful, with rocky outcroppings, turquoise water, fishing boats, and dramatic cliffs and caves surrounding the shoreline.
It would be a really good place for a picnic!
Stop 6: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
One of the most famous attractions along the Causeway Coast is Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Originally used by salmon fishermen, the bridge stretches nearly 100 feet across a rocky chasm connecting the mainland to a small island. Even if you choose not to cross the bridge itself, the coastal walking trails here are worth a visit.
Unfortunately, when we visited, they had the parking lot closed off, so we were unable to enter. I’m not sure if it was due to being full or high winds. Buuuuut the pictures look SO COOL so I still had to add it to this day trip.
If you want to cross the bridge, you will have to pre-order your tickets for a specific entry time.
Stop 7: Fair Head
For one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Northern Ireland, head to Fair Head. This stop almost was a dud for us (we were tired and couldn’t initially find the trailhead), buuuut it turned out to be one of my favorite hikes/views of the trip.
Towering more than 600 feet above the sea, Fair Head offers breathtaking views across the North Channel toward Scotland. It served as the lands of Dragonstone in season 7 and was where Jon Snow first came face-to-face with the dragon.
Unlike some of the more famous stops along the Causeway Coast, Fair Head remains relatively uncrowded. The combination of rugged cliffs, open green fields, and endless ocean views makes this feel like one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems. We were also the only ones on the trail.
There are several trails to choose from that range from 2 to 4 miles. Again, I couldn’t tell you which trail we ended up on (due to lack of being prepared for this stop), but it got us to the goal.
Bring cash as the parking lot is privately owned and an honor system of £3.
Tip! We were confused at the beginning when we walked to the end of the gravel road and saw a private property sign. However, the trail was right next to this…see picture below. I’m really not sure how we missed it the first time.
Stop 8: Carnlough Harbour
Finish your Causeway Coast adventure in the charming village of Carnlough.
This picturesque harbor became famous among Game of Thrones fans after appearing in Season 6 during Arya Stark’s storyline (the famous Bravoos stairs that she climbed up). Today, it’s a peaceful fishing village with colorful buildings, a small harbor, and plenty of local charm.
Grab dinner, stroll along the waterfront, and take one last look at the coastline you’ve spent the day exploring.
Bonus! Day 4: Horseback Ride
If you have an extra morning during your time in Northern Ireland, a horseback ride is a must. Although not directly related to Game of Thrones, there was PLENTY of horseback riding throughout the show, so you can definitely make the connection.
We booked a 3-hour horseback ride and afternoon tea with Sheans Horse Farm, located near the scenic Glens of Antrim.
Even if you have limited horseback riding experience, don’t worry. The staff does an excellent job matching riders with appropriate horses and making everyone feel comfortable before heading out.
Instead of riding through a fenced arena, you’ll venture into the countryside and hills surrounding the farm, with sweeping views across Northern Ireland’s rugged landscapes.
As someone who enjoys hiking, I loved seeing the landscape from a completely different perspective. There was something incredibly peaceful about slowly making your way through the countryside while taking in views that seemed to stretch forever.
Then, to really put the cherry on top, your horses will drop you off at the top of the hill to have an afternoon tea overlooking the countryside. It was complete with finger sandwiches, assorted pastries, and of course, tea.
I may have hurt my old lady shoulder (newbie mistake) during this experience, but it’s still one of my favorite travel experiences I have ever had. HIGHLY recommend.
Game of Thrones Northern Ireland FAQ’s
Here are some common FAQ’s to check out before you take off on this bucket list adventure! If you have any more questions, you can always send me a message on Instagram. Always happy to help!!
1. Where Should I Stay for This Itinerary?
For this 3-day Northern Ireland Game of Thrones itinerary, I recommend splitting your stay between Belfast and the Causeway Coast. Spend your first night in Belfast to be close to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, afternoon tea, and the city’s Game of Thrones stained-glass trail.
Then move to either Bushmills, Ballycastle, or Portrush for the remaining two nights. Staying along the Causeway Coast puts you within easy driving distance of Giant’s Causeway, Ballintoy Harbour, Dunluce Castle, and many of the other filming locations featured in this itinerary.
2. What Do I Need to Reserve Ahead of Time?
I strongly recommend booking the following in advance, especially if you’re visiting between May and September:
- Rental car
- Accommodations
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour
- Winterfell Trek (bike tour and archery experience at Castle Ward)
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge tickets (if you plan to cross)
- Horseback riding experiences, if adding them to your itinerary
The rest of the filming locations are free to visit and do not require reservations.
3. Will I Need Cash?
For the most part, no. Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted throughout Northern Ireland, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, and gas stations.
That said, I always recommend carrying a small amount of British Pounds (£20–£50) for parking machines, small cafés, roadside vendors, or unexpected situations where cards aren’t accepted.
During our trip, we rarely needed cash (only for parking at Fairhead), but it was nice having a little on hand just in case.
4. Is Northern Ireland worth visiting if I’ve never watched Game of Thrones?
Absolutely. Many of the filming locations are some of the most beautiful places in Northern Ireland, including Tollymore Forest, Ballintoy Harbour, the Causeway Coast, and Dunluce Castle.
I highly recommend combining this 3-day itinerary with a longer Ireland road trip…as seen here 🙂
5. How many days do you need in Northern Ireland?
Three days were enough to see the major Game of Thrones filming locations, the Causeway Coast, Belfast, and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. But it was BUSY, and we definitely could have used another day for the Causeway stops.
If you want to add more hiking or explore the entire Causeway Coastal Route, consider 4–5 days.
6. Do I need a rental car in Northern Ireland?
Yes. While Belfast is easy to explore without a car, many filming locations are located in rural areas and are difficult to reach by public transportation.
7. Is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour worth it?
For fans of the show, absolutely. The tour includes original costumes, props, sets, visual effects exhibits, and behind-the-scenes insights that you won’t get from visiting filming locations alone.
8. Can you visit Winterfell in real life?
Yes. Some seasons of Winterfell were filmed at Castle Ward near Strangford, Northern Ireland. Visitors can explore the grounds independently or book the popular Winterfell Trek experience (as noted above).
9. What is the best Game of Thrones filming location in Northern Ireland?
This depends on your interests, but many visitors consider Tollymore Forest, Ballintoy Harbour, Castle Ward (Winterfell), and The Dark Hedges to be among the most iconic locations.
10. What is the best time to visit Northern Ireland?
May through September typically offers the longest daylight hours and mildest weather, making it ideal for road trips and sightseeing. However, you’ll need to be prepared for rain no matter when you visit. I’m serious. Bring plenty of waterproof gear. You can thank me later.
11. Do I need a visa for Northern Ireland?
As of 2026, many visitors (including U.S. citizens) must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Northern Ireland, even when crossing by land from the Republic of Ireland. The ETA is not a visa, but it is a required travel authorization linked to your passport, so be sure to check the latest entry requirements before your trip.
12. Can you drive from Dublin to Northern Ireland?
Yes. The drive from Dublin to Belfast takes approximately two hours. There are no border checkpoints between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Game of Thrones Itinerary Recap
There ya have it! Exactly how to spend 3 days exploring Westeros….or Northern Ireland. In just 3.5 days, here are the Game of Thrones stops you’ll be able to hit!
- Castle Ward (Winterfell)
- Tollymore Forest Park
- The Dark Hedges
- Ballintoy Harbour
- Inch Abbey
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour
- Bravoos Stairs at Carnlough Harbour
- Fair Head
- Stained Glass Windows in Belfast
- + so many other fun North Ireland stops.
Annnnnd if you are looking for more helpful Ireland planning guides… I’m here to help!
- 10 Day Ireland Road Trip
- Driving in Ireland: A Complete Guide for First-timers
- Everything to Know about visiting the Game of Thrones Studio
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