EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
Enjoy the comfort of your own guide and vehicle throughout this private tour.
Fans of the HBO phenomenal hit Game of Thrones, this private tour is ready to blow you away. Many pivotal scenes from the franchise were shot throughout Northern Ireland. This full day excursion takes you to the land of ice and fire. Your route takes you to beautiful locations such as Carncastle and the Cushenem Caves. You’ll view the rocky promontories of Carrick-a-Rede and gaze out towards Ballintoy Harbour’s Rathlin Island. A prominent highlight of your tour is experiencing the Giant’s Causeway, an absolutely breathtaking natural wonder. Afterward, dare to enter the Dark Hedges, instilling you with a foreboding sense of wonder.
From the Northern Irish capitol of Belfast, proceed north along the highly rated Causeway Coastal Route. Your guide will regale you with information about the Game of Thrones HBO series, adapted from author George R. R. Martin’s novels, A Song of Ice and Fire. Enjoy an introduction to Carncastle, near the village of Ballygally. This location kicked off the celebrated series, known for the character Ned Stark beheading a deserter from the Night’s Watch. Before Game of Thrones, the village was primarily known for its Presbyterian church and Bronze Age fort and settlement, Knock Dhu.
Not far are the Cushendun Caves, where Melisandre, the Red Priestess of the Lord of Light, gives birth to a nefarious shadowy presence. The caves themselves were formed over a period of approximately 400 million years of erosion, now the sole remains of a prehistoric mountain range. Located on the coast, the caves provide shelter to a blustery atmosphere.
Proceed on your private tour to Larrybane, known as Storm’s End in the series, where the famed Carrick-a-Rede is located. This gem is known for its rope bridge spanning mainland to the island. While the Carrick-Rede Rope Bridge is not actually used in Game of Thrones, the rocky promontories acting as the setting for Storm’s End will satisfy any landscape photographer.
One of the most scenic destinations on this Belfast tour is Ballintoy Harbour, or what fans would term the Iron Islands. One of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, the Iron Islands are ruled by House Greyjoy, enjoying a naval prowess the other kingdoms envy. Located between Carrick-a-Rede and the Giants Causeway, the harbour allows one to look towards Scotland. The village of Ballintoy is an inviting settlement with two churches, small shops, and restaurants.
Though it’s not featured in the television series, no tour along Northern Ireland’s coast would be complete without visiting the Giant’s Causeway. A collection of 40,000 geometrically shaped basalt pillars make up the Causeway, acting as a barrier to the Atlantic’s tumultuous storms. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed from an ancient volcanic eruption. Legend states the causeway was built as a way for two giants to meet and pariticipate in a fight. The unique hexagonal circumference of each pillar will both baffle and intrigue all who view the geological phenomena.
The final highlight of your tour is the Dark Hedges. This grove of beech trees from either end appear like the interlocking fingers of a gargantuan mythical creature, a spine-shivering sight to behold. It was the locale where the young and tenacious Arya Stark escapes from the corrupt King’s Landing, dressed as a boy. Planted by the Stuart family during the 18th Century, this tangled tunnel of beech trees is one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland.
Upon returning to Belfast after your private excursion, you will not only feel priviledged having traveled to locations used in one of the most popular television programs of all time, but in having explored of the most scenic landscapes in all the British Isles. Book this private Belfast tour today for an unforgettable Ireland excursion.
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
