Most of Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland and most of the exterior locations are within a ninety-minute drive of Belfast. The Paint Hall in Titanic Studios held the largest sets, but it is the outdoor locations along the Antrim coast and in the Mourne Mountains that fans actually want to see. A driving plan covering the most photogenic.
The Dark Hedges
The avenue of beech trees on Bregagh Road near Armoy. Used as the Kingsroad in season two, when Arya Stark escapes King's Landing dressed as a boy. The trees were planted in the 18th century and the canopy creates the famous tunnel effect. Free, no infrastructure beyond a small car park five minutes' walk away (the road itself is closed to cars). Best at dawn or late afternoon when the tour buses have left.
Ballintoy Harbour
The small fishing harbour was used as the Iron Islands and Pyke. Theon Greyjoy's homecoming. The harbour itself is tiny, with stone walls, a couple of boats, a small cafe. Allow forty minutes including the walk down from the car park.
Cushendun Caves
Where Melisandre gives birth to the shadow assassin in season two. Sea caves at the village of Cushendun. Ten minutes' walk from the village centre. Spectacular at high tide. Free.
Castle Ward
Castle Ward, an 18th century stately home on Strangford Lough thirty miles south of Belfast, hosted the Winterfell exterior shots in the early seasons. The estate runs a Game of Thrones experience that includes archery practice with longbows in the Winterfell courtyard, dressing in costume, and walking the actual filming locations. Around fifty pounds for the full experience, two and a half hours.
The Stormlands and the Iron Throne Trail
Tourism Northern Ireland created an Iron Throne Trail with ten carved oak thrones placed at filming locations across the province. Each one represents a different scene. Castle Ward, Tollymore Forest, Cushendun, the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy all have one. Free; the locations are walkable from the nearest car parks.
How long does a thorough fan day take?
If you base in Belfast and drive the loop covering Cushendun, the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy, and back via the Causeway Coast, that is a full day, around 220 kilometres total, with three to four hours at the locations and the rest driving. Castle Ward is a separate half-day to the south. Two days is enough for the major locations.
Is there an official Game of Thrones tour?
Multiple operators run from Belfast. Game of Thrones Tours (the official-licensee operator) runs full-day coaches with a guide who worked as an extra on the show. Around fifty pounds. McComb's and Aweway also run cheaper options. The official tour gives you stories and behind-the-scenes detail you would miss driving yourself.
What about the studios themselves?
Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge is the official set tour, including the throne room, the Targaryen war table, costumes and props. About forty pounds, allows two and a half hours, indoor so weatherproof. Pre-book online for a specific time slot.
Is Iceland a better Game of Thrones trip?
Different. Iceland was used for Beyond the Wall and the wilder fantasy landscapes. Northern Ireland was used for everything south of the Wall, including the major castles, the homelands, and most of the human-scale interactions. If you want the human stories, come to Northern Ireland. If you want the dragons-and-glaciers vibe, Iceland.
Practical tips
The Dark Hedges in particular get crowded between ten and four. Arrive at eight or after five for the magic shot. The other locations are quieter most of the day. A waterproof and proper shoes; the Antrim coast does its own weather.