Your Essential Northern Ireland Travel Guide Adventure
As our Irish adventure entered its final days, this Northern Ireland travel guide chronicles our unforgettable journey through the region’s rugged coastline and historic capital. Days 12 and 13 promised a perfect blend of fantasy and reality—from walking in the footsteps of beloved Game of Thrones characters to exploring Belfast’s poignant historical landmarks.
Whether you’re a devoted fan of the HBO series or simply seeking authentic Irish experiences, Northern Ireland offers an extraordinary combination of cinematic locations and cultural treasures that make it an essential destination for any traveler.
Day 12: The Ultimate Game of Thrones Trail
Our journey began on Day 11 with visits to The Dark Hedges (the King’s Road backdrop) and Mussenden Temple at Downhill Beach, which served as the iconic Dragonstone Island where Daenerys Targaryen plotted her conquest of the Seven Kingdoms.
Setting out from the Elephant Rock Hotel after a hearty breakfast, we embarked on our “Game of Thrones” adventure. The Belfast visitors’ website had armed us with locations, but nothing prepared us for the adventure of navigating Northern Ireland’s charmingly narrow and winding roads—a challenge that added authentic character to our quest. Due to these challenging roads, we weren’t brave enough to navigate the extremely narrow route down to Murlough Bay, the filming location for the Slaver’s Bay scenes.
Must-Visit Game of Thrones Filming Locations:
Ballintoy Harbour – Our first dedicated filming location opened up as we navigated down steep, twisty roads to the harbor. This tiny fishing harbor, with its weathered boats and stone walls, easily evokes the Iron Islands’ Lordsport Harbor. Here, Theon Greyjoy first returned to his ancestral home after years away, welcoming the Ironborn Prince back to his roots. The harbor’s authentic working-boat atmosphere remained unchanged from its medieval appearance (if you ignore the modern cars and boats).
Fair Head Cliffs – On a clear day, this would be one of the most breathtaking stop of any Northern Ireland travel guide. Fair Head offers sweeping vistas that served as the backdrop for the scenes where Jon Snow first meets the Mother of Dragons. These towering basalt cliffs, rising over 600 feet from the sea, provide dramatic landscape views that explain why this location was chosen. On clear days, you can make out Scotland’s distant outline. To reach the site requires a short hike from a small local farm with plenty of parking—the owners just ask for a small cash donation.
Cushendun Caves – This stop transported us directly into Westeros’s mystical world. These ancient sea caves carved by centuries of relentless waves, served as the backdrop for one of the show’s most memorable (and disturbing) scenes: where the Red Priestess Melisandre gave birth to her shadow assassin. Standing in these eerily beautiful formations along the Antrim Coast, it’ was easy to see why they were perfect for portraying the Stormlands.
Carnlough Harbor – Here you can walk down the very same stone steps where Arya Stark dragged herself from the waters after being stabbed by the Waif. This picturesque harbor, with its historic limestone walls and serene waters, transformed into the free city of Braavos for the show.
Pro Tip: Allow extra time for coastal driving—these narrow, winding roads demand patience but reward with spectacular views
Transitioning Back to Reality
Before leaving Carnlough Harbor, we took time for a quick hike to Cranny Falls. The gentle one-mile trek rewarded us with cascading waters and lush greenery, reminding us of Northern Ireland’s natural beauty beyond its cinematic fame.
Before continuing to Belfast, we made one final stop at Glenarm Castle’s Walled Garden. This hidden gem gave us a chance to enjoy ice cream while wandering through beautifully manicured gardens.
After our day of fantasy-filled exploration, we arrived exhausted at the sophisticated Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast. Fortunately, the hotel offered multiple dining options. The hotel bar provided the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on our adventures while enjoying refined Northern Irish cuisine.
Day 13: Belfast’s Historical Heart
Two straight weeks of packed sightseeing day impacted our energy levels, so we decided to focus on two of the city’s most significant historical attractions rather than rushing through many sites.
Must-Visit Belfast Attractions:
Titanic Belfast – Built on the very slipways where the ill-fated ocean liner was constructed, this remarkable museum does justice to both the engineering marvel and the human tragedy of the Titanic. The interactive exhibits chronicle not just the ship’s short life but Belfast’s industrial golden age. The museum includes a “ride” that recreates the shipbuilding experience—complete with heat, noise, and the sensation of ascending through the massive vessel under construction immersing you in what workers experienced building ships like the Titanic.
The museum is also houses to the restored SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world, which you can tour with your admission ticket. This provided a very different perspective compared to the museum in Cobh, we visited earlier – Titanic’s final port stop of it’s tragic journey. At £25, it was among our pricier admissions, but the immersive experience justified every penny.
After leaving the museum, we walked along the River Lagan. The revitalized riverfront showcases modern Belfast’s transformation while honoring its maritime heritage.
Crumlin Road Gaol – Our final major stop led us through Victorian-era cell blocks that once housed everyone from ordinary criminals to political prisoners during the Troubles. The self-guided tour provided fascinating insights into changing prison conditions and Northern Ireland’s complex social history. Walking through the same corridors where prisoners and guards once moved daily created a profound connection to the region’s complicated past. This offered a very different experience from Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin – the Crumlin Road Gaol seemed more “real” since it didn’t close until 1996 compared to Kilmainham’s 1924 closure.
Essential Northern Ireland Travel Guide Tips
For travelers following in our footsteps, here are key recommendations for your Northern Ireland travel guide planning:
- Book attractions in advance – Especially for popular sites like Titanic Belfast and Crumlin Road Gaol
- Allow extra time for coastal driving – Those narrow, winding roads demand patience but reward with spectacular views
- Balance fantasy with reality – While Game of Thrones sites are magnificent, don’t miss authentic cultural experiences Northern Ireland offers
- Bring cash for donations – Some of the filming location access points request small contributions
- Check weather conditions – Coastal views can be dramatically affected by weather, especially at Fair Head Cliffs
Final Reflections: Why Northern Ireland Should Top Your Travel List
Our exploration of Northern Ireland’s coast and capital offered a perfect finale to our Irish adventure. From the fantasy realms of Game of Thrones to the very real historical significance of Belfast’s landmarks, these two days encapsulated the region’s unique ability to weave together myth, history, and natural beauty.
This comprehensive Northern Ireland travel guide experience proved that the region offers something extraordinary for every type of traveler—whether you’re seeking cinematic adventures, historical insights, or simply breathtaking natural beauty.
Ready to Plan Your Northern Ireland Adventure? Watch the video of our Game of Thrones and Belfast adventures below.
