What’s the craic?: Game of Thrones Tour

Today we had an early start as we are doing the Games of Thrones tour - Belfast Iron Islands, Giant’s Causeway and Rope Bridge.

After driving to Belfast we meet our guide Richard at 7.30am. Richard who was an extra on the show as a Wildling and a stand in for Tormund Giantsbane and was also part of the Battle of the Bastards.

We departed Belfast and took the Causeway Coastal Route, passing Carrickfergus Castle and Magheramorne Quarry, location of Castle Black and the Wall.

We stopped at Carnlough where they filmed Arya climbing the steps in Bravos after being stabbed by the faceless girl.

Photo stop at Cushendun where we walked to the caves where Melisandre gave birth to a dark spirit. This is also where they filmed Jamie Lannister and Eruon Greyjoys fight scene in season eight.

Next stop the Cross Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. Unfortunately we couldn't cross the bridge due to the bad weather however it was still worth the walk as the scenery was spectacular.

We then visited the site of Renly’s Camp and Iron Islands Kingsmoot at Larrybane Chalk Quarry, where Brienne bested Ser Loras Tyrell and Catelyn brought news of Robb’s rebellion to Renly and his army. Also the location of the Iron Islands Kingsmoot in season 6.

Lunch was in the Fullerton Arms which is a harming guesthouse, restaurant and pub in Ballintoy on the north coast. Here they have the GOT door 6 Champions House Targaryen, specifically Drogon-DeNery's most aggressive and fearsome dragon.

Visit to Ballintoy Harbour, location of the Iron Islands and where Theon came ashore on Pyke Island, where Theon later rededicated his faith to the ‘Drowned God’, where Ser Davos seeks the help of Salladhor Saan for the Battle of Blackwater Bay, and where Gendry escapes Dragonstone in a rowing boat. Here we got to dress up in Iron Island outfits and use swords etc on the beach. Great fun.

Next we visited the Giant’s Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage site, the geological marvel of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed in the Paleogene Period, 50-60 million years ago.

The Dark Hedges is our last stop to visit the haunting avenue of beech trees, through which Arya and Gendry escaped King’s Landing. This is also the site of door 7 at Gracehill House. This door has the signs of the recently deceased Three Eye Raven and foreshadowing the events of the past are about to bear down on the present.