A Journey Through Westeros: The Game of Thrones Private Tour

The Call of the North

As someone who has spent years traversing the icy expanses of the Arctic, the idea of exploring the rugged coastlines of Northern Ireland was a thrilling prospect. The Game of Thrones Private Tour promised a journey through the mythical lands of Westeros, a world as harsh and captivating as the polar regions I know so well. With my wife by my side, we embarked on this adventure, eager to see the landscapes that brought the epic tales of Game of Thrones to life.

Our guide, Adrian, or as he is affectionately known, ‘the Other Ser Davos,’ greeted us with a warmth that belied the chilly morning air. His knowledge of the series and the filming locations was as vast as the Northern seas. As we set off from Belfast, the anticipation was palpable. The drive to Ballygally was a scenic introduction to the day, with rolling hills and the distant shimmer of the sea setting the stage for what was to come.

Into the Heart of Westeros

Our first stop was the Ballygally Castle Hotel, home to Door No. 9 from the Doors of Thrones Collection. The intricate carvings told stories of battles and alliances, a fitting prelude to the journey ahead. From there, we ventured to Glenarm, where the craftsmanship of Steenson’s Jewellery Workshop brought the elegance of Westeros to life. Trying on the prototype of Sansa Stark’s crown was a moment of pure fantasy.

The tour took us to Murlough Bay and Fair Head, where the raw beauty of the landscape was reminiscent of the stark, unforgiving beauty of the Arctic. Here, the cliffs stood as silent witnesses to the confrontations of Stannis and Renly, their echoes carried away by the wind. It was a place where the line between reality and fiction blurred, and the stories of Westeros felt tangibly real.

A Dance with Giants

As the day unfolded, we found ourselves at Ballintoy Harbour, the heart of the Iron Islands. Donning replica costumes and wielding swords, we embraced the spirit of the Greyjoys. The experience was unexpectedly exhilarating, a reminder of the power of storytelling and the allure of stepping into another world.

Our journey culminated at the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder that rivaled the grandeur of any fictional realm. The hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, were a testament to the Earth’s own artistry. As we walked among the stones, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the glaciers and icebergs of the polar regions, both shaped by forces beyond human control.

The drive back to Belfast was a time for reflection, the landscapes of Northern Ireland etched into our memories. Watching the first episode of Game of Thrones as we returned was a fitting end to a day that had transported us to another world. The Game of Thrones Private Tour was more than just a journey through filming locations; it was an exploration of the power of place and story, a reminder of the beauty and harshness that exist in both the real and imagined worlds.