Game of Thrones Northern Ireland Self Guided Coastal Drive Tour

Castle Lug ruins appear on your left - a crumbling 1500s watchtower by Thomas Lugge. Though not a filming location, its lonely stones and sea views feel perfectly suited for the world of Westeros.

Carrickfergus Castle stands for 900 years, one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval fortresses. Built in 1177, this Norman stronghold overlooks Belfast Lough and resembles iconic Westeros castles perfectly.

Whiteharbour Marina holds 150 years of maritime history. While sharing its name with Westeros's White Harbor, this restored 1850s harbour with limestone archway is purely coincidental but atmospheric.

Magheramorne Quarry transformed into Castle Black and the Wall. This abandoned limestone quarry became the Night's Watch stronghold using massive sets, green screens, and CGI magic for epic scenes.

Ballygally Beach curves golden along the coast, while Ballygally Castle hotel houses Door of Thrones No. 9, carved from Dark Hedges wood depicting the Battle of the Bastards and direwolves.

Cairncastle was the first Game of Thrones filming location in Northern Ireland. These rugged hills became Winterfell's exterior for Ned Stark's execution scene in Season 1, Episode 1's opening moments.

Madman's Window is a natural rock arch with tragic legend. Local lore tells of a heartbroken man waiting for his lost love's return, while nearby White Bay offers serene, turquoise shallows.

Carnlough Beach offers peaceful coastline with soft sand, calm waters, and gentle waves. Fishing boats drift in the harbor while the village nestles quietly at the base of Antrim Glens.

Carnlough Harbour became Braavos for Arya Stark's desperate escape scene. These stone steps witnessed her emergence from dark waters, wounded but unbroken, in Season 6's most intense survival moment.

Cushendun Caves are carved into cliffs by centuries of waves and wind. Here Melisandre gave birth to her shadow creature, and later Jaime fought Euron in brutal combat for the series.

Ballintoy Harbour became Lordsport, Pyke's principal port. These jagged black rocks witnessed Theon's return, his baptism, Euron's drowning rebirth, and Melisandre's mysterious comings and goings.

Dunseverick Castle ruins cling to clifftops like bones of a long-dead beast. Once a royal Irish seat visited by Saint Patrick, it feels perfectly suited for Ironborn raids and fortress battles.

The Giant's Causeway features 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Legend says giant Fionn MacCumhaill built this bridge to Scotland to face his rival in combat.

Dunluce Castle clings to basalt cliffs, becoming Pyke in Game of Thrones. These ruins gave soul to House Greyjoy's sea-blasted stronghold where Balon, Euron, and Yara plotted their destinies.

White Rocks Beach glows golden to your right near Portrush. Early Game of Thrones scouts once considered these limestone cliffs for Dornish exteriors before choosing Spain's warmer climate instead.

Portstewart Strand became Dorne's coast where Jaime and Bronn fought Dornish guards. These golden sands witnessed steel flashing, waves roaring, and honor colliding with defiance in Season 5.

Mussenden Temple sits 120 feet above the Atlantic, becoming Dragonstone's exterior. Here Stannis drew Lightbringer from flames while Melisandre whispered prophecies on Downhill Beach below the clifftops.

Downhill Beach stretches below Mussenden Temple where Melisandre called on her Lord of Light. "For the night is dark and full of terrors" echoed across these dramatic, windswept shores.

The Dark Hedges - your final destination. These 18th-century beech trees became the Kingsroad where Arya fled King's Landing. Walk where she stood in this natural cathedral of shadow and light.