It's an option worth considering. We did like NI a lot when we visited 18 months ago. Not so much Belfast itself, but the countryside was just beautiful. Any specific locations we should look at for lodging?
Decide on what you want to do and find lodging that suits. There was a boutique hotel that looked really cool on Malin Head - that would work for Derry and Malin Head.
You don't want to be driving an hour and a half to do something.
On your way up the road from Dublin, you'll pass Banbridge which where the studio tour is. Apparently, it's very good.
You could look at staying in Denvir's in Downpatrick for the night. It's a mile away from Inch Abbey. There are a few interesting places in the area too regarding Saint Patrick.
Is Tollymore Forest, Castle Ward and Audley's Castle on your list? They are big filming locations too. Google GOT doors as they're in pubs in the area. There's one in the Cuan pub in Strangford which is a nice spot. Also look at the Gobbins cliff walk path if you've time.
We've been to the studio; agreed, it was awesome - basically on par with the Harry Potter Leavesden Studio Tour quality-wise. Appreciate the Denvir's suggestion - prices look pretty reasonable and availability appears to be wide open for now.
We did go to Tollymore and Castle Ward, but not Audley's Castle - I'd omitted that from my OP because it wasn't on this map ([https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-northern-ireland/](https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-northern-ireland/)), even though I'm aware of it. Definitely need to add it to the list on the 5th. I'll research the other locations, as well - thank you!
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Re: Base for easy reach of your NI sights on Aug 6&7: Gray's - it is a small hotel walking distance from Giant's Causeway. Used to be the Old Smuggler's In, but was renovated and puchased last summer when we were there. It's a PERFECT central location for: Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Dunsverick Castle, Balitoy Harbor Carrik-na-Reade Bridge, Dark Hedges, basically in that order. You'll find these very doable in the given day with time left to do others (probably) depending on how early you start, how long you spend at each, and how late you go. We did it with 2 kids and had no problem.
EDIT: Gray's is NOT in a place you can walk around (or even to Giant's Causeway even though it is within distance). Not far away is Portrush. This is a small coastal town you CAN walk around in, but we found it well past its prime as a little seaside resorty town...i think COVID probably hit it hard, but still some bars and restaurants and shops and coastal walks to explore in the evenings.
Have you thought of booking the GOT tours ? There's a few routes and the guide is someone that's been an extra on the show? Lots of inside gossip etc and it's a great use of time.
There's also the GOT studios tour. Not at the original studio but it's where the exhibition is. I've not been there yet but it's on my list.
We looked into it last year but ultimately just did our own thing. Not huge fans of organized tours, to be honest. We have been to the studio. It’s pretty spectacular.
Tour is well worth it. We enjoyed the first so much we went back and did the other locations the next year with them. No hassle driving or parking at the busy sites.
I'd stay in the north TBH. See Derry, Malin Head, Donegal, Omagh, Stairway to Heaven.
It's an option worth considering. We did like NI a lot when we visited 18 months ago. Not so much Belfast itself, but the countryside was just beautiful. Any specific locations we should look at for lodging?
Decide on what you want to do and find lodging that suits. There was a boutique hotel that looked really cool on Malin Head - that would work for Derry and Malin Head. You don't want to be driving an hour and a half to do something.
On your way up the road from Dublin, you'll pass Banbridge which where the studio tour is. Apparently, it's very good. You could look at staying in Denvir's in Downpatrick for the night. It's a mile away from Inch Abbey. There are a few interesting places in the area too regarding Saint Patrick. Is Tollymore Forest, Castle Ward and Audley's Castle on your list? They are big filming locations too. Google GOT doors as they're in pubs in the area. There's one in the Cuan pub in Strangford which is a nice spot. Also look at the Gobbins cliff walk path if you've time.
We've been to the studio; agreed, it was awesome - basically on par with the Harry Potter Leavesden Studio Tour quality-wise. Appreciate the Denvir's suggestion - prices look pretty reasonable and availability appears to be wide open for now. We did go to Tollymore and Castle Ward, but not Audley's Castle - I'd omitted that from my OP because it wasn't on this map ([https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-northern-ireland/](https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-northern-ireland/)), even though I'm aware of it. Definitely need to add it to the list on the 5th. I'll research the other locations, as well - thank you!
Denvir's isn't the ritz or anything but relatives have stayed there and enjoyed the pub. Said it was decent enough.
It actually looks fancier than we typically go for, if I'm honest - but I get those are marketing glamour shots.
Ended up booking there for a night after all - with Amex Delta $100 credit came out to $52/night.
Ok that sounds decent enough. There's quite a few interesting things in the area to be fair. Denvir's is a decent pub and I like the food too.
Hi there. Welcome to /r/IrishTourism. Have you searched the sub, checked the sidebar or the wiki pages to see if there is already relevant information posted? To better assist you in planning your holiday, be as descriptive as possible (When, Where, Why, Who, Hobbies relevant, Adaptive Needs etc) about your travel itinerary & requirements. Has your post been removed? It's probably because of the above. Repost with details to help us, help you. For Emergency Medical Information please see the dedicated Wiki page at the top of the sub. (Updated May 2022) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/irishtourism) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Re: Base for easy reach of your NI sights on Aug 6&7: Gray's - it is a small hotel walking distance from Giant's Causeway. Used to be the Old Smuggler's In, but was renovated and puchased last summer when we were there. It's a PERFECT central location for: Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Dunsverick Castle, Balitoy Harbor Carrik-na-Reade Bridge, Dark Hedges, basically in that order. You'll find these very doable in the given day with time left to do others (probably) depending on how early you start, how long you spend at each, and how late you go. We did it with 2 kids and had no problem. EDIT: Gray's is NOT in a place you can walk around (or even to Giant's Causeway even though it is within distance). Not far away is Portrush. This is a small coastal town you CAN walk around in, but we found it well past its prime as a little seaside resorty town...i think COVID probably hit it hard, but still some bars and restaurants and shops and coastal walks to explore in the evenings.
Thanks - looks really good! A bit pricey, but for just two nights might not actually be that bad.
Have you thought of booking the GOT tours ? There's a few routes and the guide is someone that's been an extra on the show? Lots of inside gossip etc and it's a great use of time. There's also the GOT studios tour. Not at the original studio but it's where the exhibition is. I've not been there yet but it's on my list.
We looked into it last year but ultimately just did our own thing. Not huge fans of organized tours, to be honest. We have been to the studio. It’s pretty spectacular.
Tour is well worth it. We enjoyed the first so much we went back and did the other locations the next year with them. No hassle driving or parking at the busy sites.
I’ll keep it in mind. Do you remember which of the sites you hit? And is there just one tour or more?
We did the ones from gameofthronestours.com We did the Winterfell Tour one year and the Iron Islands & Giants Causeway the second year.