Northern Ireland’s complex history kept it off many travelers’ radars for years. But it’s a beautiful place that’s definitely worth exploring.
Belfast is a vibrant city, and the country is full of stunning landscapes — from cliffs and rolling hills dotted with sheep to a breathtaking coastline.
For Game of Thrones fans, Northern Ireland is a must-visit. The show has left a dragon-sized footprint here, with nearly 70% of the series filmed across the country. It’s a dream destination for any GOT enthusiast.
In this guide, I’ll share my recommended 3 day itinerary for Northern Ireland. Feel free to tweak it to fit your interests and add or skip stops as you like.
Snapshot Of 3 Days In Northern Ireland Itinerary
Here’s a quick glance of what you can see with 3 days in Northern Ireland. I admit, as a Game of Thrones geek, it’s a bit heavy on those sites.
- Day 1: Belfast
- Day 2: Causeway Coast & GOT filming locations
- Day 3: Tollymore Forest & Game of Thrones Studio or Derry City
This itinerary assumes you have arrived in Belfast the night before and are ready to go first thing in the morning.
I suggest basing yourself in Belfast and taking day trips each day. The city is close to everything.
Or, you could find a nice rental in the country for a more rural experience.
3 Days In Northern Ireland Itinerary
Day 1: Belfast
Start your day with a visit to Titanic Belfast, an award-winning museum that brings the story of the ill-fated ship to life.
This immersive experience delves into Belfast’s rich maritime history, taking you on a journey from the ship’s construction to its tragic end.
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the River Lagan toward City Hall, Belfast’s most iconic building.
You can admire its stunning architecture from the outside or pop inside to explore its grand interiors and learn a bit more about the city’s history.
For lunch, make your way to the vibrant Cathedral Quarter.
This area is the cultural heart of Belfast, known for its lively atmosphere, colorful street art murals, cobbled streets, and historic buildings.
It’s the perfect spot to indulge in some Irish grub and maybe even go on a proper pub crawl.
Be sure to check out some local favorites like The Friend at Hand, Duke of York, The Spaniard, and Gin at the John Hewitt — each offering its own unique blend of charm, character, and a good pint.
Visit St. Anne’s Cathedral and stroll along Royal Avenue. For the cathedral, there are several tours throughout the day, starting at 10:00 am.
In the late afternoon, take a black taxi tour of Belfast’s history and mural art.
The tours take you through the neighborhoods of West Belfast, including the Falls Road and Shankill Road. This is where the famous murals depict the city’s turbulent past during the “Troubles.”
The experienced taxi drivers, often locals who lived through the religious conflict, provide personal and historical perspectives on the murals that truly bring the city’s history to life.
For a history of the “Troubles” and detailed guide to the city, you can check out my one day in Belfast itinerary.
In the early evening, enjoy cocktails at one of Belfast’s historic pubs.
The Crown Liquor Saloon is the most famous. It’s a Victorian extravaganza lined with cute snugs for private drinking.
Kelly’s Cellars is Belfast’s oldest pub.
It was a meeting place for Henry McCracken and the United Irishmen when there were planning the 1798 Rising. Great place for trad music!
For dinner, there are loads of great restaurants — Yugo, Muddlers, Juno, Coppi, Pablos, etc. — just to name a few.
Day 2: Causeway Coastal Route & GOT Locations
On day 2, you’ll focus on some of the most beautiful bits and bobs of Northern Ireland — the many gorgeous stops along the Causeway Coast.
I’ve given you estimated times for each stop, so you can cram them all into one glorious day. Or skip over parts that don’t interest you as much.
You can easily do a self drive tour. But there are loads of guided tours as well.
A lot of them start and end in Belfast. But some of them depart from Dublin and Derry.
Any tourist office will have leaflets on the myriad options. On some, you can even dress up in GOT costumes or capes and wave swords.
For example, this day tour from Belfast takes you to GOT filming locations south of Belfast. It includes locations like Castle Ward, Tollymore Forest Park, Inch Abbey, and Audley’s Field.
This day tour from Belfast covers the filming locations to the north of Belfast, as well as the Giant’s Causeway.
The tour includes the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Cushendun caves, Larrybane Quarry and Ballintoy Harbour.
To be honest, some locations are well worth your time, while others are a little “ehhh.” The tours (and this itinerary) hit the highlights.
1. Carrickfergus Castle or Cairncastle
Begin your day with a proper Irish Castle or a proper Irish village.
Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Northern Ireland and has played a significant role in Irish history.
It offers a deep dive into the medieval period and is perfectly maintained despite being built in the 12th century.
Cairncastle is a small village in County Antrim, famous for its connection to the Game of Thrones series. It was used as a filming location for several scenes set in the north of Westeros.
In fact, this is where it all began with a nice beheading of Will, a Night’s Watch deserter.
The actual castle in the series was a CGI creation. But you can still walk to the pretty glen along the Ulster Way and stand beneath the cliffs.
To the west, you’ll see Slemish Mountain.
Previously famed as the place were St. Patrick was enslaved as a youth, its grassy valley provided the location of a Dothraki camp early in the series.
- Time: 1 hour (I personally would opt for Carrickfergus.)
2. Gobbins Cliff Path
If want some stunning coastal views, the Gobbins Cliff Path, should be your next stop.
But you have to have plenty of time set aside to do it. The cliff walk is only accessible with a 2.5 hour long guided tour.
Highlights of the walk include the tubular bridge and the suspension bridge, which both hug the cliff face. Wear hiking shoes!
Your guide will explain the geologphy of the site and point out wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some dolphins, sea otters, puffins, and seabirds.
- Time: 2.5 hours
3. Cushendun Caves
Just a stone’s throw from the quaint village of Cushendun in County Antrim lie the Red Caves, better known as the Cushendun Caves.
These natural wonders, carved out over 400 million years, are easily accessible with a short stroll along the coastline from the village.
While you’re there, don’t miss out on exploring the town of Cushendun itself. Managed by the National Trust, this charming spot is a hidden gem with its picturesque houses, a cozy tea room, and even a ruined castle.
Now, for the Game of Thrones fans — these caves are where the magic (and mayhem) happens.
In Season 2, Episode 4, Davos Seaworth smuggles Melisandre ashore in the Stormlands. Right there in the cave, she gives birth to a shadowy assassin that soon takes out Renly Baratheon. Not your typical seaside scene, but definitely unforgettable!
From Cushendun, follow the Torr Road out to the magnificant Torr Head. You’ll have views of bonnie Scotland on a clear day.
Time: 45 minutes, more to visit the village
4. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Next, head to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The rope bridge was originally built in 1755 for salmon fisherman to cross the chasm to the tiny island of Carrickarede.
These days, there’s a sturdier bridge, about 65 feet long. Crossing is perfectly safe as long as you have a head for heights. Even if you do, the bridge can be a little off putting in the wind as it swings to and fro.
From the car park and ticket office, a short coastal trail leads over the cliffs to the bridge. You’ll reach a set of steps that lead to the rope bridge.
If you don’t have the time or proper fearlessness to do the bridge crossing, you can look at it from a pretty vantage point.
Along the coastal road, you’ll come to the Portaneevey viewpoint. You can see the rope bridge, and perhaps Scotland on a sunny day.
Fun Fact: This isn’t technically a GOT filming location. Though some think it inspired the rope bridges of Greyjoy Castle and the rope bridge on which Balon is assassinated.
- Time: 1 hour
- Pro Tips: Only a limited number of tickets are released for each half hour time slot. You should definitely reserve online at the National Trust site well in advance. Be aware that the rocks on the far side of the bridge are super slippery when it’s raining.
5. Dark Hedges
After your rope bridge adventure, drive to the Dark Hedges.
This is probably the most famous GOT site in Ireland. But I’m not sure it deserves all its accolades.
The Dark Hedges is an 18th century avenue of beech trees. James Stuart installed them to make his mansion, Gracehill, a more impressive spectacle.
Though still interesting, Storm Gertrude blew away many of the trees. Others have died back, and the road will be covered with people.
It’s just not as fetching as it is in the series or on Instagram. Though hopefully, you can dodge the crowds.
In GOT, the Dark Hedges served as the Kingsroad.
This is where Arya escaped from King’s landing after her father Ned Stark had the bad luck to be beheaded.
And, like all good Irish sites, it comes complete with a ghost — the Grey Lady. She’s thought to glide along the avenue until she vanishes from sight after the last tree.
- Time: 30-40 minutes
6. Giant’s Causeway
Next, you come to the creme de la creme of day 2 — Giant’s Causeway. This is a major attraction, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.
This amazing UNESCO site was the result of volcanic activity, a natural phenomenon.
There are only a few other geological formations like it in all the world! It’s an otherworldly collection of about 40,000 uneven stacks of tightly packed hexagonal rocks.
Legend holds that the stones were put in place by the Irish giant Finn McCool and ripped up by a Scottish giant Benandonner.
In reality, over 60 million years ago, a thick layer of molten lava covered the valley. As it cooled and hardened, it cracked at right angles to form the hexagonal patterns.
I recommend hiking both the Red Trail and the Blue Trail, in that order. it will give you an up close and bird’s eye perspective of the site.
- Time: 2 hours
- Tip: For all the niggling details, check out my comprehensive guide to Giant’s Causeway.
>>> Click here to book a guided tour from Belfast
7. Dunluce Castle
After exploring the Giant’s Causeway, head to Dunluce Castle. The castle is located 10 minutes from the Causeway.
Sitting high on a cliff above the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce is one of Northern Ireland’s most striking ruins.
Its dramatic location and blood soaked history make it a popular stop along the Causeway Coast, attracting visitors who come to explore its crumbling walls and soak in the rugged scenery.
For Game of Thrones fans, Dunluce holds a special appeal — it was the inspiration for Greyjoy Castle in the series. This makes it a must-visit for anyone keen on seeing where fantasy meets reality.
For all the details, check out my guide to visiting Dunluce Castle and learn about its role in the world of Game of Thrones.
- Time: 1 hour
8. Bushmills Distillery
If you’re interested in whisky, wrap up day 2 of this 3 day Northern Ireland itinerary with a visit to Bushmills Distillery.
The Scots claim to have invented whiskey. But no Irishmen will agree to that and scoff at the suggestion.
Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery on the planet, having been granted its license in 1608 by King James I.
There are regular tours of the distillery, and you’ll get to sample a few nips of the famously smooth Irish whiskey.
For dinner, the distillery has a restaurant called The Bushmills Inn nearby, which offers a range of dining options. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including traditional Irish fare.
Day 3: Game of Thrones Filming Locations or Derry
Tollymore Forest Park
Start day 3 with a visit to Tollymore Forest. It’s about 50-60 minutes from Belfast.
It’s known to GOT enthusiasts as the Haunted Forest. I think it’s one of the most underrated GOT filming locations!
It was used for basically every forest scene in the show, as well as appearing in the very first episode with the scary dismembered wildlings.
You can even visit the Wildling Pit, where the Stark children found their direwolf pups.
You enter through the Barbican gate, which looks like a mini folly. There are several walking trails, marked in red, blue, and black.
As the Irish would say, it’s a “cracker.” It’s a beautiful park with grottos, forest trails, streams, and bridges that look like they came from Lord of the Rings. It feels like a fairyland of nubby green bits and meandering water.
To find all the GOT goodies, I suggest booking a local guided walking tour in Tollymore. Your guide will also whip out an IPad to show you the scenes that were filmed where you’re standing and doll out some behind the scenes gossip.
- Time: Spend 1-2 hours walking the trails and seeing the Game of Thrones locations.
- Pro Tip: Just a bit away is Inch Abbey, the location for House Frey’s stronghold “the Twins,” protecting the Riverlands. This is also where Catelyn and Robb learn of the death of Ned Stark, and where Robb is proclaimed King of the North.
- Opening: The park is open from 10:00 am until sunset and you pay the parking fee at the toll booth.
GOT Studio
In the afternoon, head to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge.
It’s about 25 miles (40 minutes) from Tolleymore. Once there, it takes 2-3 hours to see the entire bit.
It’s a completely immersive experience where you can walk through authentic film sets, and see costumes, props, and prosthetics from the show.
It’s based in Linen Mill Studios which was used to film much of the 8-series production.
You’ll go on an epic journey through the seven kingdoms of Westeros and Essos. You start in the theater and end in the throne room.
As well as drooling over the memorabilia, there are plenty of games, restaurants, photo opportunities, and gift shops to enjoy too.
And of course you can sit, and have your pic taken, on the iron throne.
You will need to book your tickets online before you visit.
You choose a specific entry time and the tours are normally open from 10:00 am to 6.30 pm throughout the year.
You can also book a ticket with a transfer from Belfast.
Alternative for Day 3: Derry City
If you’re more interested in Northern Ireland’s history and culture, spend the day in Derry instead.
This will give you a completely different experience from the coastal and GOT-themed days, rounding out your trip with a rich historical perspective.
Start your day in Derry with a stroll along the city’s iconic walls, which are some of the best-preserved in Europe. They offer up panoramic views of the city and the River Foyle.
As you walk, you’ll pass by historic landmarks such as St. Columb’s Cathedral, a beautiful 17th century structure that offers insight into the city’s rich past.
After completing the circuit, make your way to the Bogside area to see the famous political murals, known as the “Bogside Murals.”
Like the ones in Belfast, they vividly depict the struggles during the 30 year period of religious strife known as the “Troubles.”
The nearby Museum of Free Derry provides further context, offering a deep dive into the city’s role in this turbulent period.
For lunch, head to the city center where you can find a variety of cafés and restaurants serving local fare. In the afternoon, visit the Guildhall, a striking Neo-Gothic building with stunning stained glass windows.
The Guildhall also houses an exhibition that tells the story of Derry’s history, including its links to the Plantation of Ulster and the city’s more recent past.
Afterward, cross the Peace Bridge, a symbol of reconciliation that connects the historically divided sides of the city.
If time permits, take a short drive to the outskirts of the city to visit the serene surroundings of the Creggan Country Park or the ancient Grianan of Aileach, a hilltop fort that offers breathtaking views.
In the evening, have some traditional Irish grub at one of Derry’s excellent restaurants.
If you’re in the mood for some live music, check out one of the local pubs like Peadar O’Donnell’s, where you can experience Derry’s vibrant cultural scene before wrapping up your day.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my 3 days in Northern Ireland itinerary. You may find these other UK guides useful:
- 1 day in Belfast itinerary
- 3 days in London itinerary
- 5 days in London itinerary
- Best day trips from London
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