6-Night Authentic Westeros Castle Escape

Day 2

Accommodation

Luxury 4-Star Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.
We have secure multi-story car parking in the hotel. We offer residents a discounted overnight rate of €12.50 for 24 hours. Parking is on a first-come-first-served basis. There is a height restriction of 1.9 meters.

Included Unique Activities

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable Irish welcome, delving deep into the wonder of world-famous Guinness! The brewery is located in the heart of Dublin at historic St. James Gate. Originally a small brewery, it is now a 7-story visitor experience that brings the history, story, and taste of the Emerald Isle’s iconic brew to life.

Imagine the world’s largest pint glass (Guinness did start the Guinness Book of World Records, after all) rising to the top of the building. Amazing. The dramatic story begins 250-years-ago and incorporates a family legacy handed down through generations. You’ll end your time here at the Gravity Bar, enjoying a complimentary pint of Guinness.  Relax and enjoy spectacular views of Dublin. Plan to spend 1 ½ to 2 hours here.

Suggested Sightseeing

Grafton Street, County Dublin

Location: Grafton Street runs from Saint Stephen's Green in the south to College Green in the north

Grafton Street is without doubt Ireland's premier shopping street - in terms of retail rent, it's the fifth most expensive in the world! With beautiful historic buildings housing iconic Irish businesses such as Brown Thomas, Weir & Sons and Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, Grafton Street offers an experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Since the 1980s, the street has been mostly pedestrianized, with the exception of a short stretch that runs between Nassau Street and College Green and contains the 18th century Trinity College Provost's House, home to the head of the college. If shopping's not your thing, Grafton Street is still worth checking out. It's a bustling, atmospheric spot, and high quality street performers including musicians, poets and mime-artists commonly perform to the shopping crowds.

Christ Church Cathedral, County Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral is a leading visitor attraction and has been a place of pilgrimage for almost 1,000 years. Located in the heart of Medieval Dublin and renowned for its beauty, architecture and exquisite floor tiles, Christ Church Cathedral was founded in 1030 by Sitric, King of the Dublin Norsemen. In 1152 it was incorporated into the Irish Church and eventually led by the famous Archbishop and patron saint of Dublin, Laurence O’Toole. The cathedral is home to the famous 12th-century crypt, one of the oldest and largest in Britain and Ireland. The restored crypt houses the important Treasures of Christ Church exhibition which features manuscripts and artefacts that give visitors some impression of nearly one thousand years of worship in the cathedral and nearby churches.The Treasury also plays host to a rare 14th century copy of the Magna Carta Hiberniae.

Temple Bar, County Dublin

Location: Temple Bar lies in the heart of Dublin City. Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, and just west of Trinity College and Grafton Street.

The lively and vibrant Temple Bar District - Dublin's Cultural Quarter, is well worth a visit. Best known for being Dublin’s major nightlife center, Temple Bar comes alive after dark, with many pubs, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. For those visiting during the day, the area boasts a timeless charm, with narrow cobbled streets and a plethora of cultural organizations, such as the Irish Film Centre & Project Arts Centre. There are also a variety of small galleries and stores - perfect for a day of shopping. While Temple Bar after dark might not be for everyone, the area is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon. 

Trinity College, County Dublin

On The Map: Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin City. Just south of the River Liffey, the campus grounds are bordered by Grafton, College, Pearse, Nassau & Leinster Streets.

Time spent in Dublin would not be complete without a visit to Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st, it is one of the oldest universities in the British Isles, and the very oldest in Ireland. Standing on a self contained site in the very heart of Dublin, the College itself covers some 35 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces surrounded by buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries. Although Trinity offers much of interest to the visitor, the crown jewel is without doubt the Book of Kells. The Book is an 'illuminated manuscript', globally celebrated for its lavish decoration. The manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin), in a bold and expert version of the script known as 'insular majuscule'. Written in the 9th century, it has been on display in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin from the mid-19th century, and attracts over 500,000 visitors a year.

Dublin, County Dublin

On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.

Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.

Day 3

Accommodation

4-Star Landmark Hotel - Newcastle, County Down

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Included Unique Activities

Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Visit the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Located at the show’s principal film setting - Linen Mill Studios - this immersive experience takes visitors into the Seven Kingdoms and the world of Game of Thrones like never before. 

You’ll walk through iconic sets and discover the secrets of film-making, and the artistry that brought HBO’s hit TV series to life. From the Great Hall of Winterfell where Jon Snow was declared ‘King in the North’ to hundreds of iconic iconic costumes worn by the cast, Game of Thrones Studio Tour has it all.

Game of Thrones Studio Tour is a self-guided experience, allowing you to shape your own visit. Studio Tour guests can choose their own pace, deciding which areas to explore for longer, helping to make the tour a personalised experience. You can purchase an audio guide through your online ticket purchase, upon arrival at The Studio Tour or through the Game of Thrones Studio Tour app. The average Studio Tour visit is between 2-3 hours

Suggested Sightseeing

Banbridge, County Down

Tollymore Park (GoT's "The Haunted Forest"), County Down

Address: Bryansford Rd, Newcastle BT33 0PR, United Kingdom. Tollymore Forest Park is located in the southeast of Northern Ireland. It's just 18 miles east of Newry along the A25, Newry & Bryansfords Roads. GPS Coordinates: 54.224085, -5.944178

Tollymore is a rare treat. A barn dressed up to look like a church, stone cones atop gate piers and gothic-style gate arches, all show the influence of renowned designer, Thomas Wright. A walk along the Shimna river is marked by many curiosities, natural and artificial - rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves. Oak wood from Tollymore was the preferred material for the interiors of the White Star liners including the 'Titanic' which was built in Belfast. Tollymore featured in several Season 1 Game of Thrones scenes. Featured Scenes: Season 1: This is the haunting forest in which a member of the Night's Watch rides through the snowy forest and stumbles upon dismembered Wildling bodies. It's also where Ned Stark and his sons come across the gored stag and direwolf pups.

Mourne Coastal Route, County Down

The Mourne Coastal Route stretches from Downpatrick south and west to Warrenpoint, all located in County Down, Northern Ireland. Downpatrick is a busy town with many places of interest including The Saint Patrick Centre, and the Grave of St Patrick next to the Down Cathedral. Travelling onward, the next stop is Strangford, a pretty harbour town good restaurants and pubs. Next up is Ardglass, with seven castles, a marina and golf course, it's well worth a stop. Further along you come to the magnificent, award-winning blue flag beach of Tyrella. There is a beauitiful view of the Mourne Mountains rolling down to the sea at this beach. Further south, you'll encounter the sand dunes at Dundrum, which are among the highest in Europe. South of Newcastle, a lovely beach resort town, the drive passes Bloody Bridge and Maggies Leap en route to the charming fishing village of Annalong. Skirting the Mourne Mountains as you travel further, you'll soon be on the north shore of beautiful Carlingford Lough. On entering Rostrevor you will pass one of the most ancient woodlands in Ireland, Oak Forest. Fans of Game of Thrones can visit two filming locations on this route: Castle Ward, near Downpatrick is Winterfell in the HBO series, and Tollymore Forest Park, west of Newcastle is also regularly used as a filming location.

Overnight Location

Newcastle, County Down

On the Map: Newcastle is located in County Down on the east coast of Northern Ireland. The A2 road, connecting the cities of Newry (to the west), and Belfast (to the north), passes right through town.

Voted Northern Ireland’s best kept town a few years ago, Newcastle offers activities to interest all ages. Steeped in history, Newcastle has for many years been one of the most popular resorts in the country. The combination of a long, clean, tidy beach to one side and the overbearing sulking mountains of Mourne to the other gives the place a special feeling which many poets and artists have tried to convey over the years. However one can only truly appreciate the unparalleled beauty of the town by experiencing it first hand. The nearby Royal County Down Golf Club is believed by many to be among the most beautiful and competitive courses anywhere, indeed many professional players have included it among their top ten courses in the world.

Day 4

Accommodation

Enchanting Castle Hotel - Ballygally, County Antrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
There is a car park with 70 spaces which is complimentary for residents.

Included Unique Activities

Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea

Enjoy afternoon tea, complete with sweet and savory treats inspired by Game of Thrones, at Ballygally Castle. The Ballygally Castle is the perfect base from which to explore Game of Thrones filming locations. The show mainly used locations across Northern Ireland, but the spectacular Causeway Coast makes more than its fair share of appearances in the series. Only a few miles from Ballygally Castle are Cairncastle, Cushendun Caves, Slemish Mountain and the village of Glenarm all of which have close connections to the iconic show.

Entrance to Castle Ward

Did you know HBO's Game of Thrones was filmed at Castle Ward? Castle Ward’s historic farmyard is the location of Winterfell, the backdrop for the series pilot and much of season one. Experience HBO's Game of Thrones for yourself!

Suggested Sightseeing

Ballygally, County Antrim

On The Map: The coastal town of Ballygalley lies about 6 kilometres north of Larne between gentle hills and the sea.

Notable features of the town include the distinct headland of Ballygally Head, O'Haloran's Castle, The White Bear Rock, a lovely sandy beach, Ballygally Castle and a new community centre. Ballygally beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike especially during the summer months. Ballygally Castle, reputed to be the oldest occupied building in Ireland, has a reputation for being haunted. It sits in the middle of the village at the junction with the road to Cairncastle and contains a 4-star hotel with renovated bar and restaurant. The castle was built around 1625 for James Shaw of Greenock and is one of Ireland’s best-preserved Scottish baronial style plantation houses.

Castle Ward (GoT's "Winterfell"), County Down

Address: Castle Ward is located at Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA, United Kingdom. Near the coast in the east of Northern Ireland. The town of Strangford is just 2.5 miles to the east of Castle Ward.  GPS Coordinates: 54.367600, -5.581151

Castle Ward is full of personality. Situated in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough, the lawns rise up to the unique 18th century house and its Gothic façade. This fascinating house features both Gothic and Classical styles of architectural treatment, internally and externally. Inside the beautiful 820 acre walled demesne you will find an exotic sunken garden and paths that wind their way through woodland and suddenly open onto the quiet shores of the Lough. Castle Ward is the prime Game of Thrones location for Winterfell and the surrounding lands of the North. Featured Scenes: Season 1: This is where King Robert Baratheon and his retinue arrive and are met by the Starks. Also where Bran & Osha's Season 1 scenes are filmed. Season 1 & 2: Castle Ward was used for Winterfell’s Courtyard & Archery scenes.

Strangford, County Down

Almost landlocked, Strangford Lough (Loch Cuan) is connected to the open sea by a 700m-wide strait, the Narrows, between the towns of Portaferry and Strangford. Strangford is a small village at the mouth of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. Locally known for their coastlines and large colonies of grey seals, but famously known for Game of Thrones sites.

Audley's Castle (GoT's "Robb Stark's Camp"), County Down

On The Map: Audley's Castle is located just north of Castle Ward (Winterfell), near Strangford in east Northern Ireland. GPS Coordinates: 54.381067, -5.572069.

The castle is named after its late 16th-century owners, the Audleys, an Anglo-Norman family who held land in the area in the 13th century, It was sold, with the surrounding estate, to the Ward family in 1646 and used in 1738 as an eye-catching focus of the long vista along Castle Ward's artificial lake, Temple Water. Audley's Field is currently being used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones, where a lot of dramatic scenes unfold. Featured Scenes: Season 2: Audley's Field is the backdrop for Robb Stark's Camp, and the place where he first meets Talisa. Later on, Audley's Field is where Alton Lannister is imprisoned with Jaime (and doesn't live to tell the tale).

Overnight Location

Ballygally, County Antrim

On The Map: The coastal town of Ballygalley lies about 6 kilometres north of Larne between gentle hills and the sea.

Notable features of the town include the distinct headland of Ballygally Head, O'Haloran's Castle, The White Bear Rock, a lovely sandy beach, Ballygally Castle and a new community centre. Ballygally beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike especially during the summer months. Ballygally Castle, reputed to be the oldest occupied building in Ireland, has a reputation for being haunted. It sits in the middle of the village at the junction with the road to Cairncastle and contains a 4-star hotel with renovated bar and restaurant. The castle was built around 1625 for James Shaw of Greenock and is one of Ireland’s best-preserved Scottish baronial style plantation houses.

Day 5

Accommodation

Enchanting Castle Hotel - Ballygally, County Antrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
There is a car park with 70 spaces which is complimentary for residents.

Included Unique Activities

Westeros Tomahawk Steak Dinner

Savor the flavors of a 20oz salt aged Northern Irish Beef Steak on the Bone. This unique “Westeros Tomahawk” design steak will be specially prepared for you by local butchers. The steak will be served on a wooden platter with a “Valyrian Steel” inspired carving knife, Causeway chips, portobello mushrooms, Provencale beef tomato, rocket garnish and choice of sauce.

Suggested Sightseeing

Ballygally, County Antrim

On The Map: The coastal town of Ballygalley lies about 6 kilometres north of Larne between gentle hills and the sea.

Notable features of the town include the distinct headland of Ballygally Head, O'Haloran's Castle, The White Bear Rock, a lovely sandy beach, Ballygally Castle and a new community centre. Ballygally beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike especially during the summer months. Ballygally Castle, reputed to be the oldest occupied building in Ireland, has a reputation for being haunted. It sits in the middle of the village at the junction with the road to Cairncastle and contains a 4-star hotel with renovated bar and restaurant. The castle was built around 1625 for James Shaw of Greenock and is one of Ireland’s best-preserved Scottish baronial style plantation houses.

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Location: Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom. The Giant's Causeway is located in County Antrim on the northeastern coast of Northern Ireland. The Causeway is accessed via Causeway Road that runs north from the main A2 road (connecting Bushmills to the west and Ballycastle to the east).

The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO Heritage site located in Northern Ireland. During the Paleogene period, County Antrim was subject to intense volcanic activity. As lava rapidly cooled, unique contraction and fracturing occurred, creating the distinctive hexagonal columns seen today. Irish legend of course has an alternate tale of the Causeway's creation!: The Irish giant Fionn MacCumhaill (Fionn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him and pretended that the sleeping giant was actually their baby son. When Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn, and therefore only the Irish coastal steps remain.

Ballintoy Harbour (GoT's "Iron Islands"), County Antrim

Location: This small fishing harbour can be found at the end of a small narrow steep road down Knocksaughey Hill, which passes by the entrance to Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

The harbour was used as a filming location in The Game of Thrones as the settings in which Theon arrives back in the Iron Islands and meets his sister Yara for the first time.

Storm's End (Renly Baratheon's Camp), County Antrim

Storm's End is the seat of House Baratheon, the Lords Paramount of the Stormlands. In the series, the castle is located at Durran's Point on the northern coast of Shipbreaker Bay. The exceptional beauty of the landscape close to the famous Carrick-Rede Rope Bridge is breathtaking. The location scouts knew this well when they decided to immortalise it in the show. The parking area near the bridge was where Renly Baratheon’s army set up camp in episode 3 of Season 2. It’s here, where Brienne wins against Ser Loras and is given a place in Renly’s Kingsguard. The landscape around the bridge, with its beautiful cliffs, was used to re-create Storm’s End.

Downhill Beach (GoT's "Dragonstone"), County Derry

Location: Downhill Beach is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland. The Beach is accessed via the A2 road that connects the towns of Limaviddy (to the southwest) & Coleraine (to the southeast). GPS Coordinates: 55.167088, -6.822065

This stretch of beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland and visitors can enjoy views to Counties Donegal, Antrim and Derry. The nearest town to Downhill Beach is Castlerock, a small coastal town offering accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and excellent rail and transport links to Coleraine, Belfast and Dublin. Other nearby destinations includes the seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart. Downhill Beach was transformed into Dragonstone on Game of Thrones. Featured Scene: Season 2: This is where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned on the beach, and Melisandre, flames dancing into the night sky, proclaims: “For the night is dark and full of terrors.”

The Dark Hedges (Bregagh Road, Ballymoney), County Antrim

Location: The Dark Hedges are located in the northeast of Northern Ireland, just 2.5 miles from the village of Armoy. From Armoy, head west on Carrowreagh Road. Turn left on Ballykenver Road, then right on Bregagh Road - The Dark Hedges Avenue. GPS / SATNAV: 55.1272, -6.3633

This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. And all this before George R.R. Martin had even the earliest inkling of his wonderful Song of Ice & Fire series! Since then the iconic avenue has been used as a filming location in HBO's epic Game of Thrones - representing the King's Road in the show - and global notoriety has of course ensued! Please note that this a pedestrianized avenue - free parking is available nearby at The Hedges Hotel. Featured Scene: Season 2, episode 1: On the King' s Road, Arya Stark has escaped from King’s Landing, disguised as a boy. She is with Yoren, Gendry, Hot Pie and others who are to join the Night’s Watch, in a cart, travelling north on the King’s Road.

Day 6

Accommodation

Magnificent Castle Hotel with Landscaped Grounds - Kingscourt, County Cavan

Check in policies:

Check-in time is from 3:00pm-11:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Free parking is available on site.

Suggested Sightseeing

Belfast, County Antrim

On The Map: Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is located in the northeastern corner of the country in County Antrim. Belfast is well served by a network of good roads, including the M1 motorway from Dublin City.

Approximately one third of the population of Northern Ireland - about half a million people - live in Belfast. It's setting is very attractive, nestling in a semicircle of hills, where the River Langan enters Belfast Lough. The city got it's name from Beile Feirst  "the mouth of the sandy ford" - and was founded in 1177 when the Anglo-Normans built a castle here. It began to really expand in the 17th century with the development of the local linen and shipbuilding industries (the Titanic was built here).  Sights to see in Belfast City, the Belfast City Hall, built of Portland stone in Classical Renaissance style, dominates the city center.  The Linen Hall Library, founded in 1788 is an absolute delight, a cultural centre with exhibitions, a Theater & Performing Arts Archive and a Genealogy and Heraldry collection. Away from the city center you have the Ulster Museum in the Botanic Gardens, near Queens University which has miles of galleries and exhibitions. This lively and friendly city, with historic buildings standing side-by-side with modern creations is a delight not to be missed.

Titanic Belfast, County Antrim

Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast BT3 9EP, United Kingdom. Titanic Belfast is located on Queen's Road in Belfast's northeastern 'Titanic Quarter'. The land on which it stands was formerly owned by the famous Harland & Wolff Shipping Company - builders of Titanic in 1912.

Opened on March 31, 2012, Titanic Belfast is a very impressive, state-of-the-art facility that covers more than 130,000 square feet. The striking building took more than 4 years to construct at a cost of GB 77 million pounds. It stands at 126 feet high - the exact same height as the hull of the famous, doomed ship. Titanic Belfast extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.

Overnight Location

Kingscourt, County Cavan

On the Map: Kingscourt is located in the southeast corner of County Cavan, in the northeast midlands of Ireland. From the main N2 road connecting Monaghan town (to the north) & Dublin (to the south), Kingscourt is accessed via the R165, which intersects with the N2 just south of Ardee town. Kingscourt is a busy market town. With Cabra Castle hotel and several B&Bs in the locality, visitors to the town are spoiled for choice. Kingscourt's Catholic Church, sitting on a ridge high above the town, displays excellent stained glass windows by the renowned Irish artist Evie Hone, who also provided designs for Eton College Chapel. Visitors can explore Dun a Rí Forest Park or play 9 holes of golf at Cabra Castle Golf Course. Situated one mile from Kingscourt, Dun a Rí Forest Park is a place of beauty. Situated in a tranquil glen, Dun a Rí is home to stoat, hare, mink, rabbit and otter, as well as red and grey squirrel along the banks of the River Cabra, which runs through the park. Take a romantic walk through deep, leafy glades & over old bridges. See marvellous views north to Slieve Gullion in County Armagh and the Mountains of Mourne. Some interesting features in the park include Cromwell's bridge, a wishing well and an ice house. There are four walks of approximately 1.5 -2km in length around the park.

Day 7

Depart From

Depart from Dublin Airport, County Dublin

Return to Dublin Airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.

After check-in and passenger security, browse the array of shops on offer at 'The Loop' in Dublin Airport. With an extensive range of stores, bars and cafes, any spare time you have will fly!