Westeros shows up north of Belfast. This private Game of Thrones® locations tour with Adrian, the Other Ser Davos, is interesting because it swaps hours of planning for a smooth day out on the Glens of Antrim route. I love the easy pickup and the air-conditioned ride, and I love the Iron Islands costume and metal sword photo moment at Ballintoy Harbour. One consideration is that it’s a long, full day (10 to 11 hours) and it’s adult-only, so if you want something short or kid-friendly, you’ll need a different plan.

You’ll also get a little flexibility without losing the structure. You can build your own itinerary with Adrian, then anchor the day around classic filming spots like Ballygally Castle Hotel Door No. 9 and the Dark Hedges beech avenue. Most stops are free to enter, and there’s an optional add-on at Giant’s Causeway if you want the big name finale.

Key things you’ll really care about

• Adrian (the Other Ser Davos) brings show-specific context to every stop, plus he’s worked on the series as an extra and photo double
• Private Land Rover for 1 to 4 people keeps the day calm, not crowded, and makes quick photo stops realistic
• Costumes and props for Greyjoy photos at Ballintoy Harbour, including a metal sword and Iron Islands replica outfits
• Most admissions are free, so you’re not stacking ticket costs all day
• Optional Giant’s Causeway gives you a choice between pure filming locations or a UNESCO finale
• Adult-only, 18+ keeps the tone focused and respectful for a show-themed day

Why This Private Game of Thrones Tour Beats DIY Driving

If you’ve ever tried to plan filming locations by yourself in Northern Ireland, you know the problem. It’s not hard to find references, but it is hard to turn that into a smooth route with timing, parking, and the right spots.

This tour solves that with a private vehicle and a host who knows the show details and the landscape. Adrian’s background is a big part of the value. You’re not just getting directions, you’re getting context, the kind that makes a spot feel specific instead of generic. You’ll see places like Glenarm and Cushendun Caves with the kind of show links that make the day more than sightseeing.

Another thing I like is that you’re not forced into a one-size-fits-all schedule. The experience is built around the filming stops, but you can build your own itinerary with Adrian. Translation: if your group is more into scenery and photos than into recalling plot lines, the day can tilt that way.

And on the practical side, it’s clearly set up for comfort. You’re in an air-conditioned vehicle, you have bottled water, and you start early at 8:00 am. For a day that runs 10 to 11 hours, that comfort matters.

Start Time, Route Pace, and What 10 to 11 Hours Feels Like

This is an all-day outing, starting at 8:00 am. You’ll be driving up north of Belfast along the Glens of Antrim and out toward Greyjoy country, with a mix of short visits and a few longer stops for photos and time to look around.

Here’s the rhythm the itinerary sets: a series of filming locations with travel gaps around 10 to 30 minutes for many legs. Then you get a longer “main event” window at Ballintoy Harbour, plus the option to add Giant’s Causeway if you want it. The Dark Hedges bring you home to Belfast after roughly 1 hour 15 minutes of return driving, traffic dependent.

That pacing is good for most people because it avoids the trap of rushing every stop. Still, it’s a lot of time in the car. If you’re the type who hates sitting for hours, plan for breaks, use the lunch stop well, and be ready for a full day rather than a quick hit.

Also note the small but important rule: this is a Game of Thrones adult tour, certified for 18 years and older, with no children allowed. If you’re traveling with anyone under 18, you’ll need to adjust.

Door No. 9 at Ballygally Castle Hotel (The First Westeros Stop)

Your day begins with a drive of about 40 minutes from Belfast to Ballygally. The first stop is at the Ballygally Castle Hotel, where you can see Door No. 9 from the Doors of Thrones collection.

You get around 1 hour 20 minutes here, and the admission is listed as free. That generous time slot is useful because you’re not just snapping one photo and leaving. You can walk, take in the details, and actually get a feel for how the location looks when it’s not surrounded by tour crowds.

Practical tip: treat this as your warm-up. The day is packed with outdoor locations, so use this time to set your photo style. If you want close-ups and “stand here like the show” framing, this is a great first place to do it without rushing.

Glenarm and Steenson’s Jewellery Workshop (Try On Sansa’s Crown Prototype)

Next you head to Glenarm for a short visit to Steenson’s Jewellery Workshop and Showroom. Expect about 30 minutes, also with free admission.

This stop is fun because it connects craftspeople to the show world. You can view some pieces the workshop made for the series. Even better, you can try on the prototype of Sansa Stark’s crown from season 8.

This is the kind of stop that works even if someone in your group isn’t deeply into plot details. Crowns and craftsmanship are visual, and the chance to wear a show prop brings a little “I’m really here” energy to the day.

Since time is tight, keep your try-on and photo plans simple. Go in wanting one or two great shots, then let the rest of the time go to looking around the showroom.

Murlough Bay and Fair Head (Where Stannis and Renly Confront)

This is a scenic stop that many fans will remember, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll visit Murlough Bay and Fair Head, with about 1 hour on the ground and free admission.

This is tied to a specific story moment: the confrontation between Stannis and Renly on horseback, and the last time they meet. Whether you’re a hardcore rewatcher or you just remember the big beats, the point is the same. This isn’t a random viewpoint, it’s a place that was chosen because the setting matches the mood of the scene.

Practical advantage: outdoors, you can stretch your legs and reset mentally before the next harbor stops. Also, Fair Head and the coastline setup give you lots of angles for photos, so you’ll want to pause more than once rather than taking everything from the first spot you reach.

Carnlough Harbour and Arya’s Limestone Steps

Then you shift to Carnlough Harbour, where you’ll spend about 50 minutes with free admission.

The hook here is specific: you can stand by the limestone steps used by Arya to exit the water and escape from the Waif. It’s one of those locations where you’ll immediately picture the moment, not because of a sign, but because the place has the right geometry and coastline feel.

What I like about a stop like this is that it’s grounded and human-scale. You’re not staring at a fortress wall from a distance. You’re standing where someone escaped, which makes the scene feel more tangible.

If you’re planning your photos, arrive ready to shoot from a few angles. Coastlines can look very different depending on tide and light, so take a couple minutes to reposition.

Cushendun Caves for Melisandre’s Dark Shadow Scene

After Carnlough, you head to Cushendun Caves. You’ll have about 50 minutes, and admission is free.

This stop is centered on a dark, show-specific moment: Melisandre is smuggled ashore by Ser Davos into a sea cave where she gives birth to the Dark Shadow spirit assassin. There’s also a follow-up detail tied to season 8, and Adrian will test your knowledge to see if you remember which scene used the cave again.

That “quick quiz” approach is a nice change from standard tours. It keeps your attention active. If you remember the scene, great. If you don’t, you’ll at least leave with a prompt to think about it later, and the cave itself still delivers as a dramatic setting.

Practical note: caves can be cooler than you expect, even on mild days. If you’re sensitive to temperature changes, bring a layer you can manage easily.

Ballintoy Harbour: The Greyjoy Photo Moment Plus Lunch at Fullerton Arms

If I had to pick the part of the day that most people mark as the highlight, it’s Ballintoy Harbour. You’ll spend about 2 hours 20 minutes here, and admission is free.

This is described as the main event for a reason. It’s where you can get into the Greyjoy spirit. You’ll have Iron Islands replica costumes and a metal sword for photo opportunities, and you’ll use those props on the beach area tied to scenes where Theon and Euron were reborn in the Drowned God.

Even if you’re not a superfan, this is still one of the best “do something” stops on the itinerary. Wearing the costume changes how you stand, how you pose, and how you remember the day. Plus, it’s a built-in activity for groups of 3 or 4 people who want shared photos that feel more than tourist snapshots.

After the main photo time, you’ll go for lunch. The tour stops at The Fullerton Arms in the village of Ballintoy, with about 1 hour for lunch. Lunch is not included, so plan on paying for your meal, but you do get the time window and the scheduled break.

Practical tip: if you think you’ll add Giant’s Causeway later, don’t overdo a heavy meal. This day already runs long, and you’ll want energy for walking on uneven ground and taking photos outdoors.

Giant’s Causeway Optional Add-On (UNESCO, If You Want the Big Finale)

Giant’s Causeway is listed as optional. If you choose it, you’ll spend about 1 hour 20 minutes, and admission is not included.

This is the “name attraction” of Northern Ireland, and the tour frames it as a chance to step on the footsteps of giants at a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also a good option if you want the day to end with something that’s famous even beyond Game of Thrones fans.

The tradeoff is time. Every stop you add beyond filming locations steals a little time from the other parts of the day. If your group is 100 percent focused on show spots and photos, you might skip it. If you want one universal highlight at the end, it fits well.

The Dark Hedges Beech Avenue (A Classic Season 2 Moment)

Your final stop is the Dark Hedges. You’ll have about 1 hour 45 minutes, with free admission.

The Dark Hedges are an avenue of beech trees planted over 247 years ago to welcome visitors to Gracehill House. They became iconic after appearing in a scene from season 2. The setting works because the trees form a natural tunnel, which means your photos look like a “where am I” movie frame even if you’re just holding a phone.

This is also a good stop to slow down. You’ll be returning to Belfast after, depending on traffic, so use the time for slower walks and a few different vantage points. Don’t just take the first obvious photo from the most crowded angle.

Price, What You Actually Get, and Who This Tour Is For

The price is $828.14 per group for up to 4 people. At first glance it sounds like a lot, but private tours in this region add value in two big ways: time and access.

Let’s break it down realistically. You’re paying for private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water. You’re also paying for a host who can connect each location to the show with real specificity, plus help you make the day feel easy. Most stops have free admission, which cuts down on hidden ticket costs. And you get Greyjoy photo gear, including replica costumes and a metal sword, which is not something you get on many basic filming tours.

If you split the group cost across four people, the per-person price becomes much more reasonable than it looks as a single number. If you’re only two people, it’s still a solid value for a full day with private stops and no logistics headaches.

Who should book? This is ideal for:

• Game of Thrones fans who want the real filming locations without spending days planning
• People who want a photo-friendly day, especially at Ballintoy Harbour
• Groups of up to four who prefer private pacing over big bus crowds

Who might not love it? If you want a short tour, this isn’t built for that. And if anyone in your group needs a child-friendly option, the adult-only rule means you’ll have to choose another experience.

Also, timing matters. The tour is typically booked about 65 days in advance on average. If your dates are fixed, start early so you’re not hunting last-minute availability.

Should You Book This Other Ser Davos Tour?

Yes, if you want a day that feels like Westeros, but still works like real travel. You’ll get comfortable transport, private stops, mostly free admissions, and show-linked explanations that make the scenery more meaningful. The Greyjoy photo segment at Ballintoy Harbour is exactly the kind of memory-maker that justifies a private day out.

I’d think twice if you’re trying to keep the schedule light or if your group doesn’t like long driving days. This is a full commitment, about 10 to 11 hours, with a fixed flow of locations and a lunch break.

Finally, if you like the idea of learning a few show details and laughing at small moments of the day, Adrian’s style fits well. Even the people in the provided feedback who weren’t fully up to speed on Game of Thrones still enjoyed the beauty of the destinations and came away with a stronger appreciation for the series through seeing the places in person.

FAQ

How many people can join the tour?

This is a private tour for your group, with a maximum of 1 to 4 people.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The start time is 8:00 am. The duration is listed as approximately 10 to 11 hours.

Are tickets included for all stops?

Admission is listed as free for several stops. Giant’s Causeway is optional and not included. You should also note that lunch is not included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. The itinerary includes a lunch stop at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, with about 1 hour allocated.

Is the tour only for adults?

Yes. It is an adult tour, certified as 18 years and older. No children can partake.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and changes within 24 hours of the start time are not accepted.