In Search of Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones – by Kag Allwood

‘A war is coming, don’t know when, but it’s coming’

“What do you mean you've never ever watched an episode of Game of Thrones?” was Alison’s amazed comment to me one afternoon whilst we sat in her office at HHHQ.

We were working out whereabouts in Ireland we would venture to for our ghost hunting trip and, being a big fan, Alison wanted to visit all the GOTs locations whilst in the country. She was absolutely gobsmacked when I told her that I hadn’t watched the show because I didn’t like the northern English accents, which was ironic as I am from the north of England (the Midlands really, but near enough). Did it change her mind about visiting these areas? Nope. I was forced to binge-watch to catch up so I could join in on the fun.

Based in areas around Belfast and the beautiful stunning Antrim coastline in Northern Ireland, it is an amazing place to visit whether you watch the show or not. There were so many lovely villages, amazing coastline and fascinating buildings to see, it is worthy of a visit.

When people think of Ireland, especially Northern Ireland, what initially springs to mind are the issues that were had there for many years, or the ‘troubles’ as the locals like to call them. It is a very different place nowadays. A fascinating, beautiful and friendly place to visit, with just a few scars showing from its past.

Even though I hadn’t seen all of GOTs, as I had a life and worked too, I had seen enough to really enjoy our time there. We had two full days of private tours, and also an afternoon at the GOTs Exhibition at the Titanic Studios in the city of Belfast itself.

The Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition

The Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition was such a great place to visit. It has so much to see from all the seasons of the hit show. There were clothing, models and even interactive photo opportunities (ideal for me and my mate). I did lose Alison several times in this massive building but unfortunately found her again.

We played at having the skin of our faces put on display on a wall with many others... still not sure what that is about. Climbing the Icewall was fun, and even gave us our Kag & Ali banner picture. The life-size skulls of the dragons were breathtaking. The biggest, you could drive a mini car through.

There is an onsite café and a number of souvenir shops, selling a large variety of goods at varying prices. Ali may have spent a little too much in there!

We could even see the tops of the buildings of the 'Kings Landing' set. Strangely they were burned out... Ali is not letting on what happens there, but I am guessing it isn't good! One of the highlights of the Exhibition was being able to sit on the Iron Throne, I believe Ali still has that as her wallpaper on her phone. Her proudest moment.

The Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition has now moved on from Belfast and is presently in Madrid (although put on hold while the coronavirus is a threat). It is being taken around the world, so definitely look out for it coming to a city near you! To keep up to date with the Touring Exhibition - Click Here

Our Game of Thrones Tours

On the private tours we did, we played with the Dire Wolfs (if you don’t know what they are, watch the show), were taught how to use bows and arrows, fought with swords and acted out scenes, all unsuccessfully but with copious amounts of laughter. Practically every major spot on the show that was filmed in Northern Ireland was visited by us and, at times, we rein-acted the shoot too. What a laugh we had and many memories made. We did it all whilst speaking in northern accents too. Well, when in Rome ….

When it comes to Game of Thrones tours, there are a number of different tour groups you can go with, including those that specialise in taking large groups as well as small private ones. Many tours tend to be all day, due to the distance between the locations and the time spent at each spot discussing the event, taking photos etc.

GOTs Direwolf Tours

Our two private tours couldn’t have been more different. Both great fun and informative, both with breathtaking, different locations. In the GOTs Direwolf Tour, we were picked up from our hotel and taken around in minibus by a lovely young lady and a very friendly driver. Care and time were taken to make sure we were comfortable and to take us to the exact spots and show us actual footage of the scene. This was great for me as most of the time I didn't have a clue where I was, as I was not that far into the series lol. They even found us a great restaurant where we all sat together and had a lovely meal. The bus was clean, if maybe a bit high for short people like myself and Alison. The highlights were standing on the cliff where the dragons took off in the show and definitely the Dark Hedges, the group of weirdly shaped trees that were used as 'Kings Road' which Arya escaped down in the second season. The staff couldn't have been friendlier and more helpful, and it was an awesome day out. Dress up is optional on this one which, of course, we did for part of the trip. A private tour will pick up from the hotel. Public tours have meeting points. Allow all day for these tours Wear sensible walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing For details on the Direwolf Tours and what they have on offer - Click Here

Game of Thrones Winterfell Tours

The next private tour was, I have to say, our favourite. This was with Winterfell Tours. Even though we had to meet up at the venue and were not collected from our hotel, it was so worth it. It was a lot more interactive, where we got to try our hand at several different things and this definitely appealed to us more. We arrived at Old Castle Ward, which became Winterfell for the show, and were met by our host for the day who was also an extra on the show! What was the first thing we had to do? Dress up as though we were from Game of Thrones. OMG, how cool was that. Now I was hooked!

Alison got to wear the actual top that was made for one of the characters from the show, you should have seen her face! Don’t ask me the character’s name, it was the one who was pushed out of the window early on in the series. [Alison here - Bran the Cripple, Kag... sighs!]

We were then taken to an actual archery point which also appeared in the series (again, don’t ask me where about in Game of Thrones it’s featured), and given a lesson on how to use a bow and arrow. Alison did really well, but fortunately has no proof of this, as her phone with all the footage and photos on, was stolen. We even played some competitive games, along with some great photo opportunities.

The Range Rover was so cool to be driven in, very comfy indeed. Not only were we taken to Game of Thrones sites, having the story explained and seeing photos or video clips, but also had the opportunity to re-enact that scene. Having a sword fight with Alison was epic [recreated in the video below].

Lunch was at a sandwich bar which, even though it sounds fairly crap, was yummy.

We played and had photos with the Dire Wolves which, if you know what they are or not, is great fun. The size of these beasts is amazing, although maybe not quite as big as in the show!

At the end of the long day, we were given a bottle of Game of Thrones beer to take home. An absolutely fantastic day.

Would we recommend Northern Ireland for a future trip? Hell yes! It’s a fantastic place to be and so much to see. It has the most breathtaking coastline we have ever seen. If you’re into Game of Thrones, then do a tour. If you aren’t a Game of Thrones fan but are travelling with someone that is, don't worry as you will still get a lot out of it.

Depending on the tour you choose you will have to meet on the site. Allow all day for these tours Wear sensible walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing You can visit Castle Ward and purchase activities such as archery and axe throwing separately with Winterfell Tours.

For details on the Winterfell Tours and what they have on offer - Click Here

Video of our Trip and Review