Can you do a Game of Thrones tour from Dublin?

Yes — Northern Ireland was the primary filming location for most of the series. Day tours from Dublin cover the Dark Hedges (Kingsroad), Castle Ward (Winterfell), and the Causeway Coast. The official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge requires a separate ticket and is about 2.5 hours. Northern Ireland uses GBP; US, Canadian and Australian passport holders need a UK ETA (£10).

Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Northern Ireland?

Key locations include: Castle Ward estate in County Down (Winterfell exterior), the Dark Hedges in County Antrim (Kingsroad), Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands), Larrybane (Stormlands), Dunluce Castle (House of the Greyjoys), the Cushendun Caves (shadow assassin scene), Murlough Bay (Flea Bottom) and the Tollymore Forest Park (wolfswood). The official Game of Thrones Studio Tour opened in Banbridge (County Down) in 2023, housed in the original Paint Hall studios.

What is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?

The official Game of Thrones Studio Tour is based in the former Paint Hall studios in Banbridge, County Down — where most of the interior scenes were filmed. It displays original costumes, props, sets (the Iron Throne), weaponry and interactive experiences. About 2–3 hours. Admission around €34. Book well in advance; it sells out regularly.

Do US visitors need a visa for Northern Ireland Game of Thrones tours?

No visa, but US, Canadian and Australian passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Apply at gov.uk/apply-for-an-eta. Cost: £10; valid 2 years. Apply before travel — usually approved within hours but do not leave it to the day of departure. EU/EEA citizens cross freely.

What currency is used at Game of Thrones filming locations?

GBP (British pounds). All Game of Thrones filming locations are in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Bring GBP or use a multi-currency card.

Is it worth doing a Game of Thrones tour from Dublin?

Yes, for fans of the series — particularly because several locations (the Dark Hedges, Castle Ward/Winterfell, Giant's Causeway/Dragonstone) are genuinely beautiful landscapes independent of the show. Non-fans will still enjoy the coastal scenery and the Studio Tour is impressive. The day is long (11–12 hours) but comprehensive.

Game of Thrones tours from Dublin 2026: filming locations, Winterfell and UK ETA

Northern Ireland as Westeros

For eight seasons, Northern Ireland’s coastline, forests and manor estates stood in for the fictional world of Westeros. The production used the region extensively from 2010 to 2019, and the filming locations have become a significant tourism draw in their own right — with or without the show. The Causeway Coast is genuinely one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe; the Dark Hedges is beautiful even without its onscreen fame; and Castle Ward’s estates would be worth visiting regardless.

The official Game of Thrones Studio Tour opened in 2023 in Banbridge, County Down, in the former Paint Hall studios where most interior scenes were filmed. It brings together original sets, costumes and props for the first time in a permanent exhibition.

Essential travel information for Northern Ireland

Currency: Northern Ireland uses GBP, not EUR. Bring British pounds or use a multi-currency card (Revolut, Wise).

Entry for US, Canadian and Australian visitors: A UK ETA is required to enter Northern Ireland. Apply at gov.uk/apply-for-an-eta. Cost: £10, valid 2 years. Apply well before travel.

EU/EEA citizens cross freely. No physical border checkpoints exist on the land border between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

The main Game of Thrones tours from Dublin

Full-day filming locations tour

The Game of Thrones Winterfell filming locations tour from Dublin is the most comprehensive one-day option from Dublin. About 11.5 hours; depart Dublin early morning, cover multiple filming locations across County Down and County Antrim, return in the evening. About €55.

This tour typically covers: Castle Ward (Winterfell), the Dark Hedges (Kingsroad), Ballintoy Harbour (Lordsport, Iron Islands), and often the Giant’s Causeway area. A full and rewarding day for fans.

The official Studio Tour with coach transfer

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour with coach transfer from Dublin combines transport from Dublin with admission to the official Studio Tour in Banbridge. About 6.5 hours total; €63 including transfer and admission. The tour focuses on the Studio Tour itself rather than the outdoor filming locations — ideal if you want the props and costumes experience specifically.

Belfast-based Winterfell tour

The Belfast Game of Thrones Winterfell locations tour departs from Belfast rather than Dublin — relevant if you are already in Belfast (perhaps on the Belfast day trip). About 8 hours; focuses specifically on the Winterfell-related locations in County Down.

Giant’s Causeway and Dark Hedges combination

Many visitors combine the Game of Thrones filming locations with the Giant’s Causeway on the same day. The Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast tour covers the Causeway Coast extensively — the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle (used as the House of the Greyjoys), and the Causeway itself. See the Giant’s Causeway day trip guide for full details.

The key filming locations

Castle Ward — Winterfell

Castle Ward estate in County Down served as the exterior of Winterfell in Seasons 1–2. The 18th-century manor house, courtyard and surrounding woodland are all recognisable from the series. Tours of the estate include archery experiences, costumes for photographs, and guided walks through the Winterfell locations. The estate is managed by the National Trust; admission charges apply separately from the filming tour.

The Dark Hedges — the Kingsroad

The Dark Hedges is a 300-metre avenue of intertwined beech trees planted in the 18th century near Armoy, County Antrim. It appeared in Season 2 as the Kingsroad, and it became the most photographed natural feature in Northern Ireland almost immediately. The trees are genuinely beautiful — best in early morning light or in autumn when the leaves turn. The avenue has lost several trees in recent storms; what remains is still striking.

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Banbridge

The official studio tour opened in April 2023 in the former Titanic Quarter Paint Hall studios, now relocated to Banbridge in County Down. It is the largest Game of Thrones exhibition ever assembled: the original Iron Throne, the complete Great Hall of Dragonstone set, character costumes worn in the show, original props (weapons, jewellery, maps) and interactive green-screen experiences.

Admission: approximately €34/£30. Allow 2–3 hours. Book well in advance — the studio tour sells out regularly, particularly at weekends and in summer.

Ballintoy Harbour — Lordsport and the Iron Islands

Ballintoy Harbour is a small working harbour on the Causeway Coast between Ballycastle and the Giant’s Causeway. It appeared as Lordsport Harbour in the Iron Islands episodes. The drive along the coast road from Ballycastle is spectacular regardless of the show connection.

Dunluce Castle — the Greyjoys’ seat

Dunluce Castle is a clifftop ruin on the Antrim coast that appears in the show as various locations, most notably the Greyjoy stronghold. Admission about £6. A 20-minute stop on most causeway tours.

Planning the day

A Game of Thrones day from Dublin is a long day (11–12 hours) covering significant ground. The most efficient approach:

Filming locations focus: Book the Winterfell filming locations tour from Dublin — covers the main outdoor sites.
Studio Tour focus: Book the coach transfer + Studio Tour — focuses on costumes and sets, less outdoor scenery.
Best of both: Travel to Belfast the night before, join the Belfast-based Winterfell tour the next morning, then take the train back to Dublin — adds overnight logistics but removes the long return drive.

For the full picture of Northern Ireland day trips, see the Belfast day trip guide and the best day trips from Dublin.

Also relevant: the Dublin Northern Ireland 3-day itinerary for visitors who want more than a single day in the north.

Frequently asked questions about Game of Thrones tours guide

Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Northern Ireland?
Key locations include: Castle Ward estate in County Down (Winterfell exterior), the Dark Hedges in County Antrim (Kingsroad), Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands), Larrybane (Stormlands), Dunluce Castle (House of the Greyjoys), the Cushendun Caves (shadow assassin scene), Murlough Bay (Flea Bottom) and the Tollymore Forest Park (wolfswood). The official Game of Thrones Studio Tour opened in Banbridge (County Down) in 2023, housed in the original Paint Hall studios.
What is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour?
The official Game of Thrones Studio Tour is based in the former Paint Hall studios in Banbridge, County Down — where most of the interior scenes were filmed. It displays original costumes, props, sets (the Iron Throne), weaponry and interactive experiences. About 2–3 hours. Admission around €34. Book well in advance; it sells out regularly.
Do US visitors need a visa for Northern Ireland Game of Thrones tours?
No visa, but US, Canadian and Australian passport holders need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Apply at gov.uk/apply-for-an-eta. Cost: £10; valid 2 years. Apply before travel — usually approved within hours but do not leave it to the day of departure. EU/EEA citizens cross freely.
What currency is used at Game of Thrones filming locations?
GBP (British pounds). All Game of Thrones filming locations are in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Bring GBP or use a multi-currency card.
Is it worth doing a Game of Thrones tour from Dublin?
Yes, for fans of the series — particularly because several locations (the Dark Hedges, Castle Ward/Winterfell, Giant's Causeway/Dragonstone) are genuinely beautiful landscapes independent of the show. Non-fans will still enjoy the coastal scenery and the Studio Tour is impressive. The day is long (11–12 hours) but comprehensive.