GOT Weekend in Ireland - part 2
Having explored the main attractions in Belfast and met some wonderful people along the way, we continued our Ireland adventure with the Game of Thrones day tour
For those people who have never watched an episode of Game of Thrones, the story is about a group of families/houses who fight for the Iron throne while there are dragons, magic and creatures that rise from the dead.
Game of Thones Tour
Game of Thrones was filmed in around 25 locations in Northern Ireland. On the Game of Thrones tour, we visited some of the locations along the Causeway Coastal Route. We also stopped at the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. Most of the tour guides have been extras or a part of the show so you can get some insider information about the locations. Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan, the tours provide lots of information on the history of Ireland, the myths and folklores so it is a good way to see and hear more of the country.
Carnlough
Located on the County Antrim Coast, this small, picturesque harbour village is a popular place for sea angling. The harbour was built by local landowner Phil Gibbons and then extended by the Marchioness of Londonderry. Another interesting fact is The Londonderry Arms hotel in Carnlough built in 1847 was owned by Sir Winston Churchill.
GOT Ref: After jumping off the bridge to escape the Waif, Arya crawls up these stony steps into Braavos (Season 6).
Cushendun Caves
Cushendun is charming, coastal village with a sheltered harbour and beach surrounded by hills, making it a great place for walking trails. The caves were formed over 400 million years ago by extreme weather conditions. The scenery and caves were impressive. There is a statue of Johann the goat, who lived in the harbour area. He would graze on the river bank and greet visitors to the village. He was the last animal culled here in the foot & mouth outbreak in 2001 and the statue remains as a memorial to the farmers who lost their livestock to the disease. Today, you might see another goat grazing on the river banks, continuing the tradition.
GOT Ref: The caves where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow creature. (Season 2)
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A National Trust site, the rope bridge near Ballintoy links the main island to Carrick-a-Rede.
The bridge was erected by fisherman to access the small island, as it was the best spot for catching salmon. If you are brave enough to cross the bridge, there are great views of the coastline and you can see Scotland in the distance. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance as it can get busy and the rope bridge is weather permitting. The walk from the car park is approx. 15 minutes and there are sections were it is rocky, uneven ground and steps to reach the rope bridge.
GOT Ref: The lower/overspill car park was also a Game of Thrones location where Lord Renly swears to Lady Stark that he will avenge Ned Stark.
The Giant's Causeway
A National Trust and a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Giant's Causeway consists of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Science tells us The Giant's Causeway was formed by a volcanic eruption, however according to legend, The Giant's Causeway was built by two giants; Finn McCool of County Antrim and Benandonner of Scotland. The pair were constantly arguing and one day Finn McCool decided to build a path to cross the sea and challenge Benandonner. However Benandonner was larger than he had expected and Finn retreated, only to be followed by Benandonner. Finn was saved by his clever wife who had disguised him as a baby. When Benandonner saw the size of the baby, he imagined the father must be even bigger. He ran back to Scotland and destroyed the causeway in the process.
Dunluce Castle
An impressive medieval castle ruin on the edge of the cliffs at Portrush. The Castle was built in the 1200's by the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Richard de Burgh. We had stopped by the side of the road to take photographs.
GOT Ref: House Greyjoy
The Dark Hedges
These beech trees were planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors as they approached Gracehill House
GOT Ref: The scene where Ayra and Gendry escape Kings Landing. (Season 2)
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