Brendan's Road To Winterfell

Before you take off on your journey through Westeros to seize (or sit in) the Iron Throne, you’ll arrive in Dublin. Experience all this city has to offer on board the Dublin Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with live commentary by experienced guides. Later, visit Teelings Distillery. Experience history in real-time as you come to understand the inner workings of an operational distillery. After the tour, enjoy a cocktail at The Bang Bang Bar overlooking Dublin city.

You will rule the North today and take the Iron Throne, so get your camera ready. Follow the ravens and discover the Whispering Wood and Robb Stark’s Camp at Castle Ward, an 18th century National Trust property, where Winterfell was filmed. Meet the real-life dire wolves, explore iconic filming locations on a self-guided bike tour, dress up in character too, and try your hand at archery in the spot where Jon, Robb, and Bran show arrows in the replica Winterfell archery range.

‘Hold the door’ – it’s back to reality and onto your next stop, Belfast: which is bustling with restaurants, pubs, shops and venues heaving with personality, pride and locals eager to make you feel welcome.

Meet a Local Specialist for a living history tour which takes you through the landmarks that have played their part in the city’s colorful development. See many well-known features of the city including City Hall, Queens University, Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens and Albert Clock. Visit the impressive Titanic Museum which extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, full-scale reconstructions and interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. This evening, why not search out one of the intricately designed pub doors that depicts one of the episodes in Season 6. In 2016 two trees from The Dark Hedges, or the Kingsroad, that fell in storm Gertrude have been carved into 10 doors now dotted in different filming locations around Nothern Ireland.

You’re in the Grejoy’s land today, following Theon and Yara’s footsteps through the Iron Islands (or Giants’ Causeway & Ballintoy Harbour) and The Dark Hedges.

Stand on the shoulders of the past and sink into stories from a local specialist who channels the spirit of the seanchaí on this walking tour of the majestic Giant’s Causeway. With a backdrop of craggy castles and jutting landscapes, the Giant’s Causeway is nature at its wildest. Rumoured to be forged by a legendary giant, the Causeway has been carved into history. Walk the basalt etchings, soak in majestic views, and identify wildlife as you learn the secrets of the Causeway from a local who has grown up here. By visiting the Giants Causeway, you are supporting this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to restore the natural ecosystem around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The UNESCO World Heritage site is Ireland’s true epitome of Westeros. Stand where Theon and Yara were reunited back at the Pyke before making your way to Kingsroad, running all the way from Castle Black to King’s Landing. Kingsroad, which is known as The Dark Hedges, has become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland since its creation by the Stuart family in the 18th century.

You’ll end your day in Londonderry.

This morning, take Derry’s most famous walking tour and lap up sights including the City Walls, St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Guildhall, the Bogside and much more. Get to know Derry from the point of view of your Local Specialist and soak up its fascinating history. Discover the secrets of the Maiden City on your tour of this stunning European walled city. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience preserves local traditions, built heritage and promotes cultural vibrancy. St. Columb’s Cathedral, built in 1633, is the city’s most historic building, while the Bogside, which was at the centre of much of the Troubles, now hosts must-see murals. End your tour at the Craft Village, where you will have time to browse through the lovely craft shops. Continue to County Sligo, where you can bid farewell to W.B. Yeats, Ireland’s great poet, at quiet Drumcliff churchyard. Travel to Westport. Few towns in Ireland can match Westport’s charisma and continental flavor.

Visit 18th century Westport House, a privately owned and operated house by Jeremy Browne (The 11th Marquess of Sligo) and his family, who are direct descendants of Grace O’ Malley, the famous 16th century Pirate Queen of Connaught. Walk through Westport House’s woodland trails with the hawk periodically flying down to land on your gloved hand. Continue to Dublin’s Doorstep for your final night stay.

It’s time to say goodbye to your new friend and to Ireland, as your private chauffeur transfers you to the airport, where your vacation comes to an end.

Oh and remember, “everything’s better with some wine in the belly,” – Tyrion Lannister.