Ireland – Game of Thrones
Trip Summary The northern half of the island of Ireland is a stunning place to visit. Lonely Planet has listed Belfast and the Causeway Coast as the top region in the world to see in 2018. Beautiful cities and towns are surrounded by easily accessible mountains, lakes and coastline. The HBO series, Game of Thrones, has been the most successful television series in history. The vast majority of the series has been filmed in Northern Ireland. Everyone who lives in NI knows at least one extra from the series! The spectacular Kings Road, aka The Dark Hedges is a stunning tree lined rural road home to 90 of an original 250 beech trees that were planted in the 1700's. Two of these magnificent trees came down in a storm three years ago. Wood from the trees were carved to showcase numerous aspects of the TV series and today Game of Thrones fans (Throners) can pick up a stamp on their 'doors' passport at 10 pubs and hotels close to numerous filming locations. The stamping makes for a terrific theme for any Thrones fan.
On this tour we mix visits to the iconic set locations with world class hiking and plenty of immersion into the history and culture of Northern Ireland. Join your guide who has lived all her life in Belfast and the surrounding area as she gives you the local’s view of this mystical region.
Itinerary Day 1: Dublin / Downpatrick / Winterfell / Newcastle Pick up at Dublin airport and head north to Westeros • Enjoy a lunch in the town of Downpatrick (where St Patrick is buried) and then go to the first Game of Thrones filming location: Winterfell • Fully immerse with the theme by enjoying the archery experience at the original set • Late in the afternoon we go on a short 'pub crawl' to both the Cuan and The Fiddler's Green, getting a ferry across Strangford Lough to visit both pubs • The pub crawl marks the beginning of our Game of Thrones 'door passport' collection where we will pick up stamps for doors number one and two • We then head to Newcastle to collect a further stamp at the Percy French pub (number 3) before checking into our hotel, the Enniskeen House Hotel, which is located at the foot of the Mourne mountains • Tonight, we will dine together in our hotel’s restaurant and discuss the wonderful week’s adventure ahead • Overnight Enniskeen Country House Hotel (L, D)
Day 2: Newcastle / Mourne Mountains / Belfast Boots on for a mountain hike in the Mournes • At just 7 square miles but with more than 12 peaks higher than 1,800ft, this compact mountain range provides stunning viewpoints with relatively easy mountain hiking • Following a popular linear route through the mountains and passing the award winning “Brandy Pad”, your route is 7 miles and traverses the Mournes from the coast to Trassey, an old smuggling route from the 18th and 19th centuries • The walking route is not particularly challenging yet provides majestic views and provides a hike right through the heart of the mountains • Lunch will be enjoyed on the mountain making the most of your time in this majestic location • After the hike enjoy a 45 minute drive into central Belfast to stay in the buzzing Cathedral Quarter at the Ramada Encore Hotel • Enjoy dinner in one of the city’s great restaurants with time to enjoy the nightlife Belfast is famous for • Overnight at Ramada Encore Belfast (B, L, D)
Day 3: Belfast Home to just over half a million people Belfast has completely reinvented itself in recent decades • Today it tells a proud story of its industrial past and peace-building transformation • Enjoy a private guided tour of the city to include the famous international wall of murals, the peace walls, the City Hall, Queen's University 1 The toughest part is going home.SM
Ireland – Game of Thrones
and the Titanic Quarter • Enjoy a lunch at Cast and Crew, named for its proximity to Titanic Studios where the vast majority of the interior shots for the Game of Thrones have been filmed! • After lunch enjoy the 'Best Tour Attraction in the World' according to the World Travel Market in 2016 • The Titanic Belfast experience is a self-guided, 9 gallery, interactive exhibit of the entire story of the famous liner • End the afternoon with a short walking tour of the old 'entries' and alleyways of the old part of the city finishing with a pint at the Dark Horse in the heart of the thriving Cathedral Quarter and a photo opportunity of door number 10 • Dine in the popular 'Made In Belfast' restaurant near both the hotel and the popular pubs of the Cathedral Quarter including The Duke of York and the Dirty Onion • Live music and atmosphere will be in abundance • Overnight at Ramada Encore Belfast (B, L, D)
Day 4: Antrim Coast / Ballymoney Today is crammed with filming locations • Depart Belfast and head north for the stunningly beautiful and world famous Antrim Coast (Causeway Coastal Route) • A photo stop at Carrickfergus Castle built in 1177 starts the stunning coast drive • Visit the Ballygalley hotel for a cup of tea/coffee • The Castle is the oldest, continuously inhabited castle in Ireland and dates back to 1625 • It has a ghost (allegedly) and a Game of Thrones door... number 9! • Visit Glenariff for a very short walk to see a beautiful waterfall before continuing to see an abundance of filming locations including The Stormlands (aka Cushendun Caves) where we will enjoy lunch in one of the smallest pubs in Ireland which is also home to door number 8 • We head up to Carrick A Rede rope bridge • Once used by fishermen, this fun and very scenic bridge is a 'must see' item on any vacation to the north of Ireland • We will also visit Larrybane and then Fullerton Arms for another door stamp and maybe a pint! • Finally, we head to the Kings Road, (aka the Dark Hedges) where the original wood for the doors came from two storm felled trees • Collect a door stamp and photo of door number 7 nearby at Gracehill House where we will also stay for the next two nights • This hotel is within a very short walking distance of the magnificent Kings Road • Dine at Gracehill House • Overnight at Gracehill House (B, L, D)
Day 5: Murlough Bay / Fairhead / Ballymoney Today we enjoy one of the north's best kept walking secrets by hiking for 8 miles around the cliff tops of Murlough Bay and Fair Head • The route also encompasses yet another stunning filming location • We will enjoy views of nearby Rathlin island and views over to Scotland • The end of the walk takes us past an old and very traditional 'Clachan' of houses, the likes of which are hard to find anywhere in Ireland today • Dine at the Central Bar in the town of Ballycastle • Overnight at Gracehill House (B, L, D)
Day 6: Causeway Coast / Giant’s Causeway / Portrush Another fantastic walk today along the Causeway Coast Way • The crowds come in their thousands to see the sights and enjoy this beautiful drive • By putting your hiking boots on you will get the rare opportunity to see this famous stretch of coast in its best light and far away from the other visitors • This is a coastal hike worth flying across the world for! • The full hike is 11 miles and goes from the rope bridge all the way over to the Giant's Causeway visitor center • The hike includes the breathtaking Ballintoy Harbour (featured in Game of Thrones), White Park Bay, Dunseverick Harbour and castle ruin and then a cliff path view to rival most cliff views in Europe • The hike ends at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant's Causeway - 40,000 honey-combed shaped basalt rock columns • They are an utter wonder to behold • After the hike we will pop in to the pub at Bushmills Whiskey distillery for a wee dram or two • Bushmills is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world and dates from 1608 • Dine in the award winning and famous Harry's Shack on Portstewart Strand • Overnight at Portrush Atlantic Hotel (B, L, D)
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Ireland – Game of Thrones
Day 7: Limavady / Enniskillen / Newgrange / Drogheda Today we travel South but not before collecting the last of the 10 door stamps for our Game of Thrones Door passports • We initially head west to Limavady for a door stamp and photo in Owen's bar before heading south to the beautiful town of Enniskillen for lunch and the final door stamp • In the afternoon we drive to Newgrange and enjoy a magnificent tour at the ancient burial chamber, which is older than the Egyptian pyramids! • Finally we head to the town of Drogheda and stay and dine at Scholars for the final night and if you have energy enjoy a final night in the vibrant town of Drogheda • Overnight at Scholars Townhouse Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8: Dublin Departure Following another delicious breakfast, your guide will transfer the group to the airport for your homeward flights • End of Services (B)
*This trip is operated in partnership with Ireland Walk Hike Bike.
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures and Ireland Walk Hike Bike.
Our Partner – Ireland Walk Hike Bike Austin Adventures is proudly offering this trip in conjunction with Ireland Walk Hike Bike. Ireland Walk Hike Bike (formerly Southwest Walks Ireland) was started in 1994 by Linda Woods. The company came about as a realization of a dream – Linda wanted to show people “the real Ireland” the way it should be seen – slowly, intimately and knowledgeably. Twenty years later, Ireland WHB’s terrific office personnel and outstanding guides all share the same philosophy – “to take people into those hidden parts of Ireland that few know about and give people a real “taste and flavor” of Ireland the way we know it”. With the many changes & challenges that everyone all over the world have to face daily, everyone at Ireland Walk Hike Bike remain committed to share their love and fascination for Ireland – its history, culture, diversity & humor.
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Ireland – Game of Thrones
Activities
Hiking: Easy to moderately strenuous hikes ranging from 7 to 11 miles with some elevation gain/loss.
Walking: Easy guided walks to learn more about the towns you’re passing through and Game of Thrones filming locations.
Discovery: Home to more Seven Kingdoms locations than anywhere else in the world, Northern Ireland has truly earned its title as Game of Thrones Territory! On this tour, you’ll combine visits of iconic Game of Thrones set locations with world class hiking and deep exploration of Northern Ireland as you move from town to town to collect your specialized ‘doors’ passport stamps. What do we speak of when we mention these wooden ‘doors’? In January 2016, the Game of Thrones filming location known as the Dark Hedges was battered by Storm Gertrude. The wood from the two enormous beech trees that fell that day were carved into ten intricately-designed pub doors, each one telling the story of an episode of season 6. You’ll check off all ten doors on this tour as you visit the pubs, cafes and inns that house them. Each of these buildings is set near iconic filming locations, so if you come across one of these elaborate wooden doors, you know you’re in Game of Thrones country!
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
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Ireland – Game of Thrones
Distinctive Accommodation Night 1: Enniskeen Country House Hotel Enniskeen Country House Hotel is a family-run, mountainside hideaway resting in the lush Shimna Valley just outside Newcastle, Co. Down. Here you can explore the hotel’s stunning 12-acre estate and winding woodland trail down to the Shimna River, enjoy the striking views over Northern Ireland’s highest mountain Slieve Donard and the Irish Sea, or spot wildlife roaming the gardens. Accommodation comprises of 12 traditionally furnished rooms, many with striking mountain and sea views; views that were an inspiration to C.S. Lewis when he wrote the 'Chronicles of Narnia'. Drift off to sleep knowing the only sound likely to awaken you is that of morning birdsong.
Nights 2 & 3: Ramada Encore Belfast City Centre Hotel If you seek a hotel in the center of Belfast, the Ramada Encore is the perfect location, situated in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. This three-star hotel overlooks St Anne’s Square with the most popular bars and restaurants in the city on the doorstep including The Duke of York, The Harp Bar, The Dirty Onion and The John Hewitt. All 165 bedrooms are bright, contemporary and stylish in design with the modern amenities you require for a pleasant stay in Belfast.
Nights 4 & 5: Gracehill House Gracehill House was built in 1775 by James Stuart and he then named it after his wife, Grace Lynd. The family planted an avenue of over 150 beech trees along the entrance to the Georgian estate. It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached Gracehill House. Today this unique, tranquil and spellbinding tunnel of ancient beech trees stretches along the Bregagh Road, intertwining and entangling to create a spectacular fusion of light and shadow. The compelling landscape feature to the Georgian mansion is no longer part of the estate but is known as the world famous ‘Dark Hedges’. It is one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland and made its big debut in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Night 6: Portrush Atlantic Hotel Portrush Atlantic Hotel is situated in the center of the town of Portrush overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From this centrally-located hotel, you will discover excellent restaurants and pubs and the vibrant nightlife of this seaside destination. Northern Ireland features many stunning locations with rugged coastlines, historic castles and breathtaking scenery – all within short driving distance from The Portrush Atlantic Hotel, a perfect base for a Game of Thrones holiday.
Night 7: Scholars Townhouse Hotel This Late Victorian building was renovated by the McGowan family in 2005 who have transformed the magnificent building into a 16 bedroom boutique hotel. Scholars Townhouse is currently the only family-owned hotel in the region and is renowned for its excellence in hospitality and customer service. All luxurious, comfortable bedrooms are furnished to the standards of a modern hotel room. Originally built in 1867 the building is a protected structure and you have to admire the old world charm that the rooms have kept through their renovation.
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Ireland – Game of Thrones
Arrival & Departures Your journey into Game of Thrones territory begins with an afternoon pick-up at Dublin Airport on Day 1 of your itinerary. On Day 8, you will be transferred back to Dublin approximately three hours prior to departure time.
Trip Price From $3,998 Single Supplement: $580
Trip Length 8 days / 7 nights
2018 Dates July 1 - 8
Host City Dublin, Ireland Airport Code: DUB
Reservations & Availability
1-800-575-1540
Follow the stories of the Seven Kingdoms, in Game of Thrones Territory
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Ireland – Game of Thrones
Trip Reservations
Reservations, Deposits and Balances Due To make a reservation, contact Austin Adventures with your choice of trip and dates. A $750 per person deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Some Custom and International programs may require additional deposits. Full payment is required at the time of booking if your trip departs within 90 days. Choose one of the following contact methods: Toll free: 800-575-1540 Phone: 406-655-4591 Online: austinadventures.com Email: [email protected] Mail: Austin Adventures, P.O. Box 81025, Billings, MT 59108 * You may also book your Austin Adventure with your preferred travel professional. ** We accept most major credit cards and personal checks (U.S. funds made payable to Austin Adventures). Please do not send cash.
Included in the Trip Price • Double occupancy rooms with private baths. • All meals as listed in daily detailed itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners. • Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained. • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip. • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service. • Pre -departure and packing information.
• Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities
and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides. • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities. • Pre -and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses. • Air and land transportation to/from host cities. • All types of personal insurance. • Personal expenses.
Pre-departure Information After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
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Ireland – Game of Thrones
Private Custom Trips Maybe your vacation schedule doesn’t fit our list of trips and dates. Or perhaps you’d prefer a slightly different itinerary or level of luxury and activity. A Custom Adventure is the perfect answer. You pick the date and destination and brief us on the size of your group, what activities you want, your “must haves” and just how you like to relax and unwind. No detail is too small, no idea too outrageous. Our staff of experts will help create a tailor-made vacation that’s just right for you and your group. In short, if you can dream it, we can make it happen.
Room Occupancy, Single Supplements, and Shared Room Assignments All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional charge, referred to as a “single supplement.” If you’re traveling alone and wish to share a room, make the request at the time of booking. Austin Adventures will attempt to find a suitable roommate for you. If you book 90 days before the trip and we cannot find you a suitable roommate, we will take care of the single supplement. *some restrictions may apply
Minimum Age The minimum age on our non-family designated adult and teen adventures is sixteen years old.
Cancellations and Refunds The following cancellation policies and cancellation fees are in effect: ***As with deposits on some international and custom programs, refund schedule may vary, speak with your Adventure Consultant for details. Cancellation 91 days or more before trip departure – Full trip payment refunded less a $300 per person administration fee Cancellation 61-90 days before trip departure – Full trip payment less 25% per person is refunded Cancellation 31-60 days before trip departure – 50% of the trip payment is refunded Cancellation 0-30 days before trip departure – No refund is given
Our Guarantee
Exceeding your expectations is our number one priority. In the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied with something during your trip, immediately notify your guide(s). If he or she is unable to resolve the issue, call our main office and give us the details of the problem, and a chance to correct it. We will do our best to find a resolution. If we are unable to do so during your trip, we will work with you upon your return home to arrive at a fair and equitable solution, including up to a full refund.
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