The Causeway Coastal Route is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions. Extending from Derry to Belfast, this 115-mile stretch of coastline is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives.
Best known for the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, it also features a surprising number of Game of Thrones filming locations.
From the southern most kingdom of Dorne, to the rugged Iron Islands, the Causeway Coastal Route was transformed into the world of Westeros.
Game of Thrones was filmed across Northern Ireland for all eight seasons, with filming taking place on-location across the country as well as at the Titanic Studios in Belfast. While Titanic Studios remains a working film studio and isn’t open for tours, you can still view the exterior while exploring the Glass of Thrones trail – a series of six Game of Thrones-inspired stained glass windows along the Belfast waterfront.
In this guide, you’ll find an overview of the key Game of Thrones filming locations along the Causeway Coastal Route, along with some other unmissable stops, helping you plan the perfect Game of Thrones road trip.
You can read my guide to walking the Glass of Thrones trail in Belfast here.
About this Causeway Coastal Route: Game of Thrones Guide
There a numerous Game of Thrones filming locations across Northern Ireland, some more accessible than others. This guide lists the most popular and easy to access filming locations along the Causeway Coastal Route, as well as other unmissable attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
All of these stops can be visited in one long day, alternatively, you can split them up over two days if you want to take a more relaxed approach.
To get a full list of Game of Thrones filming locations along the Causeway Coastal Route and Northern Ireland, you can download Game of Thrones Locations App.
Overview of Game of Thrones Filming Locations
- Downhill Strand – Dragonstone
- Bonus: Mussenden Temple
- Portstewart Strand – Dornish Coast
- Dunluce Castle – Pyke
- Bonus: Giant’s Causeway
- The Dark Hedges – Kingsroad
- Ballintoy Harbour – Iron Islands
- Larrybane – Stormlands
- Bonus: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Cushendun Caves – Melisandre’s Caves
- Hidden Village of Galboly – Vale of Arryn
- Carnlough Harbour – Braavos
Downhill Strand
Downhill Strand featured in Season 2, Episode 1 serving as Dragonstone. This is where we are introduced to Stannis Baratheon for the first time, younger brother of King Robert and claimant to the Iron Throne during the War of Five Kings. He is accompanied by the Red Priestess Melisandre, and former smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth.
In the scene, Stannis, under the influence of Melisandre, burns the idols of the gods of the Faith of the Seven as an offering to the Lord of Light. As Stannis draws a burning sword from the fire, Melisandre utters her famous line, “for the night is dark and full of terrors”.
Bonus: Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple forms is one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, and although it is not a Game of Thrones filming location, it is well worth a visit.
Sitting atop the clifftop overlooking Downhill Strand, Mussenden Temple forms a part of the larger Downhill Demesne complex. Managed by the National Trust, the complex features Mussenden Temple, the Downhill House, the Mausoleum, and the gardens.
You can read my complete guide to visiting Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne here.
Portstewart Strand
Portstewart Strand appears in Season 5, Episode 4, doubling as the Dornish Coast. In the episode Jaime Lannister accompanied by the sellsword Bronn, sneaks into Dorne in an attempt to rescue Princess Myrcella, who has been living with the Martells.
Jaime and Bronn are confronted by a mounted patrol of Dornish soldiers, when Bronn throws a dagger at one of the soldiers, fighting ensues on the sand dunes.
Portstewart Strand is a 2-mile stretch of sand along the Causeway Coastal Route. Parking is available on the beach and is £8.50 per car, or free for National Trust Members. Parking charges were not enforced when I visited in January 2026, although this will probably change in the summer months.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle, with a considerable amount of CGI, doubles as Pyke Castle, the seat of House Greyjoy on the Iron Islands.
Although it is barely recognisable in the series, the castle appears in Game of Thrones Season 2, when Theon Greyjoy returns to the Iron Islands seeking an alliance with his father Balon Greyjoy on behalf of the proclaimed King in the North, Robb Stark.
The ruins of the present Dunluce Castle date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
The castle ruins can be visited during the summer months (1st Mar – 31st Oct 26) from 09:30 – 17:00, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Admission to Dunluce is £6 for adults, £4 for children aged 5-17 years (free for children under 5), and £4.50 for senior citizens.
The nearby Magheracross Viewing Point offers stunning views of Dunluce Castle and the Antrim coastline and shouldn’t be missed.
Bonus: Giant’s Causeway
Although not a Game of Thrones filming location, the Giant’s Causeway is not to be missed along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Famous for it’s basalt columns overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions.
According to legend, the Giant’s Causeway was made by the giant Finn MacCool, who upon hearing of a rival giant living across the sea in Scotland built a bridge connecting the two. After destroying the bridge, the basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway, and in Fingal’s Cave on the island of Staffa, are the only proof of this legendary bridge existing.
Alternatively, and less interestingly, geologists believe the large hexagonal pillars were formed by volcanic eruptions more than 60 million years ago.
The Giant’s Causeway is free to visit, however, on-site parking is charged at £15 per car. Parking is free for National Trust members and visitors who purchase entry to the visitor’s centre.
Admission fees for the visitor’s centre which feature an exhibition, audio tours, café, and shop can be checked on the National Trust website.
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges appear in Season 2, Episode 1, serving as the Kingsroad. In the episode, Arya Stark is seen travelling alongside the likes of Yoren, Hotpie and Gendry after fleeing King’s Landing following the execution of her father, Ned Stark.
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of Beech trees planted in the 18th century. Located near the village of Armoy, slightly off the Causeway Coastal Route, it is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous attractions.
In 2016, Storm Gertrude destroyed three of the iconic trees along the Dark Hedges. The felled trees were used to create the Journey of Doors, a series of ten intricately carved wooden doors located across Northern Ireland. Each door tells the story of an episode of Game of Thrones from Season 6.
Ballintoy Harbour
Ballintoy Harbour appears in Season 2, Episode 2 serving as Lordsport in the Iron Islands. In the episode, Theon Greyjoy returns home after spending ten years at Winterfell as a ward of the Starks. It is here that he reunites with his sister Yara Greyjoy, despite not recognising her.
Ballintoy Harbour appears again in Season 2, Episode 3, serving as the location of Theon’s baptism into the religion of the Drowned God, reaffirming his loyalty to House Greyjoy and the Iron Islands.
Larrybane Quarry
Larrybane Quarry appears in Season 2, Episode 3, serving as Renly Baratheon’s camp in the Stormlands. It is here we meet some of Game of Throne’s most notable characters for the first time, including the ambitious Margaery Tyrell and the loyal Brienne of Tarth.
In the episode, Brienne of Tarth defeats the Knight of the Flowers, Ser Loras Tyrell in a tourney, earning herself a place in Renly’s Kingsguard. Meanwhile, Catelyn Stark arrives at the camp to negotiate at alliance between Renly and her son Robb Stark, the proclaimed King in the North.
Larrybane Quarry was a once a working limestone quarry, it now offers scenic views over the Antrim coast and is a popular stop for Game of Thrones fans on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Bonus: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is conveniently located a few minutes walk from Larrybane Quarry. Although the rope bridge isn’t featured on Game of Thrones, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Causeway Coastal Route trip.
Suspended 100 ft above sea level, the bridge offers stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and Antrim coastline.
A pleasant 30-minute walk takes you from the car park, over the rope bridge, and across to the island.
Historically, the island was used for salmon fishing, a practice which continued until 2002. The first rope bridge was erected by fisherman over 200 years ago.
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is free for National Trust members, alternatively, admission fees and opening times can be checked on the National Trust website.
Cushendun Caves
Cushendun Caves appear in Season 2, Episode 4, serving as the setting for one of the series most iconic scenes.
In the episode, the Red Priestess Melisandre arrives at the caves alongside Ser Davos Seaworth. She removes her clothes revealing a heavily pregnant belly, she continues to give birth to a shadow as Ser Davos looks on in horror.
Cushendun Caves are located in the small village of Cushenden on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Hidden Village of Galboly
The Hidden Village of Galboly served as the backdrop for Runestone in the Vale of Arryn during Seasons 5 and 6 of Game of Thrones.
Galboly first appears in Season 5, Episode 1, when Sansa and Littlefinger watch Robin Arryn learn to wield a sword. It appears again in Season 6, Episode 4, when Littlefinger gifts Robin Arryn a falcon on his name day.
The Hidden Village of Galboly is an abandoned village up in the hills of Antrim. Once home to around 60 people, the village is now completely deserted, with the lasted resident living there up until his death in 2013.
You can read my complete guide to visiting the Hidden Village of Galboly here.
Carnlough Harbour
Carnlough Harbour features in Season 6, Episode 7 of Game of Thrones doubling as Braavos across the Narrow Sea.
In the episode, Arya Stark who has been training at the House of Black and White in Braavos, is attacked by the Waif, after she fails to kill the actress Lady Crane. Believing she is dead, the Waif retreats, however a wounded and bleeding Arya drags herself from the water and up these steps.
Carnlough Harbour is located in the village of Carnlough. The handrail along the steps has been added at a later date, presumably due to the high number of Game of Thrones fans slipping whilst taking photos.
Final Thoughts on Game of Thrones Filming Locations on the Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route is a must-do for any Game of Thrones fans visiting Northern Ireland.
From Dorne and Dragonstone, to the Stormlands and the Iron Islands, you can travel through the Seven Kingdoms in just one day along this incredible stretch of coastline.
The Causeway Coastal Route is just one of the many Game of Thrones travel experiences to be found across Northern Ireland, making it the perfect starting point for a wider Game of Thrones-inspired trip.
Happy Travels!
You can read my guide to Game of Thrones filming locations across Europe and North Africa here.