The next day, our trip moves onto a completely different track.
Game of Thrones (one of my favourite TV programes) is produced mostly in Northern Ireland and there’s a chance to see some of the significant places from the series.
It would also enable us to see the Antrim coast and some of the amazing countryside there.
On our way to the starting point, we pass the Europa hotel. At one time, the most bombed hotel in Europe.
We board the coach, and head off.
Our first stop, is the cave where Melisandre gives birth to the Shadow assassin.
The tour continues and we see the beautiful scenery of the Antrim coast.
Dunluce Castle, 17th century ruins used as the exterior of the House of Greyjoy.
Mull of Kintyre, only 12 miles away.
Although its not featured in Game of Thrones, the The Giants Causeway is a must see sight and we spent almost 2 hours here.
Further along, the Carrick-a- rede rope-bridge and a chance to stretch out legs.
Dark Hedge, known to every fan of GOT as the The Kings Road.
Not as romantic as it seems in the series, hundreds of people there, so many people visit it now, that they won’t allow you to drive down it now.
Back to Belfast and a quick wander around the city before dinner.
The Green/Black statue of Dr Henry Cook.
Described as an “Anti libertarian” (I don’t know what that means) is featured in front of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution.
With a whole day left, we wander over to the docks and the Titanic quarter.
One of the 2 large cranes (named Samson and Goliath) at one time, the largest cranes in the world.
H & W stands for Harland and Wolf, but the folk of Belfast say it means hello & welcome.
The dry dock they stand next to, is the largest in the world.
Titanic studios.
Located in a building which was the original paint shed, where the Titanic was painted.
This is where all the indoor scenes from game of thrones are shot.
If you enjoyed a scene in a cave or a palace, they were probably in here.
The back lot outside had an entire Wildling village.
The ugliest boat in the world
Titanic museum.
We had wanted to go and see it, but it was 20 quid.
Nikki wanted to see a museum of Naval ships and I had found a Game of Thrones exhibition, so we took leave of each other and went to these instead.
The Game of Thrones touring exhibition is set to show around the world.
Since most of the items come straight from the Belfast studio, it made sense that the TEC exhibition hall in the Titanic quarter would be its first stop.
Luckily I’m there at just the right time.
Jamie Lanister’s costume.
A re-creation of the crypt at Winterfell.
The original Hall of Faces.
A modern visual representation of the many faced god.
Recognise the guy on the top row, 2nd from the right.
The leader of the the white walkers.
On the right Arya Stark’s sword, Needle.
After such an amazing trip, we head for some food and another really friendly bar then back to the port, to get our overnight ferry back to Liverpool and straight into work for 7:30am
I can’t talk about what’s gone in Northern Ireland before, as I just don’t know enough about it.
But as a travel destination today, its one of the friendliest, most interesting and easily accessed places I can think off.