Cushendun
Belfast, County Antrim
Situated at the foot of Glendun, one of the nine Glens of Antrim, this small seaside hamlet is known for its pretty harbor and beachfront, as well as for its historic buildings and Cornish-style houses. In recent years, the Cushendun Caves have come to public attention after featuring in a prominent scene in Game of Thrones.
The basics
Cushendun has several short walking trails that lead through the village, along the beach, and by the river. The village is frequently visited by travelers touring the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, which winds along the coastline of Northern Ireland. Many organized day trips from Belfast stop at Cushendun and other key sights along the driving route, including Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Giant’s Causeway. Game of Thrones-themed tours also stop at the Cushendun Caves and at other filming locales in the vicinity, including the Dark Hedges, Glenariff, and Ballintoy Harbour.
Things to know before you go
- Cushendun is a must for Game of Thrones fans.
- There are cafés and toilet facilities in town.
- Parking can be found near the Corner House tearoom and at Glenmona House.
How to get there
Cushendun is situated in County Antrim on Northern Ireland’s northeast coast. Driving from Belfast along the scenic coastal route takes about 80 minutes, while driving from Giant’s Causeway takes about 45 minutes.
When to get there
The best time to visit Cushendun is in summer, when the weather is generally mild and there is less rain. However, summer is high season so you’re more likely to encounter other tourists then too. Spring, autumn, and winter are colder and wetter, but you can explore the caves without crowds and enjoy the eerie sound of the wind, rain, and crashing waves outside.
Explore Cushendun’s *Game of Thrones* Connections
East of the beach, the Cushendun Caves were formed by pounding waves and wind over 400 million years ago. The caves featured in series two of Game of Thrones, as the backdrop to where Melisandre gave birth. Back in the village itself, Mary McBride’s pub is home to one of the so-called Doors of Thrones, a series of elaborately carved wooden doors made using the wood of storm-felled trees from the Dark Hedges—another nearby Game of Thrones filming location.
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