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Step beyond the screen with Ancient East Tour Company’s Braveheart & Game of Thrones Tour, tracing Ireland’s iconic film locations and the original Westeros sets. Discover ancient castles, abbeys, and the heart of Game of Thrones magic in one epic day.
Step beyond the screen with Ancient East Tour Company’s Braveheart & Game of Thrones Tour, tracing Ireland’s iconic film locations and the original Westeros sets. Discover ancient castles, abbeys, and the heart of Game of Thrones magic in one epic day.
Book with Ancient East Tour Company
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Operated by Ancient East Tour Company · Kentstown, County Meath
The Ancient East Tour Company offers a singular journey across some of Ireland’s most evocative historical and cinematic landmarks, bridging real-world medieval strongholds with the fantasy realms of Westeros. Centered in County Meath and extending into Northern Ireland’s Co. Down, this eight-hour tour unfolds as more than sightseeing — it’s an immersion in film history set against Ireland’s rugged, storied landscape.
Starting in Dublin, guests are whisked away in private transport to Bective Abbey, a monastic ruin dating back to 1147. Here, stone walls worn by centuries frame key scenes from Mel Gibson’s Braveheart and Duel, offering a powerful sense of history as both backdrop and character. The Abbey’s decaying arches and moody grounds give passengers a tactile connection to the past.
Next, the tour continues to Trim Castle, the largest Norman fortress in Ireland and a cornerstone in Braveheart’s cinematic narrative. Walking through its massive curtain walls and battlements, travelers get a grounded understanding of medieval fortifications and the historical conflicts that inspired the film.
The tour then shifts gears with a nearly three-hour visit to The Mill Studios in Banbridge, Co. Down — a treasure trove for Game of Thrones fans. Here, original props, costumes, and sets from the landmark HBO series bring the world of Westeros vividly to life. The studio’s restaurant serves lunch, providing a chance to savor local flavors amidst this extraordinary collection.
This tour’s blend of rugged heritage sites and immersive studio experience is a rare offering in the outdoor adventure scene. It stands out by framing Ireland’s natural and architectural beauty through the lens of blockbuster storytelling, perfect for adventurers fueled by history, fantasy, and culture. With knowledgeable guides, accessible transport, and a small-group limit, Ancient East Tour Company provides an intimate, seamless experience that connects terrain and tale in unforgettable ways.
easy.
8 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels as the tour involves mostly short walks on even terrain with transport between locations.
Yes, but an adult must accompany all children to ensure safety and supervision throughout the day.
Lunch at The Mill Studios restaurant is included, but alcoholic beverages and gratuities are not.
Yes, private wheelchair accessible vehicles are available by request for up to 4 people.
No, eating is not permitted on the vehicles to maintain cleanliness.
The tour departs from Dublin and takes about 1.5 hours to reach the studio in Co. Down, with stops along the way in County Meath.
Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing, as the weather can change quickly. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on historic terrain.
Bective Abbey dates back to 1147, serving as a significant Cistercian monastery before its suppression in the 1500s.
Efforts to preserve the ruins and environment around Bective Abbey and Trim Castle ensure these sites remain accessible and protected for future generations.
Ancient East Tour Company is a Kentstown, County Meath–based tour operator specializing in curated tours of Ireland’s Boyne Valley and film locations. The company offers a portfolio of four signature experiences: the Braveheart & Game of Thrones Tour, the Whiskey & Castles Boyne Valley Tour, the Luxurious Overnight Tour of the Boyne Valley, and the Boyne Valley Day Tour. Each itinerary combines visits to historic sites such as Trim Castle and Bective Abbey with access to culturally significant attractions including the UNESCO‑listed Newgrange tomb and The Mill Studios film facility. Tours include on-site exploration of medieval castles, sacred prehistoric monuments, and modern film studios with original props and costumes on display. Culinary and beverage experiences are integrated where specified, featuring whiskey and craft beer tastings and local seafood during the Whiskey & Castles Tour and the Overnight Tour. The Luxurious Overnight Tour includes additional evening accommodation and extended site visits as part of the two-day itinerary. The company operates from Kentstown, County Meath, and focuses on showcasing the Boyne Valley’s archaeological, cinematic, and culinary highlights. Booking details, departure points, and exact inclusions are confirmed at reservation; participants should review itinerary specifics when booking. Historical and cultural content presented on tours reflects the sites visited, including Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, the Hill of Slane, Trim Castle, and Bective Abbey, as described by heritage sources and site operators. Ancient East Tour Company promotes responsible tourism within County Meath and aims to connect visitors to local heritage through curated travel experiences sustainably.
Book with Ancient East Tour Company