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What is ‘set-jetting’?
If you’ve ever caught yourself searching filming locations mid-episode and adding them to your travel list, you’ve got the ‘set-jetter’ mindset.
Simply put, ‘set-jetting’ is travelling to the real places behind your favourite TV shows and movies. It’s turning what you watch into where you go. According to Expedia—who first spotted this trend in 2022—81 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials are now planning their vacations based on TV and movie film locations around the globe.
One of the most famous regions to travel to is Northern Ireland so I decided to head on a set-jetting trip to see what it has to offer.
Why Northern Ireland?
When I found out a single road trip connects you to the sets of Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, How to Train Your Dragon, Line of Duty, and more filming spots, I knew I had to check it out. The beauty of driving along the Causeway Coast with dramatic cliffs, windswept harbours, and scenery so cinematic it practically films itself, it’s no wonder it’s a popular filming region. For Canadians, it’s also an accessible destination without a language barrier or Visa requirements.
Here’s how to plan the trip and everything you need for it:
Day 1: Dublin – arrive, rest and explore
Where to stay and what to do:
Check-in at The Grafton Hotel — a 4-star property in the heart of Dublin. The space is modern and stylish with art-deco features that suit the city vibe. It is steps away from Trinity College, St. Stephens Green, Temple Bar, and more lively spots. A great place to come to after a day of walking and exploring Dublin. (Shop deals on Expedia here.)
Day 2: Head to Londonderry, Northern Ireland
What to see and do:
- Tower Museum: A must-see for any Derry Girls fan. The dedicated exhibition brings together the show’s real-life costumes, sets, and props from the series which you can’t see anywhere else.
- Walk the ancient walls and see filming locations: Derry is one of the preserved walled cities in Europe and you can head to Market Street, cross Peace Bridge and see film spots featured in Derry Girls and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.
Where to stay: Walled City Hotel—a boutique 4-star hotel in the heart of Derry surrounded by the famous walls, this was once home to a historic bank now turned into a space where history meets modern hospitality. (See hotel deals here.)
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Day 3: Explore Causeway Coast Route
What to see and do:
- Walled Garden at Glenarm Castle: A green escape at one of Ireland’s oldest walled gardens, set within the 400-year-old Glenarm Castle estate. (Filmed here: Dungeons and Dragons, Game of Thrones)
- Carrickfergus Castle: An 800-year-old Norman castle on the shores of Belfast Lough, standing since the 12th century and the views alone make it worth the stop. (Filmed here: Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Amongst Thieves)
- Crumlin Road Gaol: Northern Ireland’s only Victorian-era prison, with 150 years of history you can walk through. (Filmed here: Love Hate, The Secret, Starred Up)
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour: Walk through the actual sets, explore the costumes and props, and if you time it right, meet real-life cast members from the show.
Where to eat: Fullerton Arms—a traditional Irish pub known for its locally sourced seafood and hearty classics. Here is where you will also discover Door 6 of Game of Thrones, a carving championing House Targaryen.
Where to stay:
- Harbourview Hotel—Stay at Ireland’s first destination whiskey hotel, nestled right in the village of Carnlough on the Causeway Coast. (See hotel deals here)
- The Bedford Hotel— This is Belfast’s exciting new stay in the heart of the city. It’s a beautifully restored 1900s property with soaring ceilings, ornate stonework and vaults. (See hotel deals here.)
Day 4: Continue on Causeway Coast towards Belfast
What to see and do:
- Castle Ward: A stunning 18th-century estate— and the real-life Winterfell for Game of Thrones fans.
- Tollymore Forest Park: A beautiful forest park in the Mourne Mountains and one of the most recognisable filming locations in Northern Ireland for Game of Thrones, Dungeons and Dragons, How to Train Your Dragon and more.
Where to stay: Slieve Donard Hotel – A Victorian landmark tucked between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea. This 5-star property has a long list of celebrities who’ve stayed here and every corner has a story to tell. (See hotel deals here)
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