A stained-glass scavenger hunt is exactly what you want. This Glass of Thrones Walking Trail turns Belfast into a real-world Game of Thrones map, built around six huge windows and a guide with behind-the-scenes stories. I love that it’s small-group/private and stays relaxed, so you can ask questions without feeling rushed. I also love getting up close to the windows instead of only seeing them from a distance. The main drawback is that it’s still a walk, so if the weather is rough, plan for layers and slower pacing.

This tour runs about 2 hours and uses a mobile ticket, which makes start time straightforward. The guide, including Andrew McClay (who appeared as an extra in the series), brings the show’s production details to life while you follow the route from the dock area to the city side. One thing to consider: you’ll get the best experience if you’re happy spending part of your day looking closely and listening to stories, not just snapping photos and moving on.

Key things I’d prioritize before you go

• Six giant stained-glass windows you can see up close as you walk Belfast’s waterfront corridor
• A set-experienced guide (Andrew McClay) who can talk through how the show’s world was shaped
• Private, up-to-15 grouping that keeps the vibe personal without waiting on strangers
• Close stop-by-stop pacing, with the first window visit clocked at about 10 minutes
• A simple route structure from AC Hotel Belfast to HMS Caroline, ending with the final window

Glass of Thrones Walking Trail: What You’re Actually Doing

You’re not just visiting a few themed photo spots. You’re doing a guided, stop-by-stop walk designed around the six Glass of Thrones stained-glass windows in Belfast.

The big appeal is the combo: art you can see clearly plus someone who can explain what you’re looking at. The windows are the headline, but the guide’s stories are what keep it from turning into a quick self-guided stroll. And since it’s set up as a private activity for your group (up to 15), the conversation stays easy—especially if you’re the type who likes asking follow-up questions.

This is also one of those experiences that works even if you’re not a die-hard superfan. Even if you only know the broad strokes, you can enjoy the craftsmanship and the way each window links to a key part of the show’s world.

Where the Trail Starts and Ends: AC Hotel Belfast to HMS Caroline

The tour has a clear start and finish, which matters on city walks. You begin at:

• AC Hotel Belfast Donegall Quay, Belfast BT1 3FE (start time 10:00 am)
• You end at HMS Caroline, Alexandra Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, where the last window is located

That end point is a nice practical touch. You’re not stuck marching back the same way at the end. You finish at HMS Caroline, and you’re already in a dockside area where it’s easy to keep exploring on foot or by public transport.

You’ll also find it convenient that the meeting areas are near public transportation. In a city where walking routes can feel confusing, having the “start here, end here” setup helps you keep your energy for the windows themselves.

Meeting a Guide Who Was on the Series: Andrew McClay’s Value

The tour is led by a guide who was an extra on the series, and that “insider” piece is where this walk gains real weight.

In the experiences I read through, the guide isn’t just reciting facts. Andrew McClay is described as engaging and question-friendly, with an easygoing style that makes the time go quickly. One review also mentioned that he shares stories drawn from experiences like conventions, which adds another layer beyond the windows themselves.

Here’s what you should expect from that kind of guide, in practical terms:

• You’ll get context for why certain scenes and themes were chosen for the windows.
• You’ll hear behind-the-scenes details tied to the show’s production, not just trivia.
• You’ll have time to ask questions and get direct answers, not a rushed lecture format.

If you love the show, this is the difference between seeing stained glass and understanding how the show’s world gets translated into Belfast’s buildings.

Stop-by-Stop: Finding the Six Glass of Thrones Windows

The whole trail is built around six large stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the world of Westeros. The route is designed so you can follow along smoothly instead of hunting on your own.

Stop 1: The House Stark window at AC Hotel Belfast

Your first stop is the House Stark stained-glass window at the AC Hotel by Marriott. The scheduled visit here is about 10 minutes, and the viewing is included in the experience setup (admission for this window is listed as free).

This is a smart first stop. Stark windows give you an immediate anchor for the rest of the trail. Once you see how the House is represented in stained glass, the later windows make more sense—because you’re not just looking at art panels, you’re starting to recognize patterns in the design choices and the storytelling style.

Stop 2 through Stop 5: The rest of the six-window trail

After the Stark window, you’ll continue walking to the remaining windows. The key thing to understand is that each window represents a different element of the show—major houses or legacies tied to the story.

From what I could pull together from the tour descriptions and the notes shared, the set includes iconic house references such as Starks and Lannisters. The exact details for every window aren’t listed in the basics, but you can still count on variety: each stop is a different stained-glass scene, so you’ll get a different visual mood at nearly every turn.

For you, that means:

• You’ll get repeated close-up time with the glass and framing.
• You’ll be able to compare how themes are expressed through color and imagery.
• You won’t feel stuck with one window for the entire walk.

Final Stop: The last window at HMS Caroline

The trail ends at HMS Caroline, where the final window is located. One of the practical benefits of finishing here is that dusk can make the glass feel even more dramatic, since stained glass tends to look best when you can contrast it against daylight and the changing light around it.

If you’re timing your day well, arriving with a camera charged (and your phone battery not near empty) is worth it, since you’ll want crisp shots when you’re finally at the end of the route.

How the Timing Works (and What Pace Feels Like)

This is a 2 hours (approx.) walking tour. That time window is ideal for most visitors: you get a real experience, but you’re not committing a full afternoon.

The walk is also designed with short, guided stop moments. You get time at the windows for close viewing and questions. Since Stop 1 is listed at about 10 minutes, you can expect the rest of the stops to work in a similar “watch, listen, ask, move” pattern—without turning into long, slow museum-style time.

What I’d do to make it feel easy:

• Wear comfortable shoes. You’re walking between windows, and Belfast weather can shift quickly.
• Keep your questions ready. The tour format gives you time to ask, so have one or two thoughts you want answered.
• Bring a light layer even if it looks mild when you leave. Cold and weather changes came up in the guide feedback I saw.

Price and Value: $110.20 Per Group Up to 15

The price is $110.20 per group (up to 15 people), and that matters more than it sounds, because it’s not per person.

So the value changes based on your group size:

• If you’re traveling with a small group or family, you’re paying for a guided experience without sacrificing too much comfort.
• If you’re a larger group within the cap, your cost per person drops compared with tours priced per seat.

Also consider what’s included in the value: a guide with real production connection, a guided route that saves you from navigating the city on your own, and close-up access to each of the six windows.

There’s also a small but real cost-saver baked in. The first window stop lists admission as ticket free, which signals that you’re paying for the guidance and the walking trail structure rather than paying again at each site.

In plain terms: if you want story + art + an easy route, this price feels fair for Belfast.

Best For: Who Will Enjoy This Walk Most

This experience tends to click for three kinds of visitors.

Game of Thrones fans

You’ll get the most from the guide’s behind-the-scenes context and the specific house/legacy references in the stained glass. It’s the kind of walking tour that makes you see the show differently for a while.

People who like great visual detail

Even if you’re not chasing plot points, stained glass rewards attention. You’ll be close enough to actually appreciate the craftsmanship and the imagery.

Small groups who want less hassle

The biggest practical win is avoiding the mental load of figuring out how to link six windows efficiently. You follow your guide, you get a clear start and finish, and you spend your time looking—not searching.

If you’re the type who hates walking routes or prefers purely indoor activities, this might feel like a lot. But if you’re okay with a steady stroll, it’s a very satisfying way to spend two hours in Belfast.

Weather, Timing, and Practical Tips That Matter

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That rule is important because the experience is fundamentally outdoors, even though the main focus is the windows.

A few practical habits help a lot:

• Check the day’s weather before you go. If rain or wind shows up, stained glass won’t be the problem—you’ll feel it in your comfort.
• Bring a fully charged phone for the mobile ticket.
• Layer up. The guide feedback includes mention of cold and snow on at least one run, so plan like Belfast weather can surprise you.

Finally, don’t overpack. You’ll want your hands free for photos and for keeping pace with the group.

Should You Book the Glass of Thrones Walking Trail?

I’d book it if you want a Belfast walk that has structure, story, and close-up payoff. The standout reasons are the set-experienced guide and the chance to actually see the six stained-glass windows up close, instead of treating it like a quick checklist.

Skip it if you want an all-indoor experience or you’re not interested in the show’s themes at all. The windows are visually impressive, but the tour’s whole reason for existing is the connection to Game of Thrones storytelling.

If you’re traveling with friends or family and you like tours that stay flexible for questions, this one fits nicely. It’s exactly the kind of themed experience that feels thoughtful rather than rushed.

FAQ

How long is the Glass of Thrones Walking Trail?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

It’s priced at $110.20 per group, with a group size of up to 15.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at AC Hotel Belfast Donegall Quay, Belfast BT1 3FE and ends at HMS Caroline, Alexandra Dock, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How do I get the tickets?

You’ll receive a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received at booking time.

Are there six windows on the route?

Yes, the trail focuses on six Glass of Thrones stained-glass windows.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Is the tour wheelchair-friendly or can most people participate?

It’s stated that most travelers can participate, and the tour is not marked as limited by the basic details provided.

Does this tour require good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.