Westeros Through Hodor’s Eyes
Never have I ever . . . you know the game. Begin the phrase and then end it with a declaration of something you've never done.
Walking around Northern Ireland with a GIANT was a first.
We first met Flip Robinson during Season 6 of Game of Thrones - but we didn't know it. We watched as The Mountain and Hodor towered over everyone on set, falling in love with the loyalty of Hodor while despising The Mountain's evolution. While immersed in the story of Westeros in what appears to be real time, viewers forget the cameras, the stand-ins, the Hollywood of it all. And when it all ended, it was impossible to believe that this world would leave us. In fact, the rugged terrain, the emerald landscape, and choppy waters rose to new heights as Northern Ireland became the destination of choice of travelers - all because of a TV series.
And that's when Giant Tours of Ireland was born.
With the influx of travelers like never before, Northern Ireland set their sights on assuring visitors that their country was much more than Jon Snow and the Lanasters. It was then that citizens decided to tell the world the realities and the history of their land.
Flip Robinson learned his craft from a very early age exploring local cliffs, bays, beaches, forests, glens and islands nearby with his parents and younger siblings. Teenage years were spent doing the same with friends. He ventured out onto the water, learning to surf and joining local sub aqua and sailing clubs, doing anything to get out into the elements. This keen interest in nature resulted in studying environmental science, developing his understanding of the amazing area’s geology and landscape formation that he is a part of.
Wildlife Warden. A Ranger. A Visitor Experience Guide at the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge. Plus a volunteer with the R.N.L.I. as an Inshore Lifeboat Helmsman and a member of Ballycastle’s Coastguard Search and Cliff Rescue Team.
And of course later, Hodor and the Mountain.
Flip created Giant Tours Ireland to showcase to the world Northern Ireland's beautiful coastline by going off the beaten track with tourists who were keen to avoid the more crowded tourism hot spots. But, when Game of Thrones® Season 6 was in the making, Flip was selected to be a stand-in actor on three episodes for the major characters of Hodor and The Mountain, on ‘Oathbreaker’ and ‘The Winds of Winter’. It's the behind-the-scenes narratives that delight and intrigue everyone almost more than the incredible emerald settings. Ask about how he got the role and his sad demise in "The Door."
As a huge fan of the HBO Hit Series, Flip developed his Game of Thrones® Private Tour to bring fans to actual locations where the iconic cast and talented crew worked to create the masterpiece which has enchanted people around the globe. This tour allows visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning places which have made Northern Ireland the ideal filming location.
If you're a GOT fanatic, this is your tour.
But, not only can you ‘hang out with Hodor’, you will also have the chance to explore the Northern Coast of Northern Ireland with a man who is passionate about his home.
Travel the Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens where visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery at the world famous Giant’s Causeway and also experience the thrill of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The dramatic Causeway Coastal Route will take your breath away. The massive cliffs, long sandy beaches, and even Scotland neighbors on a clear day. Take a lunch break in lovely Ballycastle and taste scrumptious local baked goods at Ursa Minor Bakehouse.
As with every GOT site, a placard marks the filming location with information on the scenes and actors.
Need a more extensive GOT experience? Robinson will customize a tour based upon your specific interests. Or, the Private Specialist Hang Out with Hodor GOT North Coast filming locations tour from Belfast will fit the bill. See these amazing sites:
CARNLOUGH HARBOUR: Bravos
CUSHENDUN CAVES: Stormlands. S2 Melisandre gives birth to the Shadow Demon. S8, the fight between jaime and Euron.
MURLOUGH BAY: Renly's Camp and Slavers Bay. Renley and Stannis.
FAIR HEAD CLIFFS: Dragonstone. Numerous scenes including one with jon, Daenerys and Drogon.
LUNCH
LARRYBANE QUARRY: Renly's Camp, stormlands and Old Wyk, Iron Islands
BALLINTOY HARBOUR: Lordsport and Pyke, Iron Islands. Theon returns to be met by Yara. Euron is reborn, "What is dead can never die."
THE GIANTS CAUSEWAY: Not a filming location but a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site.
THE DARK HEDGES: The Kingsroad, the beechtree lined avenue leading to The NORTH.
Traveler's Note: I will admit this fact. There is NOTHING about Ireland or Northern Ireland that I couldn't love. With each journey to the magical island, I fall deeper and deeper in love with its natural beauty and its gracious people. We toured with Robinson and Giant Tours in the winter of 2019, and the company was gracious, the scenery, inspirational. A true storyteller, Robinson marries the beauty of Northern Ireland to its cinematic gift and creates a tour that you'll talk about long after it's over. Plus, he's 6'9" tall. THAT alone is worth conversation. Go ahead. Embrace a GIANT spirit.
www.gianttoursireland.com flip@gianttoursireland.com +44 (0) 7555 665 900
TOURS ARE INDEPENDENTLY OPERATED BY Giant Tours Ireland. THEY ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED OR AFFILIATED WITH HBO OR ANYONE AFFILIATED WITH ‘GAME OF THRONES’. #embraceagiantspirit
