Being a fan of Game of Thrones or a fan of SUP, of which I am unashamedly both, can leave you feeling a little socially awkward. Admitting to either invokes a marmite type reaction at the dinner table but fortunately I don’t frequent dinner tables; I prefer the escapism of the battle for the Iron Throne or the escapism of paddling. The North Coast of Northern Ireland is where these two meet in reality: golden sand beaches and a geologically exotic coast fringed with castles and historic buildings. Throw in a vibrant pub scene and friendly, low crowd surf community and you have a legendary sup getaway.
Northern Ireland seems an unlikely setting for a hit TV show but with an airport uniquely situated in Belfast’s city centre and right beside that a film studio, the Game of Thrones crew have set up shop. The film studio is actually the former painting sheds of Harland and Wolf, the Titanic shipbuilders, but the real deal sealer for the producers was the range of period locations all within easy reach of Belfast. The North Coast is just over an hour away and apart from the famed Giant’s Causeway, most of the set locations used have hitherto been unheralded and Northern Irelandís tourism is now enjoying an unexpected boost from zealous fans keen to experience a slice of fantasy for themselves. For surf/SUP addicts the good news is that the waters are uncrowded with most surf tourism keener to explore neighbouring Ireland’s more consistent West Coast. For SUP riders who can maximise flat water exploration and smaller surf options the stage of the North Coast is open for an epic of their own making so without further ado I’ll lift the curtain for a guide on where to wield your paddle!
“ For SUP riders who can maximise flat water exploration and smaller surf options the stage of the North Coast is open for an epic of their own making ”
