IT is the land where they say what is dead may never die - a motto which buoyed us greatly as we began our approach into Lordsport.

A safe journey across the Narrow Sea had brought us into the small bay on Pyke, the capital of the Iron Islands. As the sun broke through the clouds, the moment of serenity as we stepped on to the dock was shattered by a cacophony of noise coming from our right. Wave upon wave crashed against Pyke's jagged coast line, the unmistakeable splintered rocks which characterise these lands in Westeros piercing through the relentless water. The waves rose 20 feet high to meet us, only falling short of the pier as we stood watching safely behind its outer wall.

As we ventured further down the bay, making our way through those around us on a similar pilgrimage, we glimpsed the site of Theon Greyjoy's baptism just yards away. Understated yet unmistakable, the sodden footprints left in the grey sand let us know that we were almost there. Looking around us as the wind swirled forcefully from feet to face, the land of "what is dead may never die" was more alive to us than ever.

While the above may sound like somewhere listed between Fawlty Towers and Netherlands' mountain ranges as the worst holiday destinations on Trip Advisor, for two fanatical fans of a certain hit television series, nothing could be further from the truth.

Readers may be familiar with the scene above as one of the main settings for HBO's record-breaking show Game Of Thrones, the most popular fantasy drama ever produced. What many don't know, however, is that when it is not Lordsport on Pyke, one of the seven Iron Islands, it is in fact Ballintoy Harbour on the uppermost coast of Northern Ireland.

Known to the locals as "the home of Thrones", the land across the Irish Sea has a strong claim to the title it proudly boasts. Since George RR Martin's bestselling books were first recreated on the small screen back in April 2011, Northern Ireland has been the setting for most of the show's filming. With all the indoor scenes shot in Titanic Studios in Belfast, over 80 per cent of Game of Thrones is filmed there.

However, it was exploring the corners of the Seven Kingdoms that had us pack up the car for the hour-and-a-half drive from Glasgow to Cairnryan. Booked on to the 7.30am ferry, we swiftly checked in at the port just outside of Stranraer before boarding our Stena Line Superfast VII ferry. Now, the very word "ferry" generally fills me with dread and conjures up images of some rickety old tug bobbing about violently in a nightmare resembling the final scene of the Wolf Of Wall Street. To my relief, however, the vessel was more akin to a small cruise liner. During a smooth crossing of little over two hours, we enjoyed some of the many on-board facilities, which include include a cinema, Nordic spa, games centre and several lounges.

Arriving in Belfast, we were greeted by our personal tour guide, Derek, whose genuine love for Thrones was apparent.

Driving out of Belfast, we chatted feverishly about not only the series but Northern Irish history as we headed for the first stop in our Game Of Thrones location tour. Dropping out of the busy city streets we headed for the Causeway coastal route, a long and winding stretch of road that bends and contours along Northern Ireland's stunning coast line.

Eventually the long and winding road reached the Cushendun Caves, known to fans of the show as The Stormlands. We pitched up near the shore and took a short walk into an open-mouthed cave that was used during the infamous scene in the first series where Melisandre gives birth to a shadow creature. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

Next on the hit parade was a stop off at Murlough Bay and Larrybane Quarry. This region on the Northern Irish coast was a hotbed for filming in the series and was the location where viewers were first introduced to Brienne of Tarth as she fought in front of King Renly. This was also the site of the king's army settlement.

To help visualise the show in areas filled only with wandering tourists, our guide Derek was on hand with an iPad to show us clips that were filmed here, as he did for many other stops on the tour.

After dropping down to Ballintoy Harbour, one of Game Of Thrones' most recognisable locations, we were whisked away for much-needed refreshment at the quaint Fullerton Arms just a few minutes away. We even had the chance to take a look around their specially designed Game of Thrones decorated function room.

On the road again, the last port of call on our quest was a trip to the Dark Hedges, most recognisable to GoT fanatics as the King's Road. Nestled deep in the Ballymoney countryside, this 18th-century avenue of entwining beech trees provides an iconic backdrop to many of the show's moments, including when Arya escapes King's Landing.

This expedition is a must for anyone who is fanatical about the show (which is watched by 18.6 million people). However, you don't need to know a Targaryen from a Tyrell to appreciate what this trip to Northern Ireland offers.

While enthusiasts of the series will soak up the stories behind the locations - there are other options available including a trip to Winterfell - others still have the opportunity to see some of the country's most interesting and breathtaking sights such as a stop off at the 900-year-old Carrickfergus Castle or even a stroll out to the Giant's Causeway, one of the most unmistakeable and breathtaking attractions this stunning country has to offer.

The scenery at times is breathtaking and the Game Of Thrones conversation is well-tailored to the many who have read the original books and those who simply want to explore Northern Ireland.

Winter is coming. Brace yourself.

Travel notes

Scott Mullen travelled from Cairnryan to Belfast with Stena Line on their new Game of Thrones location tour. Prices start from £39. For more information visit www.stenaline.co.uk

Five places to visit around Belfast

Titanic Museum Situated at the city's harbour, the museum transports you transported back in time to the infamous White Star Line ship which sunk on its maiden voyage in 1912. Just yards away you can also see the Harland and Wolff shipworks where she was built.

Carrick-A-Reede rope bridge Situated a short walk from Larrybane Quarry, this is a must for all visitors to the area. Suspended 100ft above the crashing waves and jagged cliffs, the 350-year-old rope bridge offers the daredevil within a chance to show its wild side.

Odyssey Arena This is home to the Belfast Giants, Northern Ireland's own professional ice hockey team. In recent years, the Giants have put the city on the sporting map. They play in the Elite League - along with Glasgow's Braehead Clan - and a night at the state-of-the-art Odyssey Arena will keep all the family entertained.

Glorious beaches Despite not being high on the list for summer hot spots, Northern Ireland boasts some of the best beaches in Europe with fanastic watersport facilities to suit everyone

Golf courses Home to one of the world's best golfers in Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland also has its fair share of top courses. From Royal County Down to Royal Portrush, you'll get into the swing here.