The wildly popular Game of Thrones is taking over where Lord of the Rings left off. It was once a huge draw for visitors to tour New Zealand in search of LOR filming locations but in today’s world, it’s all about Westeros.
Filmed on location in such destinations as Croatia and Iceland, Game of Throne’s is TV’s most ambitious project in years and it’s also the show that has more people talking about it around the world than any other drama that’s on TV.
Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland
Dave and I were late bloomers when it came to watching the series, but once we saw the first couple of episodes we were hooked.
A lot of Game of Thrones is filmed in Northern Ireland. So once we hit our first stop on our road trip around the country, we searched for more filming locations that help to create the fantasy land of George R.R. Martin’s epic series. Here’s what we found.
Linen Mill – Game of Thrones Studio
With House of the Dragon airing in full swing on HBO, everyone is getting Game of Thrones fever again and we had the chance to experience the ultimate Game of Thrones studio tour. There is no better place in the world than Northern Ireland to explore the world of the Seven Kingdoms. During our most recent trip to Northern Ireland, we visited the actual studios where Game of Thrones was filmed and walked through interactive sets, sat on the Iron Throne and tried our hand at creating our own white walkers using CGI.
Linen Mills Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland has been transformed from a working film studio to an immersive experience where you walk through the realms seeing how the sets were created, costumes designed and weapons forged. Whether you are a Game of Thrones fan or not, this is an amazing day trip from Belfast or Dublin to experience the behind-the-scenes magic and what it takes to create one of the most successful series of all time. Read about our full experience here.
Castle Ward aka Winterfell
Located in Downpatrick in County Down, Castle Ward is an excellent day trip for GOT lovers and nonwatchers alike. Just a forty minute drive from Belfast, this castle attracts tour buses all day long stopping for a quick view of the set of Winterfell. It requires a much longer visit than a quick to truly experience everything, so a self drive is the way to go.
Stanford Lough
Set on the beautiful Strangford Lough, you will discover so many iconic Game of Thrones memories, you just may have your fix of series sightings all in one shot. You can book a day of Game of Thrones adventures through Game of Thrones Winterfell Tours.
Castle Winterfell
Our day started off by meeting our guide, William aka John Snow for an archery lesson in Castle Winterfell. We dressed in official Game of Thrones robes from the costume department of the production and began our lessons re-enacting the scene where John Snow and Robb Stark taught Bran how to shoot an arrow.
Bran wasn’t a great shot at the time and his brothers gave him a hard time, so Dave and I felt better when we weren’t the best shots either. Dave managed to do a better job than me and I was beheaded for my lack of skills and forced to be Dave’s slave for the rest of the day.
Castle Ward was used for nearly all the Winterfell scenes in the early episodes, and as you walk around the grounds, you can picture scenes from the series.
Like Bran’s fall from the castle thanks to evil Jaime. Or Theon’s regular visits to the brothel and King Robert Baratheon’s arrival with his entourage at Winterfell.
Baelor Battlefield
But, it wasn’t only used for the setting of Winterfell, the producers chose to come back to this location a few more times taking advantage of the scenic setting. The fields were used for both Tywin Lannister’s Camp and Baelor’s Battlefield.
Canoe with Jaime and Brienne
We hated Jaime in season one. He was just so slimy and evil. But as the seasons have gone on, he’s become one of our favourite characters on the show, especially when he is teamed up with Brienne.
Remember the scene where Brienne took the canoe downriver? Well, it was here that they landed on the shore and got into all kinds of trouble.
Hanging Tree
As you take a walk along the trail you will come to a large branch hovering over the walkway. This is where Jaime and Brienne came across the corpses of three women hanging from the tree.
Brienne cut them down and gave them a proper burial. Wasting time wasn’t a smart move on her part because the men that killed the women came back and she had to fight them. Although, we all know that Brienne loves a good fight.
The Twins
The two towers known as the Twins were put in via computer-generated imagery (CGI) on either side of the harbour here at Castle Ward. The Twins are owned by Lord Walder Frey, and to cross the waters requires one to be in his good graces.
Robb Stark promised to marry one of Frey’s daughters in return to let he and his army pass and we all know how that turned out. Remember the Red Wedding?
There are 11 filming locations in all here and you can either rent bikes, take a jet boat tour or walk and explore on your own.
Costumes and swords can be rented for your photo opportunities and you can immerse completely in everything Game of Thrones. For more information visit Clearsky Adventure Centre.
The Glens of Antrim
It was here that Ned Stark beheaded a Night’s Watch deserter in front of his sons, Rob, John Snow and Bran. Honour is everything in the Stark family and it is that honour that is eventually their downfall.
Murlough Bay
It’s worth a detour out to Murlough Bay to view the Scottish Isles and more of the stunning coast.
You can follow the signs for the coastal highway, but this little corner of the country is beautiful, so instead, hang a right when you come to the turn.
It is so picturesque that it was used as the rolling countryside where Theon and his sister road their horses toward their father’s castle.
Ballintoy Harbour aka Pyke Harbour
Poor Theon Greyjoy. If only he would have stayed loyal to the Starks, but instead he had to go running home to a father that hated him and a sister that resented him. This is where Theon first arrived home to the Iron Islands and meets his sister.
Dark Hedges aka King’s Road
The Dark Hedges are not only one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed sites, they are also a memorable scene from the Game of Thrones.
When Arya Stark makes her escape from King’s Landing disguised as a boy, it is on this road. As she sits gazing back from a wagon, we can see the beautiful Dark Hedges hovering ominously overhead.
Looking for something else unique in Ireland. You must visit the fascinating Skellig Islands.
Mussenden Temple
A visit out to Mussenden Temple showcases another extraordinary coastline from high on a cliff, but it also is a spot where you can gaze upon the spot where Dragonstone Castle stands.
Although you won’t see it because the castle is all built by a computer in post-production CGI.
But you can see the beach where the Red Priestess burns the wooden statues to gather support for King Stannis Baratheon.
Marble Arch Cave Geopark – Beric Dondarrion Hideout
The Marble Arch Caves Geopark is worth visiting on its own, but it’s also the setting for a small but pivotal scene in Game of Thrones.
Beric Dondarrion is that guy that can’t be killed. Beric and the Hound fight each other in the cave. The Hound wins, but Beric is resurrected and we discover that he can’t die. ooooh.
Belfast – Titanic Studios
We took a Segway tour through the Titanic Quarter of Belfast and were thrilled to find out that the Game of Thrones interior scenes are filmed right here at Titanic Film Studios.
We didn’t see any stars hanging around outside, but the exterior of the building was abuzz with activity. I wonder what scene was being filmed that day?
Giant’s Causeway – Causeway Hotel
Also learn about Ireland’s capital city of Dublin
