Are you a huge fan of the epic Game of Thrones series? Are you interested in finding out more about the magnificent filming locations? Let us customise a tour for you and your fellow “Thronies”. Check out our suggested sample tours below and contact us today with your preferred dates or special requests so we can package a bespoke Game of Thrones Experience for you.
As the night is dark & full of terrors…
The World of Westeros can be darker than Ramsay Bolton’s mind and more sadistic than Cersei Lannister’s soul. Thank the old gods & the new, that the landscapes are exquisitely stunning. But remember: landscapes like this can only be found in Northern Ireland the real Game of Thrones Territory. The medieval fantasy series is filmed in Titanic Studios in Belfast and features many scenic locations across Northern Ireland. Our rugged coastlines, historic castles and breathtaking mountains provided the perfect setting for this fantasy series.
Do you ever think of Yara, that horse ride she shared with Theon was filmed 12 miles from Ballintoy Harbour– as the raven flies – at Murlough Bay. Shielded by steep rock walls, the path to the sea is scarred with gnarled trees and even has views across to Scotland. It’s in these Atlantic waters that Ser Davos was rescued following the Battle of the Blackwater. and Tyrion and Jorah come ashore on Slavers’ Bay, only to be accosted by slavers. Today, its sea vistas and wild headlands are some of the most spectacular views on the north coast.
On the border between County Antrim and County Derry-Londonderry is Binevenagh Mountain, marking the edge of the Antrim plateau and boasting panoramic views from the summit that stretch for miles. No wonder this is the location chosen for the Dothraki Sea far above the city of Meereen. It’s where Daenerys is rescued by her dragon Drogon and brought to his lair…
Love old Castles?? Look no further than Shane’s Castle in County Antrim. Built in the 14th century on the edge of Lough Neagh, this ruined castle was the backdrop to the jousting tournament. You know the one, where Gregor Clegane beheaded a horse? Lough Neagh was also transformed into the Summer Sea, where Jorah steals a boat, takes Tyrion captive and sets sail to his beloved Daenerys in Meereen.
Downhill Strand is far from the only gorgeous beach in Northern Ireland. County Derry-Londonderry’s Portstewart Strand boasts miles of golden sand, and this scenic spot is where Jaime and Bronn, disguised as Martell soldiers, approach the gates of the Water Gardens and where the two fight (and kill) some Dornish.
Remember Theon pre-Reek? Arriving at Pyke to seek an alliance with Balon? That Iron Island port he docked at is actually a far calmer Ballintoy Harbour in County Antrim. Still used by local fishermen and boatmen, it was here Theon was baptized as his sister Yara looked on. The little harbor is a spear’s throw from the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Nature was definitely smiling on HBO’s location scouts when they found the Dark Hedges, a haunting avenue of serpentine beech trees near Armoy, County Antrim.
As you creep into Antrim’s Cushendun Caves, which formed over a period of 400 million years, bear in mind that this is the same spot where Melisandre birthed the shadow assassin. She also burned the old gods on Dragonstone, otherwise known as Downhill Strand in County Londonderry, a scenic beach dominated by the elegant 18th century ruins of Mussenden Temple.
Located along the shores of Strangford Lough in the Castle Ward Estate, Co, Down. Visitors to the area can explore Robb’s Trail, one of two Game of Thrones self-guided cycling tours provided by Clearsky Adventure Centre. The signed trail visits Audley’s Castle and Field, which featured in the series. Audley’s Tower was used during Season One as King Robert Baratheon and his retinue arrive at Winterfell. And also used to film Robb’s Camp where he first meets Tulisa as she is tending the wounded on the battlefield.
Tollymore Forest Park, County Down, made its mark as the Haunted Forest, where the White Walkers began their march into the realm of men. These 600 hectares hold ancient redwoods as well as Gothic stone arches – the remnants of an 18th century estate. The ‘bastard of Bolton’ hunted Theon here, and it’s where the Starks discover the direwolves. Listen carefully, you might still hear their howls.
Castle Ward, County Down, and its lands were home to House Stark before the Boltons’ seige. Here, you’ll find the crenelated 16th century ruin that doubled as Winterfell and its courtyard. Not far away is Audley’s Field on the shore of Strangford Lough. This is exactly where Jaime was captured – and released.This fascinating house features both Gothic and Classical styles of architectural treatment, internally and externally. Inside the beautiful 820 acre walled demesne you will find an exotic sunken garden and paths that wind their way through woodland and suddenly open onto the quiet shores of the Lough.
Pollnagollum Cave in Belmore Forest is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark in County Fermanagh. Its name is Irish for ‘Hole of the doves’. The cave is fed by a waterfall and swells to a torrent during harsh weather. If you fancy catching a glimpse, you can follow the Belmore Forest walk which leads to a viewing point for the cave. The exterior of Pollnagollum Cave was used to film Beric Dondarrion’s hideout in Season 3 along with his men who call themself the Brotherhood without Banners.
One of our most iconic locations, Downhill Beach is an 11km stretch of sand and surf located on the Causeway Coast. This magnificent location is also home to Mussenden Temple. Part of Downhill Demense, the temple was originally built as a summer library. It perches dramatically on a 120ft cliff top, high above the Atlantic Ocean with views to Magilligan Point and Fair Head. Here we witness the Burning of the old gods by the Red Lady Melisandra. Ser Davos Seaworth, Stannis Baratheon Old retainer tries to stop her. She exhorts Stannis to draw a sword from the flames – “The Lightbringer”. Both the Temple and the surrounding views are among the most photographed scenes in Ireland. Fans will recognise this location as the Dragonstone exterior.
