Game of Thrones®

No wonder Game of Thrones® made Northern Ireland its home 

For ten years, HBO and Game of Thrones® made Northern Ireland their home. We’re rightly proud of that. And we’re confident enough to say that our people, our raw, atmospheric heritage and stunning locations became part of the show’s soul. Today, wherever you travel across this beautiful and inspiring landscape of ours, you’ll see exactly why Northern Ireland was chosen for Game of Thrones® – and how you can get as close as possible to the spirit and the action from the legendary series. 

Experience the Game of Thrones Studio Tour

A must-see attraction for thronies, the Game of Thrones studio tour contains an incredible collection of props, costumes, drawings and interactive galleries which add a whole new dimension to the show. Discover how concepts of the show came together, famous scenes were created, and stock up on official merchandise from the gift shop, at the studio which is located just 30 minutes from Belfast.

Step Into Winterfell at Castle Ward

Castle Ward is an impressive Demesne with gardens and woodland where many scenes were shot in Season 1. The historic farmyard was where king Robert and his royal party arrived to make Ned his Hand of the king in Season 1 Episode 1. It’s also where you'll find the Whispering Wood and key scenes including the Baelor battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men.

Discover the Iron Islands at Ballintoy Harbour

Ballintoy Harbour, a coastal nook at the end of a small twisting road is synonymous with Pyke and the Iron Islands. Theon returns here in Season 2 Episode 2 and is baptised here in Season 2 Episode 3. Season 6 episode 5 also features Euron's drowning and rebirth, and the nearby beach played host to Melisandre's burning of Stannis Baratheon's bannerman.

Explore the Kingsroad at the Dark Hedges

This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors as they approached Gracehill House. The Dark Hedges feature in Season 2 Episode 1 as Arya escapes king's Landing along the Kingsroad.

Visit Dragonstone at Downhill Beach

An 11km stretch of sand and turf, the stunning Downhill Beach is home to Mussenden, a tiny temple perched dramatically on the 120ft cliff top. In Season 2 Episode 1 this is where Melisandre burnt the effigies of the Seven Gods of Westeros.

Visit Tollymore Forest: Where the Starks Found the Direwolves

Located in the foothills of the majestic Mourne mountains, Tollymore Forest Park was used in Season 1 Episode 1 where Night's Watch members Ser Waymar, Will and Gared discover Wilding bodies before encountering the White Walkers north of the wall and where Ned Stark found the direwolf pups.

Discover the Stormlands at Larrybane Quarry

This dramatic headland sheltered by sheep Island was used in Season 2 Episode 3 as Renly Baratheon's camp, and where Brienne was named to Renlky's kingguard. In Season 6 Episode 5 Larrybane was the setting for Kingsmoot also.

Journey of Doors and Glass of Thrones

When Storm Gertrude wreaked a path of havoc across Northern Ireland in 2016, she destroyed some of the iconic Dark Hedges beech trees. But as sure as Spring follows Winter, a bright idea sprang from these dark days. It came in the form of 10 intricately crafted doors carved from the fallen wood. Each has now become an integral part of the Game of Thrones® experience and legacy for our legion of global fans. From the ashes rose the Journey of Doors. The stained glass installations on The Glass of Thrones trail also give you another unique way to explore the Game of Thrones® story and immerse yourself in Northern Ireland's rich artistic heritage. Designed by artisan hand illustrators and stained by Bangor-based artist Debra Wenlock, they stunningly depict key Houses and moments from Game of Thrones®. Marvel at the craftmanship of The Lannister, Baratheon, Targaryen, White Walker and Iron Throne windows dotted throughout Belfast. 

Plan Your Ultimate Game of Thrones Tour in Northern Ireland

Everywhere you stand in Northern Ireland, you can hear history echo through castle walls or whisper through the glens and hills. So, when you get to stand where iconic show characters stood, were captured, killed, planned their escape or made ill-fated plans, it brings Game of Thrones® more alive than any TV screen ever could. You can feel the elements, smell the grass or touch the very rock and stone that your favourite Stark or most-hated Lannister touched. 

Why not take a self-guided tour by simply using the the Northern Ireland Game of Thrones Territory Filming Locations Map. With locations dotted all over, you’ll see why HBO chose Northern Ireland to recreate Westeros. Authentic medieval castles bring Winterfell to life, stunning harbours recreate Pyke and The Iron Islands and jaw-dropping coastlines make Dragonstone come alive, along with many other iconic shooting locations. Even if you’re a non-fan, you still get to visit breath-taking places. But if you are a fan, the memories live long. Available in 6 languages, go pick up your map at Visitor Information Centres across Northern Ireland now!

“It doesn’t matter what we want. Once we get it…we want something else.”   

Well said, Lord Baelish. So, go out there and celebrate one of Northern Ireland’s biggest cultural exports as much as we do. Like our spirit, you’ll find it everywhere, and be left wanting more.