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. 

The Dark Hedges rise again – Journey of Doors 

If anything sums up our spirit, it’s how we rise after being knocked back. When Storm Gertrude wreaked a path of havoc across Northern Ireland in 2016, she destroyed some of the iconic Dark Hedges beech trees in Stranocum known to show fans as the Kingsroad. 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 journey has been well worth it. 

Through the looking glass – Glass of Thrones 

Northern Ireland's cultural and industrial heritage in stained glass production is world renowned. One look at the work of Belfast’s Wilhelmina Geddes (1887-1955) will testify to that. The stained glass installations on The Glass of Thrones trail give you another unique way to explore the Game of Thrones® story in Northern Ireland and immerse yourself in our 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.  

Follow the footsteps of the Game of Thrones® legends 

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. 

There are many Game of Thrones® tours of Northern Ireland to choose from, including former cast and crew transporters and stand-in ‘doubles’ with insider stories. You could also take an aerial tour for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are tours for foodies and cosplay fans where you banquet like a Baratheon. 

Or you could take a self-guided tour by simply using the Filming Locations app. 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. 

“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.