Experiences

Wherever you travel in Northern Ireland, you’re sure to experience a taste of our giant spirit, that intangible essence that makes us unique. So, we think it’s fair to say that without our stunning locations, Game of Thrones® may have lost some of its unique character and spirit.

These iconic locations became an integral part of the story’s soul and make the ideal itinerary for a Game of Thrones® holiday in Northern Ireland. There are 26 filming locations dotted around Northern Ireland, each one as raw and elemental as the series itself.

Even if you don’t know your Dragonstone from your Dothraki, they are a joy to experience in their own right. But if you’re a seasoned Thronie, you will find enough Game of Thrones® experiences to keep you enthralled.

A scenic tour with a difference

A Game of Thrones® tour is a great way to revisit the locations of some of your favourite scenes. Best of all, you get to stand where iconic characters stood, were captured, killed or made their escape. There are plenty to choose from, including from tour companies that transported cast and crew during actual series filming or from stand-in ‘doubles’ with insider stories. You’ll visit some of the main shoot locations, like Cushendun to see the cave where Melisandre gave birth to a shadow creature, Ballintoy Harbour aka Pyke Harbour, and the iconic Dark Hedges of the Kingsroad. Others take in the stunning Downhill Strand (or Dragonstone to you) and many other iconic shooting locations.

When you just GoT to be there

Castle Ward Demesne in County Down doubled as Winterfell. Here, you can take a filming location cycle tour, try out your archery skills or stay over in a very cool glamping pod. You can even book ahead and meet actual direwolves. Many guided bus tours have very knowledgeable expert guides on board to help you navigate around the Seven Kingdoms. So, no need to ready the horses just yet - just sit back and relax and get ready for your location close-up.

For those with sturdy sea legs, try an ocean perspective of the many Game of Thrones® filming locations, like Ballintoy Harbour (Lordsport Harbour) or Murlough Bay and Fair Head (Slaver's Bay). If you fancy splashing out, an aerial tour across some stunning filming locations may well be the experience of a lifetime. Fly across Portstewart Strand (the Coast of Dorne), Binevenagh (the Dothraki Grasslands) and many more.

So close you can taste it

Food played a big role in the series, so foodies are in for a treat too. Take a seat at King Robert Baratheon's banquet table in The Cuan, County Down. Dress up in your finest robes and dine on themed and traditional dishes made from local ingredients.

Alternatively, if you're loyal to Winterfell, sit down to a banquet at Castle Ward Demesne. Wear your robes and enjoy dinner served at long tables with church candles lighting up the hall. You'll feel like you're on the film set!

Or for something less formal but still regal, try a themed afternoon tea in the Ballygally Castle Hotel (4*), County Antrim. The hotel has an impressive display of many opulent jewellery pieces including the crowns for Margaery Tyrell and Joffrey Baratheon’s wedding. 

Take Westeros single-handed

You could always make your own way around Westeros if you’re not into organised tours. Download the Game of Thrones® Filming Locations Northern Ireland app for a complete list of filming locations, scenes from the show as well as the whereabouts of the Game of Thrones® doors.

Then hire a car, motorbike or camper van from a recognised operator who will suggest best routes to film locations.

For example, head to Fermanagh and explore Pollnagollum Cave, used as a hideout by Beric Dondarrion and his Brotherhood Without Banners. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic themed horse-riding experience and relive the scene where Melisandre set fire to the effigies of the Seven Gods of Westeros…or something less dramatic if you prefer.

Behold, the windows to your soul: Glass of Thrones Trail

The Glass of Thrones is a walking trail throughout Belfast featuring a series of stained-glass windows depicting key moments from Game of Thrones®. Northern Ireland's finest artists, artisans and craftspeople bring our cultural heritage in this art form remarkably to life.

Marvel at the detail and craftmanship of The Lannister window at The ICC Belfast, The Baratheon window at the Lagan Weir, The Targaryen window at the Odyssey, The White Walker window at Titanic Belfast and The Iron Throne window at the Titanic Slipways.

Who’s that knocking at the Doors of Thrones

Meanwhile, 10 doors – intricately carved from the iconic Kingsroad trees that were felled in a dramatic real-life storm - hang in a range of destinations across Northern Ireland. Each door tells a story from Season 6.

You’ll find them at pub locations The Cuan in Strangford, Fiddler’s Green in Portaferry, Percy French in Newcastle, the aptly named Blakes of the Hollow in Enniskillen, Owens in Limavady, Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, Mary McBride’s in Cushendun and The Dark Horse in Belfast, as well as two castle estate locations - Dark Hedges Estate in Stranocum and Ballygally Castle in Ballygally.

Get into the spirit of things

In Northern Ireland, Game of Thrones® experiences are everywhere. We are proud to be part of this global phenomenon and proud to show the spirit that went into help create it. Come join our army of fans.

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