Interested in finding out more about the epic Game Of Thrones® filming locations? Here’s our quick guide to all the spectacular locations in Northern Ireland…
DISCOVER THE REAL WORLD OF WESTEROS IN NORTHERN IRELAND….
Dragonstone, Downhill Beach, Co. Londonderry
One of the most iconic locations, Downhill Beach is an 11km stretch of sand and surf located on the Causeway Coast. This magnificent location is home to Mussenden – a tiny temple perched dramatically on a 120ft cliff top, high above the Atlantic Ocean.
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Downhill was illuminated and transformed into Dragonstone in Season 2. This is the spot where the old gods burn on the beach, where Stannis pulls the flaming sword and Melisandre chants: “For the night is dark and full of terrors”.
The Stormlands, Larrybane, Carrick-a-Rede, Co. Antrim
Located along the stunning North Coast close toCarrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge lies Larrybane headland, which used to stretch out towards Sheep Island. Its large caves once served as a home to boat builders and a safe haven from winter storms.
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Larrybane was the dramatic spot chosen for Renly Baratheon’s camp in Season 2. This is where Catelyn Stark agrees a treaty with Renley on behalf of her son Robb. You might remember Renly swearing he will avenge Ned’s death and bring Catelyn Joffrey’s head. And then the drama really starts to unfold…
Pyke, The Iron Islands, Ballintoy Harbour, Co. Antrim
Ballintoy is situated in one of the most picturesque parts of the North Antrim Coast between the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This stunning harbour location has been used for exterior Pyke shots and as the Iron Islands.
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This picturesque coastal nook is where Theon Greyjoy arrives back in the Iron Islands and where he later admires his ship, the Sea Bitch. This is also where he first meets his sister Yara.
Storm’s End, Murlough Bay, Co. Antrim
Located in North East County Antrim, Murlough Bay is an awe-inspiring location. Murlough is best known for its outstanding beauty, remoteness and views across the sea to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre. Plus the cows that sometimes graze along the sandy dunes.
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Murlough Bay becomes the Iron Islands in Season 2. This is the spot where Theon Greyjoy rides on the horse with his sister Yara. It’s also the spot where Davos Seaworth is shipwrecked after the battle of Blackwater Bay.
The Stormlands, Cushendun Caves, Co. Antrim
The caves at Cushendun were formed over a period of 400 million of years and are a product of extreme weather conditions. They can be found just beyond this beautiful coastal village next to the Cave House.
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In Season 2, Cushendun is where Melisandre gives birth to the shadow baby after being brought ashore by Davos Seaworthy.
The King’s Road, Dark Hedges, Co. Antrim
The Dark Hedges is a beautiful avenue of beech trees, planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. Two hundred years later, the Dark Hedges remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland.
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The Dark Hedges live up to their haunting name in Season 2. These spectacular trees line the King’s Road as Ayra Stark makes her escape from King’s Landing. Disguised as a boy, Ayra travels with Yoren, Gendry, Hot Pie and all the others off to join the Night Watch…
Winterfell, Castle Ward, Co. Down
Castle Ward, which may be more familiar as Winterfell, overlooks the beautiful Strangford Lough. Inside this beautiful 820 acre walled demesne you will find the spectacular house, an exotic sunken garden and a haunting woodland.
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Castle Ward is the prime location for Winterfell and the lands surrounding Winterfell in the North. This is where King Robert Baratheon and his retinue arrive and are met by the Starks in Season 1. This is also the place where Bran and Osha’s scenes in Season 1 take place.
Robb Stark’s Camp, Audley’s Field, Strangford Lough
Lots of drama unfolds in Audley’s Field and Castleby Strangford Lough. Visit and you can even explore Robb’s Trail, one of two Game Of Thrones®self-guided cycling tours provided by Clearsky Adventure Centre in the Castle Ward Estate.
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Audley’s Field was used during Season 1 as King Robert Baratheon and his retinue arrive at Winterfell. It’s the backdrop of Robb’s Camp in Season 2 and the place where he first meets Talisa. Later on, Audley’s Field is where Alton Lannister is imprisoned with Jaime (and doesn’t live to tell the tale).
Riverrun, River Quoile, Co. Down
Located on the north bank of the Quoile River, this historic site is used as the location of the Twins in the Riverlands.
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The River Quoile features at a couple of key points in Season 1. This is where Robb’s army needs to cross the Trident, so Catelyn Stark goes to bargain with Walder Frey to seek permission. In the next episode, it’s the place where Catelyn and Robb learn of Ned’s beheading and declare “We will kill them all”.
The Haunted Forest, Tollymore Forest Park, Co. Down
Tollymore Forest Park, which was featured in the first episode of series one, covers an area almost 630 hectares at the foot of the beautiful Mourne Mountains. This romantic forest is home to trees, woodlands, streams, grottos and caves – and offers panoramic views of the sea at nearby Newcastle.
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You might remember this haunting forest from the scene in which a member of the Night’s Watch rides through the snowy forest and stumbles upon dismembered Wildling bodies. It’s also where Ned Stark and his boys come across the gored stag and find direwolf pups.
Beric Dondarrion’s hideout, Pollnagollum Cave, Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Co. Fermanagh
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.
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The exterior of Pollnagollum Cave was used to film Beric Dondarrion’s hideout in Season 3.
Find out more about Game Of Thrones® and Northern Ireland
With so many epic locations and landscapes to visit on your Game Of Thrones® journey why not book a short break in Northern Ireland – the real Westeros. Short breaks start from £49 per room.
Clearsky Game Of Thrones® Winterfell Archery Range Experience…..
Game Of Thrones® Tours
Causeway Coast and Glens Game Of Thrones® Tour
The Causeway Coast and Glens three-day Game Of Thrones® Itinerary is a great way to discover some key filming locations of the show along the stunning Causeway Coast. Plotting a path through the scenic splendour of the Seven Kingdoms, it takes you to where so many of the pivotal scenes were shot.
Clearsky Game Of Thrones® Winterfell Archery Range Experience
An exact replica of the ‘Winterfell Archery Range’ has been masterfully recreated in Clearsky’s courtyard at Castle Ward in County Down, in the very same spot that the filming took place, transporting you into the world of Westeros. Dress up in character costume and step into the movie set. See here for more info.
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Tour of Thrones NI – Quinn’s Coach Hire
Tour of Thrones NI aims to bring the TV sensation Game Of Thrones® to life. The first tour is directed to the Mournes areas of Castle Ward, Downpatrick and Tollymore Forest, with the latter being the place where the very first scenes of Game Of Thrones®were filmed.
Clearsky Game Of Thrones® Filming Locations Cycling Tour
The series was actually filmed ‘on location’ in the 16th century courtyard of Clearsky Activity Centre and in the surrounding estate at Castle Ward in County Down. There are two self-guided cycle tour options: Robb’s Trail (allow approx. 1 1/4 hours) and Tywin’s Trail (allow approx. 2 1/4 hours). See here for more info:
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Game Of Thrones® Tour – McComb’s Travel
Join McComb’s Travel on a private Game Of Thrones® Tour, where you will visit some of the main locations where filming took place like Titanic Quarter, The Dark Hedges, Larrybane, Ballintoy and Downhill Strand. You will be driven by someone with first hand experience – their drivers transport the extras for filming and have a wealth of knowledge.
Check out my Game Of Thrones Bus Tour review
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