Did you know the epic HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones, which was based on George R.R. Martin’s books, was filmed on location in Northern Ireland? Now the show has aired its final episode, visiting its breathtaking filming locations in real life is the very best way to revitalise this fantasy masterpiece in your mind.
1) Winterfell: Castle Ward
The Stark family motto “Winter is coming” rings through your head when you explore the real life Winterfell castle. Castle Ward is an 18th-century National Trust property located near the Northern Irish village of Strangford, which is only 40 minutes from Belfast by car and can serve as a perfect day trip. The Castle Ward location was home to many important Game of Thrones scenes, including Bran’s consequential fall, having been pushed by Jaime Lannister, in episode 1. The castle’s courtyard is instantly recognisable, and you’ll feel immediately like you’re walking through the epic Stark Homeland.
Castle Ward is the real life Winterfell.
2) The Stormlands: Cushenden Caves
Fans of Game of Thrones will undoubtedly remember the events of Season 2 episode 4, when Melisandre birthed her shadow monster as a means to kill Renly Baratheon. The location of this scene is the Cushendun Caves, located just beyond the quaint coastal village of Cushenden. The caves were formed as a result of 400 million years of extreme weather, and are so atmospheric they’re worth a visit even if you’ve never seen the show. House Baratheon fans will also recognise the caves as forming the backdrop to The Stormlands, one of the most formidable regions of Westeros. Another main Stormlands location was the quarry at Larrybane; a location along the Causeway Coast, where we meet Brienne of Tarth for the first time in season 2. Parking for Cushenden caves is available in the village of Cushendun itself, or in the National Trust car park.
3) The Coast of Dorne: Portstewart Strand
The lavish royal palace in Dorne was filmed on location in Spain at Alcázar of Seville. But the coast of Dorne can actually be found in Northern Ireland. Portstewart Strand is a beach located between the mouth of the River Bann and the town of Portstewart, which served as the warm and mysterious coast of Dorne. Fans of the show may remember Jaime Lannister arriving on the beach in season 5 in order to bring his daughter Myrcella back to Cersei in King’s Landing.
Portstewart Strand served as Dorne.
4) The Dothraki Land: Shillanavoghy Valley
It’s strange to imagine the balmy land of the Dothraki being filmed in in Northern Ireland, but in season 1 when Khal Drogo makes camp with Daenerys near the Dothraki Sea, they were shooting in the Shillanavoghy Valley. Forty-five minutes north of Belfast, beneath the Slemish Mountain in County Antrim, you can enter the land of Dothraki for yourself.
5) The Iron Islands: Ballintoy Harbour
The Iron Islands.
Your Northern Ireland Game of Thrones tour can continue at Ballintoy Harbour, Country Antrim, which is better known to Game of Thrones fans as The Iron Islands, the ancestral home of Theon Greyjoy. This location was also used for Lordsport Harbour and Pyke. It is located along the B15 coast road, 17 miles north-east of Coleraine, and five miles west of the picturesque village of Ballycastle.