Northern Ireland was an underrated destination till Game of Thrones got to it! Season 1 was filmed entirely here, with a grand finale at the end of season 7! These Northern Ireland Game of Thrones locations made poeple realise its a great holiday spot anyway so here’s all the GOT locations in Northern Ireland with additional fun things to do in the area!
Game of Thrones is a spicy mix of incest, politics, debauchery, wickedness, dragons – anything and everything that transports you to an alternate universe.
After season 5 was telecast, we paid a visit to Malta and were thrilled when we realized, we’d unknowingly stepped into King’s Landing aka the Mdina.
The Mdina was breath-taking, (bound to be as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site) which got us thinking – If our experience of the Mdina was anything to go by, the other locations were going to be equally exciting.
That fuelled the craze to explore Game of Thrones (GOT) locations in neighbouring Northern Ireland where almost all of season 1 & 2 was filmed and specific scenes in all other seasons.
I was warned that the amount of CGI implemented does make it feel a little underwhelming – but I know it’s necessary to imagine as you wander.
While keeping our expectations realistic we set off to check some famous GOT locations in Northern Ireland for ourselves.
Here are details of a road trip you could take, to embark on a free Northern Ireland Game of Thrones locations tour and enjoy the spots while there as Northern Ireland is one of the most underrated countries in Europe.
Here’s the best Northern Ireland Game of Thrones Locations – GOT locations in Northern Ireland with exact info and trivia!
We started from Belfast, taking in the amazing scenery that the Causeway Coastal route offers, and halted at our first pit stop, Cushendan Caves. This post should help if you’re looking at how to get from Belfast to The Giant’s Causeway.
(You could take a detour to visit Shillanavogy Wood, which was used as the Dothraki grasslands after Daenerys and Khal Drogo were married).
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #1 – Cushenden Caves
Used in – Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 4
Ocean waves were hammering against the rocks, at the Caves of Cushendun, as we made our way to the 2 caves that sat at the end of the pathway. I mentally imagined the scene in GOT and continued to walk right till the end of the passageway, to find shut wrought iron gates.
On asking around I was told, the passageway is the only entrance to a house that sits on the other side of the hill. I tried to navigate to the other caves in the labyrinth but was advised against it. It was high tide and water was slowly filling the other caves.
The Game of Thrones connection
Melisandre, the red priestess, is brought ashore by Ser Davos to give birth to the shadow baby, who then proceeds to kill Renly Baratheon.
An additional reason to visit
The countryside is stunning and the views are to die for. But what is to be noted is, on a clear day you can see Scotland sitting in the distance!
DETAILS
Cushenden Caves
Address: Ballymena
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry. Location can be found here
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #2 – Ballintoy Harbour
Used in – Game of Thrones multiple seasons (Iron Islands)
It was about noon when we reached Ballintoy Harbour. Winds were blowing at 25 mph, and as my tiny piece of Black Forest cake disappeared in a second with the wind, I realized taking a walk around the harbour wasn’t going to be easy.
So I continued to admire the bright, quaint little houses that sat beside the harbour.
What took me by surprise was that the tourism board of Northern Ireland had erected a plaque with Alfie Allen on it! It was unmissable.
Beside the harbour, rugged rocks jutted out of the ocean and waves continued to slam against them, spraying us with water in the cold weather.
And when the location is not being used for Game of Thrones, it is home to local fishing vessels, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Dunseverick Castle ruins.
The Game of Thrones connection
Many scenes have depicted Ballintoy Harbour as The Iron Islands. This is the place where Theon Greyjoy meets his sister Yara and unknowingly makes a fool of himself.
An additional reason to visit
The Carrick-a-rede rope bridge is located 10 minutes away. It’s one of the most exhilarating bridges in the world and is a great activity to try.
DETAILS
Ballintoy Harbour
Address: Harbour Rd, Ballintoy, Ballycastle BT54 6NA
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry. Location can be found here
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #3 – Larrybane
Used in – Game of Thrones multiple seasons as a camp
After we’d crossed the exciting Carrick-a-rede we proceeded to Larrybane Quarry, in the opposite direction, towards the ocean.
Larrybane Quarry, a former chalk quarry, is currently used as an overflowing car park for the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge attraction.
Downwards we went, till we reached a flat patch of ground surrounded by tall limestone walls with the ocean staring at us in the front. Bang opposite, was also a tiny island and something that looked like a water wheel, sat perched on top of it.
After spending some time trying to figure out what it exactly was, we turned round the corner and continued further down, realizing we were probably the only ones who were wandering around in that area!
The Game of Thrones connection
This site is used in numerous episodes. This is where Renly sets camp, Brienne beats Ser Loras and is given a place in Renly’s Kingsguard, and the events that succeed in the episode, occur.
An additional reason to visit
This place is a great location to stroll, search for hidden beaches and coves, and even caves. It gives you the feeling as if you’re the only living soul for miles around.
DETAILS
Larrybane Quarry
Address: Ballycastle BT54 6LS
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry. Location can be found here
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #4 – The Dark Hedges
Used in – Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 1
One of the most visited stops during a visit to North Ireland, the Dark Hedges consists of a narrow road where trees from both sides of the path meet in the middle.
The avenue of trees was planted by the Stuart family in 1775 to impress visitors, as they approached the Georgian mansion – Gracehill house.
In the hundreds of years that it was planted, the trees have grown and twisted creating an illusion of a tunnelled hedge and is just over half a mile long. It was quite sinister and literally dark!
We visited at dusk and whiled our time away, waiting for visitors to disappear. Twilight peeked through the branches and engulfed the area, casting magical shadows.
There was an amazing play of light and shadow – courtesy of the beech trees planted 2 centuries ago, that still retained their allure. But due to excessive popularity, it is closed to public traffic. Park the car nearby and walk to the trees.
The Game of Thrones connection
This is the same road that Arya travels on while escaping King’s landing, accompanied by Gendry and all the others who’re off to join the night’s watch.
An additional reason to visit
Apparently, the ‘Grey lady’ haunts and traverses the whole length of The Dark Hedges and vanishes at the last beech tree. Some say she is a distressed soul from the adjoining grounds, some say she is related to the Stuart family.
Well, it just adds more mystery to the whole spot.
DETAILS
The Dark Hedges
Address: Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: Free entry. Location can be found here
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #5 – Castle ward
Used in – Game of Thrones multiple seasons (Winterfell)
The enormous grounds of Castle Ward required a dedicated day to explore. The countryside extended in 3 directions while the lough extended in the fourth.
Castle ward is nothing short of heaven for nature lovers. Cows continued to graze without a care in the world. As we navigated our way through the grounds carefully avoiding cow pies, we also chanced upon seals!
William, who was our instructor for the Archery experience we had opted for, accompanied us on our walk providing interesting trivia along the way.
Castle Ward was built in the 16th century and served as a home to the Ward family.
It rests on a rolling hillside overlooking Strangford Lough surrounded by a stunning 820-acre landscaped garden. It is currently being used as a stately home.
Dress up in Game of Thrones characters and play archery. After I failed miserably at archery, I then continued my obsession, by trying out authentic HBO Game of Thrones memorabilia!
The Game of Thrones connection
Heavily used as Winterfell, Castle ward was also used in scenes depicting Robb Stark’s camp and Robb and Talisa’s walk, as well as numerous others.
An additional reason to visit
The picturesque village of Strangford sits 10 minutes away from Castle ward. This is one village that should sit at the top of your list if you want to experience laid-back Irish culture.
DETAILS
National Trust – Castle Ward
Address: Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM everyday
Price: Tickets cost £10 for adults and £ for children. More details can be found here
Other GOT locations in Northern Ireland
Although there were more locations like Downhill Strand (which was used as Dragonstone, where the old Gods burn on the beach) to visit, we sadly could not accommodate all of it over 2-3 days.
But if you have the time, then here is a list of other Game of Thrones locations in Northern Ireland.
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #6 – Tollymore Forest Park
Used in – Game of Thrones multiple seasons, Season 1, Episode 1 (Haunted Forest)
Located at the northern end of the Mourne Mountains, the Tollymore Forest Park was established in 1955 as the first state forest park on Northern Island. This huge forest is home to medieval gates, bridges, and endless redwoods.
Open to the public seven days a week, visitors can enjoy endless scenic walks throughout the park. It also has camping on-site and car parking, and visitors can explore not only Tollymore forest but also the Morne Mountains.
The Game of Thrones connection
The unmistakable Haunted Forest is the place where the Starks discover the dire wolves. Additionally, this is also the location where the White Walkers marched into the realm of men.
DETAILS
Tollymore Forest Park
Address: Bryansford Rd, Newcastle BT33 0PR
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: Entry free. Info on trails and additional info can be found here
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #7 – Murlough Bay
Used in – Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 8
Murlough Bay is one of the most overlooked attractions of the Antrim coast.
While it is a famous Game of Thrones location, today it offers spectacular views of the Causeway Coastal Way. On a clear day, it offers a view of everything from Rathlin Island to the Scottish Islands.
The Game of Thrones connection
In this location, Jorah Mormont and Tyrion Lannister were on their way to Mereen before they encountered slavers.
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #8 – Fair Head Cliffs
Used in – Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 3
A little further from Murlough Bay along the Causeway Coastal Route are the stunning Fair Head Cliffs.
The five-kilometre cliff rises around 650 feet above sea level and is regarded as the best place for rock climbing in Northern Ireland.
The cliffs are accessed via foot only and there is a car park a little further back. However, it is vital to be careful here as there are no safety measures in place and the weather can change very quickly.
The Game of Thrones connection
While there are many GOT connections at this cliff, the most notable one is in season 7 episode 3 where Varys is arguing with Melisandre and she is ordered to leave Westeros forever.
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #9 – Audley’s Castle and Field
Used in – Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 2
The 15th-century Audley Castle is a tower house design that is found on Audley’s Field. The name of the castle comes originally from the family that owned it and entered Northern Ireland in 1210. It was later sold to the Ward family, who owned Castle Ward mentioned above.
The Game of Thrones connection
This location was used in the first two seasons of Game of Thrones.
The most notable one would be that the field was featured in episode 4 of season 2 where the Oxcross battle takes place. Robb Stark meets Talisa here after he wins the battle.
Apart from that, it was used to depict the Riverlands area in the second season.
DETAILS
Audley’s Castle
Address: Audleystown Rd, Portloughan, Downpatrick BT30 7LP
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM everyday
Price: Tickets cost £10 for adults and £ for children. Part of the Winterfell experience at Castle Ward. Best to book in advance if possible
GOT locations in Northern Ireland #10 – Binevenagh
Used in – Game of Thrones Season 5, Episode 10
Sitting at the edge of the spectacular Antrim Plateau, Binevenagh offers a view of the Armagh and Derry after conquering the hike. It is popular with walkers and hikers for its dramatic views, surrounding landscapes, and rugged basalt cliffs.
After finishing up here, take a short spin to the Downhill Beach and Portstewart Strand. Additionally, the lovely small town of Portrush is only a 40-minute drive away.
The Game of Thrones connection
In episode 10 of season 5, Daenerys was spotted here by three Dothraki riders after flying away from Meereen on the back of her dragon, Drogon.
A Game of Thrones fan would make try their best for sure to attempt to visit as many of these places as possible.
It feels like stepping into another world. From the energetic Stark family to the bloody battles, you will see so many GOT locations in a new light after visiting these GOT locations in Northern Ireland!
FAQs about GOT locations in Northern Ireland
Where was GOT filmed in Northern Ireland?
GOT was filmed in Northern Ireland in more than 20 locations including the Antrim plateau, The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves, Castle Ward, Downhill Strand, Inch Abbey, Larrybane, Slemish Mountain, Murlough Bay, Tollymore Forest Park, Toome Canal, and Titanic Studios in Belfast.
What part of GOT was filmed in Ireland?
Many scenes from Game of Thrones season 1 to season 8 were filmed mainly in Titanic Studios in Belfast. Apart from that, there were around 20 to 25 locations in Northern Ireland where key GOT scenes were shot.
Was GOT filmed in Belfast?
Yes, GOT was filmed in Titanic Studios in Belfast. You can also take a guided tour of this studio.
How much of Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland?
Many scenes from Game of Thrones from season 1 to season 8 was filmed in Northern Ireland. It was primarily shot in Titanic Studios in Belfast.
PIN FOR LATER!
Are you a Game of Thrones fan? What’s your favourite episode/season?
I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
EXPLORE MORE OF NORTHERN IRELAND
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