Top 5 Game of Thrones Day trips in Northern Ireland

“You know nothing Jon Snow!”, “I drink and I know things!”, “Valar Morghulis”

Seems like few gibberish quotes, right? But every die-hard Game of Thrones fan will know what they mean. One of the major contributors to the success of this magnum opus were the real filming locations chosen by the creators across the globe – one such being Northern Ireland, UK.
Being a part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland does not warrant any additional visa process as long as you have a valid UK visa. With the show having ended this year after a successful 8-year long stint, many fans look forward to relive some special moments at those actual shooting locations.
Take the detailed tour of Titanic Studios in Belfast where most of the principal filming took place and enjoy the golden chance of sitting on the actual Iron Throne.

To commemorate the Game of Thrones Season 8, the city of Belfast unveiled the “Glass of Thrones”, an exciting new attraction that features six, gorgeous stained-glass windows depicting iconic scenes/moments from Game of Thrones.
There are many operators offering a guided Game of Thrones day tours where you can visit key filming locations (listed below) while listening to inside gossip and debates about popular characters.

Here’s our Top 5 locations if you want to do it yourself! Also, spoiler alert!

 

1. Castle Ward:

Featured as the Winterfell Castle, this National Trust property had sheds and barns remodelled to take on a Game of Thrones look. You can get some photos clicked at the recreated Game of Thrones archery film set – all dressed in a GoT costume and ready to take aim.

 

2. The Dark Hedges:

Probably one of the most photographed landmarks on the GoT Map and a hidden road on the way to Bushmills, it was the King’s Road leading Ned Stark toward his death and Arya Stark away from King’s Landing.

 

3. Cushendun Caves:

These natural caves along the Antrim Coast in an area portrayed as the Stormlands are where Melisandre gave birth to her ‘shadow baby’ and where the battle between Jaime Lannister and Euron Greyjoy took place in finale episode.

 

4. Tollymore Forest Park:

A two-mile walking tour of the Park for fans to recognise the forestlands north of Winterfell where the Direwolf pups were found, haunted woods north of the Wall, and the road leading to Castle Black.

 

5. Ballintoy Harbour:

An area of outstanding natural beauty and the most northerly point of the Antrim Coast and Glens coastline, the harbour has been used as the Free Cities where Varys was born and as Iron Islands when Theon Greyjoy returns home.

Happy Tripping!