Game of Thrones Filming Locations: The 10 Most Beautiful Spots in Northern Irlande!
Want to discover the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Irlande? From Castle Pyke, to the Linen Mill Studios and Stark House,
Want to discover the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Irlande? From Castle Pyke, to the Linen Mill Studios and the Stark House, explore the emblematic places and landscapes that brought to life the famous scenes from the series!
County Antrim
The County Antrim is the one that hosted the most filming locations for the series. It notably served as a backdrop for the territory of the Iron Islands, ruled by House Greyjoy!
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is a stunning avenue of beech trees – planted in the 18th century. Spanning 1 km, this leafy tunnel is renowned for the beauty of its sinuous branches, which give the place a mysterious aura…
In the series? The Dark Hedges appears at the beginning of the second season, when Arya Stark travels down the avenue to leave King's Landing (Westeros). Beyond the beauty of these centuries-old trees, the site also delights photographers, thanks to its excellent light.
Address: Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX, United Kingdom |
Dunluce Castle (Castle Pyke, House Greyjoy)
Built in the 13th century, Dunluce Castle stands atop a cliff, facing the ocean. Altered by history and time, the building today contains only ruins dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Nevertheless, these vestiges allow us to imagine its former splendor, thanks to the walls and towers still standing.
Legend has it that, when it collapsed, the castle's cooks were buried beneath the ocean: their cries are said to still be heard in the castle's ruins… The exterior facades served as a backdrop for the famous « Castle Pyke » inhabited by the Greyjoy family who rules the Iron Islands. Real footage was enhanced with computer-generated imagery to recreate missing sections and obtain a kingdom more realistic than reality.
Practical Information ● Address: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8U ● Opening hours: daily between 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.). No reservation needed. ● Admission: €6/adult; €4/child ● To know: in case of bad weather, the castle may be closed to visitors. ● Nearby attraction: 11 minutes' drive from the castle, you will find the Giant's Causeway. Although some Game of Thrones tours include it in their itinerary, this stunning natural attraction does not appear in the series, as it is a protected site (not suitable for filming). Considered one of the most Instagrammed spots in Irlande, the Giant's Causeway nevertheless deserves a closer look (during a stop at Castle Pyke or the village of Ballintoy, both located nearby). The Giant's Causeway site is accessible in 15 minutes on foot from the dedicated parking lot. |
Ballintoy
Want to see Lordsport, the port village of the island of Pyke? Head to Ballintoy! Located about 15 minutes' drive from the Giant's Causeway, this small fishing village welcomed the filming crew several times. You can notably see its port (during Theon Greyjoy's return to the Iron Islands), its bay (during ceremonies honoring the god of the Drowned) and its beach (during the funeral of Balon Greyjoy, Theon's father).
When you stop at Ballintoy, take the opportunity to discover the stunning Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, located about 30 minutes' walk away (or a few minutes by car). Suspended 30 meters above the ground, this bridge offers magnificent views of the surrounding nature.
Practical Information Address of Ballintoy Port: Harbour Rd, Ballintoy, Ballycastle BT54 6NA To know: the Carrick-a-Rede bridge is nice to cross, but expensive (around €19/person). |
Larrybane Quarry
Larrybane Quarry is a protected coastline, located 12 minutes' drive from Ballintoy. Standing along the coast, it offers stunning panoramic views of the wild shoreline.
The coast served as a backdrop for the third episode of season 2, when Catelyn Stark meets Renly Baratheon – who has just ascended to the throne – in the Stormlands or where he establishes his camp.
It was also the site of the mythical tournament during which Loras Tyrell fought and lost to Brienne of Tarth. Beyond its connection to the series, Larrybane Quarry is also an essential spot in Northern Irlande, thanks to its stunning cliffs and many wild animals.
Address: Ballycastle BT54 6LS, United Kingdom |
Cushendun Cave
Do you remember Melisandre (priestess of R'hllor) giving birth to a shadow, which will go on to assassinate Renly Baratheon, in season 2? This birth – the fruit of her liaison with Stannis Baratheon – was filmed in Cushendun Cave! This natural cavity (over 400 million years old) is located 5 minutes' walk from the eponymous beach.
Practical Information ● Address: 4XF6+JX Ballymena, United Kingdom ● Opening hours: open 24/7 ● Admission: free ● To know: this is a very touristy site. If you wish to visit the cave peacefully, it is advisable to schedule the visit quite early in the morning. Note that it is also a somewhat hidden location, which owes its success to the series. If you're worried about missing the site, don't worry: a GOT sign indicates the location and provides some information about the filming. |
Slemish Mountain
Slemish Mountain is an ancient volcano that stands at 457 meters altitude, in the lands of Broughshane. As the only mountain in the valley, Slemish Mountain stands out from the landscape, and appears in the background of the Dothraki encampment, a people of nomadic warriors. You can also see it during the encounter between Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen, who will later become Khaleesi.
If you wish to explore it, know that there is a short hike of about 1 hour 30 minutes (from the car park). This walk is quite short, but also quite steep, due to the very steep sides of the mountain… Once at the summit? Your efforts will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the wild nature.
Address: Ballymena BT42 4PE, United Kingdom |
County Down
County Down is located in the province of Ulster (alongside five other counties with which it forms Northern Irlande). Its wild and picturesque lands greatly inspired the Game of Thrones team to create the Seven Kingdoms obedient to the laws of the Iron Throne. The county is notably dotted with the stunning Mourne Mountains, where Bran meets Jojen and Meera in the woods!
The Linen Mill Studios
The Linen Mill Studios are located in the suburbs of Belfast, about 30 minutes' drive from the city. This is where a third of the final season of Game of Thrones was filmed. More than just a tour of the premises, the studios allow you to immerse yourself in the world of the series, but also behind the scenes of its creation…
During your visit, you will be able to discover building prototypes, sketches and numerous works from production design, that is, everything that touches on the visual of Game of Thrones (sets, costumes, hair and makeup, accessories, etc.)… An essential experience for GOT series aficionados!
Practical Information ● Museum address: 245 Castlewellan Rd, Banbridge ● Parking address: Cascum Rd, Banbridge BT32 4LF (free parking). There is a shuttle to the museum. ● Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (note last entry at 3 p.m., since the visit lasts 1 hour 30 minutes). ● Price: €35/adult; €15/teenager (13 to 15 years old); €6/child (5 to 12 years old); €28.50/senior (60+) ● To know: you must book your tickets in advance on the official Games of Thrones ticketing. If you take the audio guide, you can download it to your phone on the day of your visit. It is possible to eat on site. |
Inch Abbey
Do you want to see the place where Robb Stark's bannermen gathered and where he was proclaimed King in the North? Head to Inch Abbey! Built in the 11th century, the building served as a backdrop for this pivotal episode (which is the starting point of the « War of the Five Kings »).
Although only ruins remain today, the site deserves a visit. Why? In addition to recalling iconic Game of Thrones scenes, the site offers stunning views of the surrounding nature, including the Quoile River and the Isle of Man.
Ward Castle (Winterfell, House Stark)
Erected in the 18th century – not far from the village of Strangford – Ward Castle was used to create Winterfell, the seat of House Stark. Many scenes were filmed there: during the first season, the GOT crew stayed there for eight weeks! Ward Castle represents one of the most complete pre-existing sets used for the series. On screen, the inner courtyard can also be seen several times.
During your visit, you will be able to admire the Gothic and Palladian architectural style (known for its rectangular floor plans). This so-called « eccentric » building owes its atypical architecture to divergences in taste among the owners – the couple Lady Anne Ward and her husband Bernard…
A secret? Some architectural parts of the castle were too modern for the series' needs. These were therefore modified by computer-generated imagery, to obtain a more medieval fortress.
After the success of the first season, the castle ward sets were recreated at the Titanic Studios. Indeed, the influx of tourists was such that it was then no longer possible to continue filming on the site!
Practical Information ● Address: Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA, United Kingdom ● Opening hours: daily (March to September) 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. ● Price: €15.50/adult; €8/child; €39/family package ● To know: the castle tour also provides access to the garden. |
Tollymore Park
Tollymore Forest Park is a stunning 630-hectare forest, renowned for the beauty of its sequoias and avenues of cedars, its lake and its ancient buildings.
Usually very popular for its hiking trails, the site served as a backdrop for several Game of Thrones scenes, including the discovery of giant wolves by the Starks in season 1. These wolves were initially played by purebred dogs, which were then recreated by computer-generated imagery, to facilitate filming.
Practical Information ● Address: Bryansford Rd, Newcastle BT33 0PR, United Kingdom ● Price: park admission is free, but parking is paid (around €7/car) |
Game of Thrones Sets: A Quick Reminder of the Must-Visit Locations in Northern Irlande
Here is a brief recap of the 10 essential spots for any self-respecting fan of the series – and thecomplete Game of Thrones circuit itinerary (starting from the Dark Hedges to Tollymore Park).
The Dark Hedges (County Antrim): the tree-lined avenue as Arya Stark leaves King's Landing
Dunluce Castle (County Antrim): Castle Pyke
The village of Ballintoy (County Antrim): residence of Yara Greyjoy, port village (Lordsport) of the island of Pyke, House Greyjoy
Larrybane Bay (County Antrim): Catelyn Stark meets King Renly in the Stormlands, Loras Tyrell confronts Brienne of Tarth.
Cushendun Caves (County Antrim): the place where Melisandre gives birth to a shadow
Slemish Mountain (County Antrim): the mountain of the Dothraki encampment
Linen Mill Studios (County Down): the museum dedicated to the series
Inch Abbey (County Down): the place where Rob Stark is proclaimed King in the North
Ward Castle (County Down): the home of House Stark (Winterfell)
Tollymore Park (County Down): place where Ramsay hunts Theon and where the Starks discover giant wolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Irlande?
The Game of Thrones series was primarily filmed in Northern Irlande, notably in the counties of Antrim and Down. These regions served as backdrops for many iconic landscapes of the series.
Where is Winterfell Castle located?
Winterfell Castle (or Ward Castle in reality) is located in County Down, about an hour's drive southeast of Belfast.
Where is the Game of Thrones museum located?
The Game of Thrones museum is located in Banbridge, in the heart of the Linen Mill Studios, in County Down. The site allows you to discover many sets from the series, as well as costumes, models and sketches from production design.
Frequently asked questions
To visit all 10 Game of Thrones spots in Northern Irlande, allow a minimum of 2 to 3 days. Most of the locations in County Antrim (Dark Hedges, Dunluce, Ballintoy, Larrybane, Cushendun, Slemish) can be grouped into 1 to 2 days of coastal driving. The sites in County Down (Linen Mill Studios, Inch Abbey, Ward Castle, Tollymore) can be visited in 1 additional day from Belfast.
Car rental is highly recommended for exploring Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Irlande, as most sites are scattered in rural areas and poorly served by public transportation. Organized bus tours are also available from Belfast, with one-day circuits covering the main spots in counties Antrim and Down.
The best time to visit Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Irlande is May to September, when temperatures are milder and days are longer. Avoid winter (November to February), as some sites may close due to bad weather and coastal roads can be dangerous. Spring also offers lush vegetation ideal for photographing the Dark Hedges.
The Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge hosted filming for one-third of the final season of Game of Thrones. Today transformed into a museum, they allow you to discover behind-the-scenes details of the series: original sets, costumes, models and production design sketches. The visit lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and requires advance booking. Prices: €35/adult, €15/teenager, €6/child.
Dunluce Castle served as the exterior model for Castle Pyke, the seat of House Greyjoy. Its facades were filmed and then enhanced with computer-generated imagery to recreate the fictional castle in its entirety. Interior scenes were filmed at other studios, notably the Titanic Studios in Belfast.
