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One of the most popular shows of all time is the Game of Thrones Franchise. The show is full of beautiful landscapes. But, like me, I am sure you often wondered whether the unique scenes were set in real destinations or superimposed. The good news is that over 25 Game of Thrones Ireland locations were used for filming, plus many others worldwide.
The other locations used for the show include Iceland, Malta, Spain, and Croatia. These places were filming locations for essential settings such as Beyond the Wall and King’s Landing.
Some of these locations are well known, but many are hidden gems scattered along Northern Island that most have never heard of before. The show was also filmed inside a studio in Belfast, which you can visit.
I will be going over some of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland and travel trips to help you make the most of your experience.
Information About the Game of Thornes Locations
Although the show was filmed worldwide, Northern Ireland has the most overall locations. This is because it was used as the setting for the show’s seasons, and some main scenes, like Riverrun and Winterfell, were filmed.
Locating different destinations is much easier than you think. Along with using the map below, a GOT app has been developed. It gives you details on each of the show’s filming locations with information on how to get there.
Once you get to the site, information signs have been placed detailing the scenes filmed there with pictures for visitors. These handy signs are extremely helpful if you are exploring the filming locations without the help of a guide.
Map of Game of Thrones Locations in Ireland
To help you plan your Northern Ireland itinerary, here is a map of all the locations listed in this post. The nice thing is that many are close together, making it easy to see several in one day.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Ireland
Traveling to Ireland
Fly into Ireland
The fastest way to get to Ireland is to fly into either Dublin or Belfast on the Eastern side. Cork has a small airport if you prefer to fly into the West. However, Dublin Airport is the most popular and where most international flights will go.
Take the Ferry
The ferry could be a great option if you are already in Europe or the UK. There are ports in France, England, Wales, and even Spain that will take you directly to the port in Dublin. In total, there are 12 different ferry routes to Ireland.
One ferry route from Liverpool to Dublin makes around 17 trips a day with P&O and Irish Sea Ferry Companies. It takes about 8 hours to get from England to Ireland and costs about £70 per ticket. You can bring a car with you for an additional cost.
Another popular route is from Holyhead to Dublin, which takes just 2 hours. The cost for one ticket is about £40 with the ability to travel by car for an additional cost. Stena Line and Irish Ferries run this route.
Check Ferry Rates and Availability
Getting to the Game of Thrones Locations
There are several ways to get to Ireland’s Game of Thrones locations. However, renting a car or joining a tour is the easiest. A lot of the destinations are not easily accessible, if at all, by public transportation.
Rent a Car
If you want the flexibility of making your itinerary and don’t mind driving, renting a car is a good option. You can choose what locations to visit and easily incorporate them into your Ireland itinerary.
If you are planning to stay in Belfast, you can make a day trip to explore these locations and also stop by the studios for a tour.
Join a Tour
If driving around Ireland is not for you, tours are a great way to explore the numerous filming locations. Tours take the guesswork out of a trip and have the extra value of informed guides who will give you all the important information on each location along the way.
Again, since Belfast is the largest city close to all the locations and home to the studio which filmed parts of the show, it is the best place to join a tour.
Game of Thrones Ireland Locations
Cushendun Caves – The Stormlands
One of the prettiest filming locations is the Cuchendun Caves in County Antrim. These caves are over 400 million years old and within walking distance of the small village of Cushendun.
The caves were used as the Stormlands in season 2, episode 4. In this episode, Melisandre gives birth in the caves to a shadow creature who later kills Renly Baratheon while he is relaxing at his camp. This is one of the most pivotal scenes in this season.
Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan, the Cushendun Caves are one of the most exciting places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Inch Abbey – Riverrun
The ruins of Cistercian Inch Abbey are one site in Northern Ireland that you probably already planned to see but have yet to learn of their connection to Game of Thrones.
The old 1180 abbey appears in several important episodes of Game of Thrones. One of the most shocking is when Catelyn and Robb learn about Ned’s death in season 1.
The scenes were set in the Riverlands while Robb’s army was waiting to cross to Riverrun.
After you have explored Inch Abbey, stop by the River Quoile and the Downpatrick Cathedral.
Gosford Castle – Riverrun
Gosford Castle was another location used to film Riverrun. It was the first home of the 2nd Earl of Gosford in the 19th century, then a hotel and home for troops during WWII.
The Castle was then restored into six high-end 3500 square-foot apartments in 2006, with plans to convert more of the Castle’s rooms. Unfortunately, you cannot tour the property, but you can admire it from the outside.
It is known as Riverrun Castle, where the House of Tully ruled. Riverrun was the first home of Katelyn Stark, which we see throughout the Game of Thrones series.
The Dark Hedges – Road from King’s Landing
One of Ireland’s most excellent Game of Thrones locations in the Dark Hedges. Not only is it a famous filming location but one of the tops things to see in Ireland.
The beautiful and unique row of twisted beech trees were planted to line the entrance of the Gracehill House in 1175. Although the house is no longer there, the spectacular half-mile of trees remains. They are so large that their branches intertwine, turning the dirt road into a tunnel-like pathway.
In the show, the Dark Hedges was used as a road that the Night’s Watch used to journey from Kings Landing to the North. During this episode, Arya joins the recruits as part of her escape from Theon Greyjoy after he takes over Winterfell.
Fair Head – Dragonstone
The Fair Head Cliffs were used as the location of the castle of Dragonstone in Game of Thrones. The cliffs are 600 feet in height on the Causeway Coastal Route. Located close to Murlough Bay, they are the perfect stop along your route.
Not only are they a stunning place to visit, but they made a dramatic backdrop for some pivotal scenes in the TV series.
Dragonstone is seen throughout season 7 and is the initial meeting place of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen in episode 3.
To access the cliffs, you will have to walk. There is a parking lot close by with a map of the area with walking paths.
Shillanavogy Valley – Dothraki Sea
You can find the valley in County Antrim near the Slemish Mountain. For Games of Thrones fans, it is known as the Dothraki Sea that Daenerys ventures through on her way to Vaes Dothrak.
The grasslands were one of the Game of Thrones locations in Ireland that do not look much like what you see in the show. The different appearance is due to computer generating to transform the area. Still, it is a pretty place to drive through while you are in the area.
Murlough Bay – Slaver’s Bay
Murlough Bay is a popular place for hiking. The rugged cliffside was used in several episodes throughout the series. One of the most known settings was Slaver’s Bay. In season 5, Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont are captured here by slavers as they travel to Meeren.
It was also used as the landscape around Dragonstone. This is where Theon meets up with his sister Yara on his way home.
It is a parking lot available off Murlough Road. From there, you can explore the bay on foot. Keep an eye out for signs. A couple located around the area gives information about the various
Audley’s Castle – Robb’s Camp
The medieval 16th-century Castle is mostly in ruins in the middle of Audley’s Field. It was the Audley family’s home for several years before they sold it to the Ward family.
It was used in several settings in Game of Thrones, such as the Riverlands and where the Battle of Oxcross takes place.
It is where Rob Stark meets and falls in love with Talisa after the Battle of Oxcross. It is also used as the land around Winterfell in one episode and the Stark and Lannister Camps in other show moments.
Those are just a few scenes shot at and around Audley’s Castle. Take some time to explore the fields and search for the filming locations before admiring the stone castle ruins.
Dunluce Castle – Pyke Castle
Dunluce Castle is a beautiful castle situated high on a cliff. The original castle dates back to the 13th century. However, the castle you see today was built in the late 16th century. The sea makes a dramatic backdrop for the crumbling castle walls.
It was owned by the Clan MacDonnell, who abandoned it in the late 1600s due to the high upkeep cost.
Since it was left abandoned, it has fallen into ruin but is still a popular attraction for tourists, whether you are a Game of Thrones fan or now.
With the help of CGI, Dunluce Castle is transformed into Pyke Castle of the Iron Islands. You can see the landscape around the castle in the show, but Pyke Castle was added.
Larrybane Quarry – Iron Islands
The chalk quarry turned car park may be an obscure filming location. However, it was used several times in Game of Thrones filming. Unfortunately, due to computer editing, you may have yet to make the connection as the location looks much different in the show.
It is the first time we are introduced to the well-loved character of Brienne of Tarth as she asks to join Renly Baratheon’s Kingsguard. Unfortunately, Stannis Baratheon soon after takes over Renly’s camp and is seen riding around the quarry in episode 5 of season 2.
After you have walked around the quarry, take a walk along the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Shane’s Castle – Winterfell, Castle Black, the Red Keep
The medieval Shane’s Castle ruins are one of Ireland’s most exciting Game of Thrones filming locations. Located in Country Antrim near Lough Neagh, the 14th-century Castle was destroyed in the early 1800s.
The estate is still used as farmlands for raising livestock on the extensive 1,000-acre property. It is also a famous filming location for the TV series. It has been used in several different episodes for numerous settings.
One of the first debuts was during the jousting tournament in season 1 when we were introduced to Hound a Mountain. It was also the bridge where Brienne of Tarth and Jamie Lannister got into a swordfight.
One of my favorite scenes was filmed in the cellars of the Castle. It was used in several scenes with the High Sparrow in season 5.
Besides being a popular Game of Thrones filming location, Shane’s Castle is open for visitors and hosts sporting events and festivals throughout the year.
FUN FACT: Part of the film Dracula Untold was also filmed here.
Castle Ward – Winterfell
Castle Ward is used throughout the series as Winterfell, home of the Starks. The beautiful 18th-century castle is one of the best things to see, as well as a Game of Thrones location in Ireland for filming.
This castle is unique to many others due to its mix of Gothic and Palladian styles and architecture.
The entire estate is open to visitors, including the house. The parts of Castle Ward that were used to film the show were mainly the old tower house and the farm. They were used as Winterfell in the show.
So many scenes were filmed here at Castle Ward that should be on anyone’s itinerary. Some of the most important moments for the Stark children happen here, including the unfortunate fall of Bran from the tower in the very first episode.
One nice thing about visiting Castle Ward is that they cater to Game of Thrones Fans. You can join a tour of the property that takes you around the property and talk about the critical scenes filmed there. They also built a complete replica of Winterfell used for visitors who would like to practice in archery lessons.
Galboly – Runestone
The small village of Galboly is another location used for filming Runestone in the Vale of Arryn. The now abandoned village was once home to only 50 or so residents in the 19th century.
Now, it is a tourist attraction for Game of Thrones lovers. It is seen in season 5 when Sansa is with Littlefinger as they watch Robin Arryn learn to dual. It is also where Littlefinger enlists the Knights of the Vale to retrieve Sansa from the villainous character Ramsay.
To access the village, you can park at Garron Point, where you can see it from afar. However, you cannot get much closer since it is on private property.
Tollymore Forest Park – The Haunted Forest
The majestic Tollymore Forest Park sits the North of the Mourne Mountains. The park is open to the public and includes some fabulous hiking trails. The area was used for several different scents in the Game of Thrones episodes.
If you hike through the park, you will come across markers that discuss the scenes filmed in these locations.
One of the most important scenes filmed in the forest was where you are introduced to the first White Walker found by the Night’s Watch members. Later, it is where the Starks find their iconic diorwolf pups given to each Stark child. Both of these scenes are in episode one of the first season.
Tollymore Forest is used several more times throughout the series for various settings.
There are guided tours available that will take you around the park and talk about the different scenes filmed there. There is also a trail map that you can use if you rather tour on your own. The handy signs around the way make it easier to spot the various locations and give you a summary of each.
Ballintoy Harbour – Lordsport Harbour
Another location on the Causeway Coastal Route is Ballintoy Harbour. The old fishing harbor is not just used for fishermen but is home to exciting rock formations.
These rock formations were part of the reason Ballintoy Harbour was used as the set of the Iron Islands.
It is used as Lordsport Harbour in the Iron Islands. One of the most famous scenes is where Theon is baptized on the beach and given a crew to follow him. You see it a lot in the exterior of Pyke as well.
While at the harbor, take some time to walk around and then make your way to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Larrybane Quarry.
Pollnagollum Cave – Hollow Hilll
This intriguing cave is located in Geopark in Northern Ireland. At 10 miles in length, it is the longest cave in the country and one of the most exciting Game of Thrones locations in Ireland.
The show used caves as a hideout for the Brothers without Banners in season 3, episode 4.
Climbing down inside the cave is something you should only do if you are an experienced climber. There is, however, a viewpoint that takes to outside the entrance and continues around the geopark.
If you would like to explore some global geopark caves, try a tour of the Marches Arches Caves. These are some of the most fascinating in Europe.
Downhill Beach – Dragonstone
The beautiful Downhill Beach runs along the coast and is home to the famous Mussenden Temple. The 7-mile stretch of beach was used at the beginning of season 2 when Stannis Baratheon proclaimed.
Looking closely at the scene, you will notice Dragonstone in the background. That is the location of Mussenden Temple, which was replaced by a computer-generated Dragonstone castle.
The beach is free to access, but there is a small entrance fee if you want to visit Mussenden Temple.
Portstewart Strand – Dorne Coast
The beautiful beach is located close to Derry in Northern Ireland. It was used to film the scene where Dornish soldiers captured Jamie and Bronn in season five.
The beach itself is pretty stunning and a popular place for people to come and enjoy the shoreline. With two miles of extraordinary coastline, it is not hard to see why this beach made it into the Game of Thrones episodes.
Gosford Castle – Riverrun
Gosford Castle was another location used to film Riverrun. It was the first home of the 2nd Earl of Gosford in the 19th century, then a hotel and home for troops during WWII.
The Castle was then restored into six high-end 3500 square-foot apartments in 2006, with plans to convert more of the Castle’s rooms. Unfortunately, you cannot tour the property, but you can admire it from the outside.
It is known as Riverrun Castle, where the House of Tully ruled. Riverrun was the first home of Katelyn Stark, which we see throughout the Game of Thrones series.
Glenariff Forest Park – Runestone
Glenariff Forest Park is a total of 1,000 hectares of and. It is known as “the Queen of the Glens” due to its large size and beauty. Glenariff is a popular place for hiking and walking. There is a 3-mile Waterfall Walkway that takes visitors by its three waterfalls and a riverside trail.
Besides being a popular place for walking, Glenariff is also known for its association with the Game of Thrones franchise. It was used as the filming location for Runestone in the Vale of Arryn. In the show, Runestones is the house of Royce, who used to rule the Vale.
The glen is a National Nature Reserve and therefore has a fee of £5 to enter per car. There is plenty to do here, though, and it is well worth the trip—the boardwalk alone with worth a visit.
If you get hungry, you can eat at one of the park’s picnic areas or in the delightful onsite tea house.
Game of Thrones Tours
Join a tour if you plan on visiting multiple Game of Thrones locations in Ireland. Day tours are a convenient way to visit various locations efficiently without worrying about finding your way around.
In addition, each tour comes with knowledgeable guides who will give you not just information about the locations you visit but behind-the-scenes information that you can’t get on your own.
Game of Thrones Belfast Tours
The Company, Game of Thrones Tours, is one of the best tour companies in Belfast. With over 2,400 five-star reviews, you are in good hands. The tour group has various tour options, including walking tours, private driving tours, and small group tours of the main Game of Thrones filming locations.
Their most popular is the Iron Islands & Giant’s Causeway Tour from Belfast. From transportation, admission tickets, an experienced guide, and costumes, this popular tour has everything you need for the perfect Game of Thrones experience.
Game of Thrones Dublin Tours
- One of the top tours from Dublin is the full-day Winterfell Trek. After meeting in Dublin, your guides will take you to the various filming locations while giving you essential information along the way. You will stop at Tollymore Forest Park, Strangford Lough, Castle Ward, and Inch Abbey. The tour price includes admission to these places and costumes for photo opportunities at the various stops.
- Another popular tour from Dublin takes you to the filming locations and stops by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, with a stop in Belfast. In addition, you will stop at some of the most iconic locations, such as the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle, with plenty of time to walk around. The Dublin tour is an easy way to experience Northern Ireland with entrance fees, transportation, and guides included.
Driving Tours
- Day Tour from Belfast: Take a full-day tour to some of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming locations. From the meeting point in Belfast, you will travel to popular sites such as the Cavs of Cushendun, Larrybane Quarry, Dunluce Castle, and the Dark Hedges. This guided tour will also stop at one of Ireland’s most fascinating sites, the Giant’s Causeway. With the help of a knowledgeable tour guide, you will learn all about these important locations and their ties to the show.
- Day Tour from Derry: The tour includes transportation to several filming locations and photo opportunities. You will explore Downhill Beach, Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, and more. In addition, you will have time to cross the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope Bridge as part of your experience. In the afternoon, you will get some time on your own for lunch is a charming pub in Ballintoy after visiting the harbor. After that, your guide will take you to the Giant’s Causeway before your final stop at the Dark Hedges.
Studio Tours
You can also visit the Linen Mill Studios, where a large portion of the show was made. You can see some of the sets, access the costumes and props used for the show, and learn valuable information about the show’s filming during your tour.
The studios are located in Banbridge, about a 40-minute drive from Belfast and 90-minutes from Dublin. This tour from Dublin includes transportation and entrance into the studios. The 100,000-square feet tour takes you through some of the essential sets in the TV franchise, such as King’s Landing and Winterfell. It will take you three hours to tour the studio on your own.
Purchase Studio Tour Entrance Tickets
Conclusion
Northern Ireland is a fascinating place with many historical sites and unique landscapes. While you are in Ireland, stop by some of these Game of Thrones filming locations. If you are short on time, plenty of great day tours will take you to the main filming locations, with stops at some other popular locations. Discovered another filming location? I’d love to hear all about it!
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