With a landscape that has inspired fantasy writers like CS Lewis for decades, it is no wonder that Northern Ireland has served as the filming location for the HBO Series Game of Thrones since 2010. Many of the otherworldly landscapes that They serve as a backdrop for the brand. -believe show can actually be visited in real life.
While you can find Game of Thrones locations in Croatia, Spain, and Iceland, it might also be time to book a trip to Ireland if you’ve been inspired by the castles, mountain ranges, and forests featured in the award-winning show.
Here are the top ten Game of Thrones sites in Northern Ireland and information on how to visit them yourself.
Dark Hedges: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Dark Hedges is an avenue of intertwined beech trees that were planted by the Stuart family more than 200 years ago. The trees were planted as an impressive entrance to his mansion (Gracehill House), but it serves as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones . Park at the Hedges Hotel in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, then walk around to experience the amazing street for yourself.
Glenariff: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Glenariff is sometimes known as “Queen of the Glens”, and is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Antrim. The lush glen in Northern Ireland was the setting for the Dueling Practice Range in the Valley of Arryn. You can visit the beautiful greenery at Glenariff Forest Park in Ballymena and hike three miles of trails.
Dunluce Castle: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Built on the edge of a cliff, the impressive Dunluce Castle is only accessible by a narrow bridge. The 16th century castle ruins served as the House of Greyjoy in Game of Thrones . One of the best castles in all of Ireland, you can visit the visitor center before exploring the beautiful stone ruins.
Binevenagh Mountain: Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland
The real life Binevenagh Mountain became the peak overlooking the imaginary Sea of Dothraki from Game of Thrones . You can recognize him at the scene when Daenerys is rescued by her dragon. Beautiful natural scenery can be found in County Londonderry and outdoor enthusiasts can lace up their hiking boots and hit the trails here.
Tollymore Forest Park: Co. Down, Northern Ireland
The trails of Tollymore Forest Park were portrayed as the Enchanted Forest in this beloved HBO series. You can visit the park in County Down near the city of Newcastle and have a picnic to enjoy under the trees. Then, follow in the footsteps of the White Walkers who marched through this forest to the realm of men. This is also where Theon’s failed escape was filmed. Look out for the many structures that blend into their natural surroundings, including a grotto and hermitage stone house that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Audley’s Field and Castle: Co. Down, Irlanda del Norte
Audley’s Field, with its distinctive stone castle, has appeared in three seasons of Game of Thrones . The most memorable scene was in season two when Robb Stark goes camping and meets Talisa here. Outside of GoT, the 16th century castle is actually part of the Ward family estate in Downpatrick, Co. Down. Go through the paths that lead to the castle to admire the stone structure up close.
Morne Mountains: Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Located near Tollymore Forest Park (another filming location), the Morne Mountains were an inspiration for CS Lewis’s fantastic Narnia and can also be seen in the imaginary world of Game of Thrones . The incredible mountains appear as Vaes Dothrak, the only city in the Dothraki Sea. Stop at Leitrim Lodge in County Down to take in the sights that appeared in the series as part of the Seven Kingdoms.
Murlough Bay: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Murlough Bay is quite remote, but it is worth the walk to Ballycastle in County Antrim to enjoy the views along the rocky shoreline. The bay looks out over some of the Scottish islands, but on television it was used as the shoreline where Tyrion and Ser Jorah are captured by a slave ship in season five. Eagle-eyed fans might notice that this is also where Yara rides her horse with Theon.
Cushendun Caves: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
When Melisandra gives birth to a Shadow in a cave near Renly’s camp in Game of Thrones , she is actually in the Cushendun Caves in County Antrim. The moss covered caves were formed over 400 million years ago and can be found just outside the village of Cushendun.
Portstewart Strand: Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland
The two miles of golden sand at Portstewart Strand are some of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Ireland. They created a picturesque backdrop during Jaime and Bronn’s approach to the Water Gardens during the War of the Five Kings. You can see them for yourself near the coastal town of Portstewart in County Londonderry.
