Game Of Thrones, Northern Ireland: Winter Is Coming!

Due to the incredible popularity of the HBO show ‘Game Of Thrones’, Northern Ireland has been thrown onto the travel bucket list of people all over the world. According to Tourism NI, Game of Thrones Fans account for 1 in 6 offshore visitors. A vacation to Northern Ireland is the dream for all fans of the hit HBO show. From exhibitions containing props to castles and caves. Start adding these to your custom itinerary right now on the Tripio app! We have even created a great Game of thrones weekend itinerary which you can view Here.

Discover the land of the old gods and the new with our exclusive custom Game of Thrones long weekend itinerary. Trust us, besides, we are the experts in travel and can assure you that we know more than Jon Snow. Northern Ireland is a land full of rugged and lush landscape that screams adventure. Combine that with its many ancient castles and you have a pretty unique and amazing vacation. Getting the opportunity to travel to Northern Ireland is a dream come true and major bucket list trip for many fans. So let’s dive into the filming locations of one of the biggest and most popular television shows of all time. 

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Dark Hedges: King’s Landing

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

The Dark Hedges is a pathway of interlocking ancient trees that were planted in the 18th century. What’s more, they featured in several key scenes in the show leading up to King’s Landing and was referred to as the King’s Road. Furthermore, you can drive down the road where the trees interlock but I recommend walking down it so that you can really take it in.

Downhill Strand: Burning Of The 7

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Downhill Strand is a sandy beach which you can drive onto near Castlerock in Northern Ireland. This beach featured as a filming location for the burning of the 7 in season 2.  This 7-mile stretch of sand also offers stunning views of Mussenden Temple.

Game Of Thrones Afternoon Tea

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

 Ballygally castle offers a fun and unique dining experience dedicated to the show with food named after characters and even a souvenir dragon duck to go along with it. Jon Snow cakes, Baratheon bread, Little finger wraps, Lannister egg rolls, Hodor’s pulled pork, Dothraki Trifle, Winterfell Jaffa, Kingslayer cupcakes and Sansa’s lemon cakes are just some of what this delicious menu has to offer. What’s more, this beautiful and historic hotel offers this great game of thrones themed afternoon tea. Which house will you support? Remember a Lannister always pays his debts!

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

Winterfell Castle & Demesne

Photo by  K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Winterfell Castle & Demesne (castle ward) was, as the name suggests, used extensively for the filming of George RR Martin’s epic adaption of Game of Thrones. Spend the day walking around with your knowledgeable tour guide while trying your hand at archery and axe throwing. Entry is not permitted unless you have pre-booked an activity here. It’s house Stark all the way for me!

Inch Abbey: King In The North

Inch Abbey now stands as the remains of a 9th century monastery. Featured in the show as the place where Robb Stark’s bannermen rallied behind him and declared him the King in the North. This was after winning the Battle of the Whispering Wood and taking Jamie Lannister prisoner.  There is easy access to the Abbey from the carpark. You will often see die hard fans in cosplay taking epic battle photos.

Game Of Thrones Studio Tour

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

As a fan, if you only do one thing in this blog, this is the one to do! Journey through the Game Of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge and experience the transition of Westeros from script to screen. From props to costumes and even interactive segments, this is the must-see attraction for any fan. Will you sit upon the Iron Throne? Climb the wall? Come face to face with a White Walker?

Game Of Thrones Studio Tour

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

Marble Arch Caves Exploration: Hideout

The Marble Arch Caves are naturally occurring, living caves that can be enjoyed by both families and nature enthusiasts. Explore the underground labyrinth on a Guided Cave Tour with subterranean rivers, winding passages, lofty chambers and a collection of delicate cave formations. Moreover, these caves featured in season three as Beric Dondarrion’s hideout in The Riverlands.

Tollymore Forest Park

Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash

Take a stroll through the weird and wonderful Tollymore Forest Park. It houses a barn that resembles a church, stone cones and gothic-style gates.

Walk along the Shimna river with its many curiosities, rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves. Equally important, be sure to touch the famous oak trees because they were used by the White Star Line to decorate the famous Titanic’s interior. In addition, Tollymore Forest Park featured in the show as the unmistakable Haunted Forest. 

Ballintoy Harbour: The Iron Islands

Photo by @hessionmarie on IG

Photo by @hessionmarie on IG

Ballintoy Harbour is a stunning little quaint port that lies just a stone’s throw from The Giant’s Causeway. This picturesque fishing port is where some major filming took place. In fact, this is where Theon Greyjoy was baptized in front of Yara, his sister! In addition, Ballintoy harbour doubled as the location of the Iron Islands. 

Game of Thrones fans are certainly going to be thrilled with a vacation to Northern Ireland. Download the Tripio app now and start creating your very own custom itinerary, bucket list and custom top 10.

If you are interested in Northern Ireland check out this awesome blog on Northern Ireland’s Top 10 Must-See Places! 

or even London: Top 10 Most Historic Places

or fancy some more fantasy, check out The Real Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

and Journey Through Middle Earth

I hope you have enjoyed my blog which I wrote while sitting on the Iron Throne of course, until next time, keep travelling!

– Gemma Winchester, Tripio Guru

Game Of Thrones Studio Tour

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

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