Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland

“Game of Thrones” is a series that had been filmed for nearly a decade. This series has captured the imagination of fans, and although it is set on fictional continents, the filming locations of each episode are well known.

About 70% of the series was shot in Northern Ireland, both outdoors and in film studios. No wonder the popularity of the “Game of Thrones” series has led to an increase in tourism in Northern Ireland, with many fans coming from abroad to visit the locations where scenes are filmed.

What places are worth visiting when following the “Game of Thrones” trail in Northern Ireland? We will follow Ned Stark, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister and other characters in Northern Ireland.

Map of “Game of Thrones” Locations in Northern Ireland

Probably the most important, because without an itinerary you can’t go. I have prepared a map for you to help you find your way around, map out your routes and enjoy your trip. On the map you will find interesting places and points of “Game of Thrones”, which I list in this post.

You can add it to the Google Maps app, just access the site via your phone, click on the map zoom [ ] in the upper right corner and it will automatically launch the app with the map below.

Personally, I have heard of 25 “Game of Thrones” locations in Northern Ireland. The most famous of these are Tollymore Forest Park, The Dark Hedges. Some of them, unfortunately, I didn’t manage to see. I saw more than a dozen locations during my trip, but on the map below you will find all the ones I managed to find.

“Game of Thrones” Studio – Linen Mill Studios

The show was filmed in a number of locations, and as I mentioned, about 70% of the series was shot in Northern Ireland. For this reason, in 2022, 40 minutes from Belfast, an unusual attraction was created – a “Game of Thrones” studio!  Around 30-40% of the series was shot in this studio and there are authentic scenes and film backgrounds. You will not only see scenes or costumes and accessories, but also sketches, themes and plans for the making of the series. You can ask about interesting facts from the guides, who know practically everything about the series (e.g. which parts of Britain were on the continent of Westeros)

In the studio, you explore all the lands from GOT, and the deeper you go, the warmer it gets. You simply explore the studio from the Wall, from the ice all the way to desert Dorne in the south. An amazing site that shows the enormity of this project.

“Game of Thrones” studio address: 245 Castlewellan Road, Banbridge BT32 3SG. Important! You park at the shopping center, pick up your tickets there and take a small bus to the studio. Admission: £40, tour time min. 3 hours (that’s how long it took us, and to be honest there was still something to see). If you’re going as a family, the kids (at least for now) don’t have to pay extra.

Tollymore Forest Park

Tollymore Forest Park is a charming park on the east coast of Northern Ireland (near Newcastle), so it’s well worth a drive to after visiting the “Game of Thrones” studios. It is primarily known for its beautiful trails and charming bridges, which have taken part in various film productions. Among them, in “Game of Thrones”. It is also a beautiful arboretum, which was established in 1752. A variety of plant species can be found here, including the famous Himalayan cedars. No wonder the place made an appearance in the series.

A moment from “Game of Thrones”: it was there that the Starks first met the little Wolfsons. Season 1, Episode 1.

Parking, as at other National Trust sites, costs £5.

“Game of Thrones” Filming Location: Cushendun Caves

The Cushendun Caves are another location featured in “Game of Thrones”. These caves were formed more than 400 million years ago and are mysterious, interesting and incredibly photo-geeky in their own right. It’s no wonder that one of the scenes of GOT took place there. Even if you are not a fan of the series, in my opinion, they are worth seeing due to the fact that they are simply beautiful.

A moment from “Game of Thrones”: the creation of a shadow by Melisandre, the Red Woman. Season 2, episode 4.

Admission: free (May 2022).

Fair Head – Unusual Irish Cliffs

This is one of the places I think you have to visit in Northern Ireland, not only because of the series. The Fair Head cliff stretches for 5 kilometers and is truly phenomenal.

Of course, it’s where “Game of Thrones” was filmed, more specifically, the scene in which Jon Snow looks from Fairhead to the ocean. Season 7, episode 3.

Parking lot: £3.

Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland

Another spot popular with tourists is Dunluce Castle, or rather its ruins. Nevertheless, it’s worth knowing that you may not recognize Dunluce Castle as the filming location of the TV series, as it has been quite heavily remodeled for its purposes. Nevertheless, still Dunluce Castle is located on the edge of a cliff, with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dark Hedges – the Famous Tree-lined Path of King’s Road

This is probably the most photographed spot from “Game of Thrones” in Northern Ireland. No wonder, it is extremely photogenic. Unless a couple of buses with tourists from all over the world just happen to arrive (that’s how it happened to us, unfortunately) ?. I’d say it’s a great place to visit.

This distinctive beech avenue from the TV series “Game of Thrones” appears at the end of episode one in season two.

Mussenden Temple/Downhill Strand

This is another great place for a “Game of Thrones” walking tour of Northern Ireland. Mussenden Temple is located on top of a cliff above the Atlantic Ocean. From the cliff, there is a beautiful view of the beach, which is famous in the series.

The beach appeared in the second season, when Stannis Baratheon rejected the gods of Westeros and was declared Lord of Light.

Larrybane Quarry

Larrybane Bay is one of the more scenic spots on the Causeway coast (the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is right next door). From the cliffs above the bay you can admire the coast. The quarry located there was the scene for one of the episodes of season 2. Catelyn Stark meets the new king, Renly.

Mount Binevenagh

The mountain, or rather the plateau of Binevenagh, is located in County Londonderry. The view from the top is really stunning, and besides, the place attracts anglers, because there is an artificial lake there. It’s worth knowing that at certain times (e.g., when I was there ?) it’s incredibly wet there, so it’s better to have spare pair of shoes.

Mount Binevenagh appears in season 5, episode 10.

Glenariff Forest Park Glenariff Forest Park, or rather, the Hidden Village of Galboly

Located between ravines, the hidden village is another location from the series. Some sources say that some of the scenes took place in the nearby Glenariff Park, which I think is worth a visit for its spectacular scenery.

On the other hand, the road to the village takes about 20 minutes, we failed twice, not because of the long or demanding route. Once the parking space (for several cars) was full, and the second time we walked up a bit and had to rush to the airport. Maybe it will work out the third time, I hope so.

Other “Game of Thrones” Sites in Northern Ireland

Of course, these are not all “Game of Thrones” sites. There are a few more places in Northern Ireland, in County Dawn, County Antrim and County Derry/Londonderry:

Castle Ward

Inch Abbey

Sallagh Braes

Slemish Mountain

Shillanavogy Valley

Pollnagollum Cave

Places from “Game of Thrones” – What to Know?

First of all, it’s worth to plan the route carefully. If you have limited time, as I did, it’s worth giving up some points. In my opinion, Mount Binevenagh was the least interesting place and I would swap it for a hidden village or Inch Abbey.

Are these all the “Game of Thrones” locations in Northern Ireland? Still no. In Belfast, for example, there are beautiful stained glass windows that you can see when visiting the city. Besides, 10 wooden doors that memorialize “Game of Thrones” have been hidden throughout Northern Ireland. They are made from fallen trees in the Dark Hedges and depict some of the moments of season 6 episodes. Where are they located? I’ll just reveal that the latest ones are located in the Belfast pub Dark Horse.

You can find more interesting places in Northern Ireland here:

15 Best Places in Northern Ireland to Visit

TOP Things To See & Do in Belfast

Things to Do in Derry- Londonderry

See also:

Where Was Harry Potter Filmed? I Visited the Warner Bros Studio in London

I have a request to you, my readers, if I missed something, write a message or comment. ?