While the final season of Game of Thrones is over, you don’t have to let go of your favorite kingdoms just yet! As you may know, the epic tale of dragons and Whitewalkers is filmed in Northern Ireland for a majority of the scenes. For TV-loving travelers, there are tons of Game of Thrones filming locations in Ireland that you can visit during a vacation there.
Primarily, GoT is filmed at Paint Hall Studios in Belfast. Ireland, however, sets the scene for the majority of the iconic scenes in Game of Thrones. If you are a big Game of Thrones fan like us and are planning a trip to Ireland in the near future, you are going to want to check out these iconic Game of Thrones filming locations for the show.
Interested in traveling to Ireland to see these famous filming spots for yourself? Don’t miss our Game of Thrones guided tour!
Top Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Ireland
1. The Dark Hedges
Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Known by GoT fans as Kingsroad, the iconic beech trees at the Dark Hedges make this spot one of the most widely known Game of Thrones filming locations in Ireland. Because of the huge increase in tourists to the area, through traffic is now banned from this iconic GoT landmark.
2. Tollymore Forest
Located in County Down
This lovely forested area was the setting for one of the first scenes ever in Game of Thrones – when Robb, Bran and Jon find their Direwolf pups in the first episode. In reality, Tollymore Forest was actually the first state forest park to be designated in Northern Ireland, which features quiet forest tails, picturesque bridges, and a large river that’s a common place for spotting local fish and bird species.
Fun fact: oak wood from Tollymore Forest was also used in the interior of the Titanic.
3. Cushendun Caves
Located in County Antrim
These caves may be recognized as the place where the Red Priestess gives birth to the shadow creature. In real life, the caves were once a landing place for those traveling between Ireland and Scotland.
Photo Credit: fs-phil (Flickr CC)
4. Downhill Beach
Located in County Derry
Situated in the northernmost tip of Ireland, this beach is also known to GoT fans more commonly as the shores of Dragonstone. This photogenic area boasts 11 km of sandy shorelines, embraced by dramatic cliffs and historic ruins.
Downhill Beach is a common family recreational area during the warmer months in the year, and is home to several water sports. Nearby, you can find Mussenden Temple, one of the most popular photo spots in the entire country.
5. Larrybane
Located in Northern Ireland
This quarry in Northern Ireland is also home to the famous Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge that you can cross (if the weather is right) while visiting. It was almost the filming location for Renly Baratheon’s camp and where Brienne of Tarth is introduced.
Photo Credit: Amanda Slater
6. Castle Ward
Located in County Down
One of the most famous locations inside of the world of Game of Thrones is, of course, Winterfell. Ireland’s famous Castle Ward, an Irish National Trust site, was transformed into Winterfell for the show’s duration! Originally built as a home for the Ward family, it has changed hands over the years and is now one of the few Game of Thrones filming locations that is fully open to the public.
You can visit Castle Ward now and participate in many GoT-esque activities. Try your hand at archery, wander the regal grounds of the castle, and dress up in Game of Thrones-style garb as your favorite Stark.
7. Ballintoy Harbor
Located in County Antrim
In a small, idyllic Irish fishing village lies the harbor was the filming location where Theon Greyjoy returns home after many years away. When not serving as a Game of Thrones filming location, Ballintoy Harbor is home to a large array of local fishing vessels, the Dunseverick Castle ruins, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
These locations, along with many other Game of Thrones filming locations, are amazing places to visit while in Ireland, even if you’re not a GoT fan. Start planning your Ireland vacation today by sending us a email at hello@isleinntours.com.
Tours and experiences are independently operated. They are not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with HBO or anyone associated with Game of Thrones®.
