Where to find Game of Thrones filming locations

Game of Thrones has taken the world’s television watching population by storm. While you are waiting for the next series to premiere, satisfy your fan cravings by visiting some Game of Thrones filming locations! Head to Northern Ireland fellow fans! We’ve done our best to avoid plot spoilers, but new viewers should beware as you read about where to go and what to see.

Tollymore Forest Park

Tollymore Forest Park was the first park to be established in Northern Ireland in 1955 and was also used while filming the very first episode of Game of Thrones in 2011. It is a memorable location for picnics, wildlife spotting, hiking and horse riding. In Game of Thrones, it was an eerily beautiful snow dusted woods providing the striking image of the Night Watch discovering the dead Wildlings and the Wights. In reality, its beauty is the same (especially in winter!) with fantastic views of the sea over to Newcastle. Spend the day strolling through two different worlds, and then spend the night camping at the forest.

Inch Abbey

Out on the north bank of the Quoile River is Inch Abbey which dates back to the 12th century. It was built by John de Couvey as atonement for the destruction of Evenagah Abbey. This spot is famous for its part in Series 1, Episode 9 as the Twins. It is here that Robb’s army needs to cross the Trident. Inch Abbey is open all year round for free and is a great place for a walk. You can learn of Cistercian life at the Abbey or spend an educational day out with the kids. The nearest camping and caravan sites are found halfway between Downpatrick and Killyleagh.

Castle Ward

Castle Ward is an 18th century building where gothic and classic architecture collide. It is a striking location perched on top of rolling hills with scenic views over Strangford Lough. The shores of the Lough and the Georgian Farmyard were transformed into Winterfell for Games of Thrones. Even without all the props and actors, the courtyard is still easily recognisable. It was here that fans were first introduced to the Starks, the Lannisters and King Robert Baretheon. Visitors can wander through the wooded Lough Trail or the sunken sub-tropical Victorian Garden. Enjoy exploring the working corn mill and theatre, watching handmade pottery and jewellery be crafted, or chilling out in the second hand book store and tearoom. Entry to Winterfell costs £6.63 for adults, £3.31 for kids and £16.59 for families. Castle Ward has its own camping pods or there is room to bring your own tent or caravan.

Audley’s Tower

Audley’s Tower was purchased by the Ward family in 1646. By 1738, the tower, or bawn, had become the central focus point along Castle Ward’s artificial lake, Temple Waters. Land registry records show that the tower sits on land that used to belong to the Anglo-Norman Audley family, hence the tower’s name. However, for Game of Thrones fans, the tower’s legacy is known as the camp for Robb’s army. For modern holidaymakers, there are canoes to hire from nearby Clearsky Adventure as well as climbing, abseiling and raft building fun.

County Antrim

County Antrim is home to some of the most stunning locations in the world, including the famous Giant’s Causeway! This wondrously rugged and wild landscape is also home to numerous iconic Game of Thrones filming locations. The Glen of Antrim has been used for parts of the Dothraki Sea. Ballintoy Harbour is a key landing spot for the Iron Islands in Series 2. There is also Cairncastle where Eddard executes Gared as well as the iconic Dark Hedges of Armoy where Arya flees in a cart. These haunting beech trees take some hunting down, but can be found halfway between Ballycastle and Ballymoney. The gnarled ancient branches interlock to block out light from the sun and, according to the locals, the ghost of the Grey Lady patrols the lane! The best camping sites for Game of Thrones locations in this area has to be either near Portstewart or Cushendall.

Game of Thrones has had the same impact on Northern Ireland as the Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand! So come loss yourself in the world of Game of Thrones and rediscover the beauty of Northern Ireland.