If you’re a fan of the epic drama Game of Thrones, then you’ll love Northern Ireland. Because of its beautiful countryside and relative wilderness (for the UK at least), the region has become a favourite among tourists looking to visit some of the stunning locations featured on the drama. So where can you go in Northern Ireland to live out your own Game of Throne magic? Let’s take a look.
Castle Ward In County Down
Castle Ward featured in Game of Thrones as Winterfell, the home of House Stark. The actual house was built in the 18th century as a retreat for the Ward family who occupied the original castle on the site two centuries earlier. You can travel to Castle Ward in Country Down with the United Bus Company, the best Belfast bus company available.
The Cushendun Caves In County Antrim
The Cushendun Caves featured in Game of Thrones in season two as a cove in the Stormlands. If you watch Game of Thrones, you’ll remember the caves from the episode in which Melisandre gives birth to the shadow creature.
The Cushendun Caves themselves are just a few minutes walk from the village of Cushendun. To get to the caves, you step out of the village, down onto the beach and then along the coast to the mouth of the River Dun.
Inch Abbey In County Down
Remember Robb Stark’s Camp, Riverrun, in Game of Thrones second season? It was filmed at Inch Abbey, a now-ruined monastery in the rolling hills of County Down. The abbey, originally Cistercian, was founded in the twelve century by a man called John de Courcy. It’s an excellent place for a day trip using bus hire in Belfast.
Near to Inch Abbey in County Down, you’ll find the Down County Museum containing ten galleries that cover the history of County Down and the Downpatrick area. You’ll also find the Downpatrick and Country Down railway, complete with operating refurbished steam engines.
Ballingtoy Harbour In County Antrim
Ballintoy harbour is a natural outcropping that featured in season two of Game of Thrones when Theon Greyjoy returns home to Lordspot harbour. The harbour is a stunning example of a natural location for ships to make landfall, thanks to its open bay.
Ballingtoy harbour is close to the village of Ballingtoy, accessed by a narrow road that runs down to the sea.
Tollymore Forest In County Down
The creators of Game of Thrones needed pristine forest locations to film outdoor scenes, free from contamination with modern artefacts. The Tollymore Forest appealed to producers because of how unspoilt it is in some locations. It provided the perfect combination of ancient woodland and gently trickling brooks to give a stunning, believable backdrop for the drama.
Tollymore Forest first appeared in season one of Game of Thrones as a location near Winterfell. It was here that Ned Stark found many orphaned dire wolf pups.
You can use our Belfast bus company to take you to Tollymore Forest to experience the location for yourself.