For some, the last season of Game of Thrones was controversial, while others were swept away in the conclusion to George R.R. Martin’s fantasy epic. But with no more seasons to come (although a prequel series is in the works) fans are left at a loose end as to what to do next.
But the fun doesn’t have to be over just yet. You can bring yourself even closer to Westeros by visiting the many filming locations in Northern Ireland used in the show. Read on to find out more about where you can visit.
What locations in Northern Ireland were used in Game of Thrones?
The rustic, rolling coastlines of Northern Ireland became the location for northern Westeros in the TV show. A seven-mile beach called Downhill Strand is overlooked by the Mussenden Temple where Stannis Baratheon was often seen.
The imposing gothic beech trees of Dark Hedges can be found in Stranocum, County Antrim, while the capital of The Iron Islands in the show is in fact a small seaside village called Ballintoy.
And if you want to visit The Wall, head to Magheramorne Quarry, although CGI was used to turn it into something larger for the show.
There’s also the ruins of Shane’s Castle which was used to introduce us to Gregor Clegane.
Go all the way back to the first ever episode and you’ll see the home of Starks in the clock tower and courtyard in Castle Ward, County Down.
The Starks’ direwolves were found in Tollymore Forest Park, classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in real life.
When Ned bedheads a deserter at Knock Dhu, a long cliff in Cairncastle, County Antrim is used as the location.
Strangford Lough is used for Robb Stark’s camp in the second season, while the ruins of a medieval tower is used as the basis of The Twins.
Also seen in season two was Renly Baratheon’s camp, which was in fact located in Larrybane.
The Cushendun Caves in Antrim is where Melisandre gave birth to a shadow baby in the second season.
Murlough Bay appears three times in the show. In season three, Theon Greyjoy is seen riding with his sister there. After the Battle of Blackwater Bay Davos Seaworth is left shipwrecked and it is also where the slavers capture Tyrion and Jaime Lannister.
Visit River Quoile to see where Robb Stark’s army needed to head across the river in the first season.
The exterior of Pollnagollum’s Cave in County Fermanagh becomes Beric Dondarrion’s hideout in the third season.
When Daenerys marries Khal Drogo, the beautiful setting of Shillanavogy Valley is used as the location.
The Queen of the Glens, in Glenariff, is where Littlefinger and Sansa Stark watch Robin Arryn struggle to get to grips with a sword.
When Daenerys finds her injured dragon towards the end of the fifth season, filming took place on Binevenagh Mountain.
Before they set off towards Dorne, the location of Quintin Bay is used as the location for the scene when Jaime Lannister convinces Bronn to come with him.
Lannister and Bronn are on their way towards the Water Gardens when they see off some Dornish soldiers. This was filmed at Portstewart Strand, which is only a stone’s throw away from Downhill Strand.
To find out more about the iconic filming sites used in series 1-8 of Game of Thrones and how you can visit them, click and read on here.
