45+ Northern Ireland Game Of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Visit (2025)! 

Did you know there are lots of Northern Ireland Game of Thrones filming locations you can visit? 

This 8-part epic series was filmed all over the country and it had me in a chokehold when it was first released. 

So, I was over the moon to visit all of the magical destinations where it was filmed on a road trip. 

As well as filming locations, you can visit themed walking trails, tapestries, studio tours, jewellers, Game of Thrones doors and more. 

Here are all the Northern Ireland Game of Thrones locations you can visit with practical tips! 

Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Northern Ireland?

All eight seasons of the HBO series were filmed in locations around Northern Ireland.

From studios in Belfast to the emerald hills of County Down, County Clare, County Londonderry and the dramatic Antrim Coast.

It’s the perfect excuse to plan a Game of Thrones road trip to visit the magical landscapes that were used to create Westeros and Essos. 

How to get around Northern Ireland 

It’s easiest and most convenient to have a car to travel to all the Northern Ireland Game of Thrones filming locations.

Most of these areas and attractions are quite remote and sometimes there is no public transport available. 

If you are planning to drive, make sure to have a SatNav spare as the phone signal can be limited. 

As well as this list of locations to guide you, I would have the Game of Thrones NI app on hand and/or the Game of Thrones Studio Tour app.

If you’re not comfortable driving, I recommend booking a tour that will take you to the most popular locations from Belfast / Dublin. 

Consider booking a Game of Thrones tour 

If you’re not driving in Northern Ireland, or you fancy taking a break from the wheel, I would highly recommend taking a Game of Thrones tour.

These tours are very affordable and some are even run by expert guides who were extras in the show. 

So, you’ll get to see the filming locations and hear some behind-the-scenes gossip too! 

Game of Thrones in Belfast 

So, there aren’t many Game of Thrones filming locations you can visit in Belfast but there is lots to see and do here for fans. 

Many travellers will begin their adventures in Northern Ireland in the capital and it’s a great city to get acquainted with. 

The Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter and Ulster Museum have some surprises for fans.

Plus, there’s a brand new Game of Thrones Studio Tour worth checking out at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge. 

Here are all the places to find Game of Thrones in Belfast. 

1. Glass of Thrones Trail

The Glass of Thrones walk is a trail where you can discover 6 beautiful Game of Thrones stained glass windows in the Titanic Quarter. 

Each window has been beautifully crafted by artisans and reflects the most poignant scenes and characters from the show.

You’ll find the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, and White Walkers. You can even take your place on the Iron Throne! 

The windows were made to celebrate 10 years of filming Game of Thrones and it’s a great way to relive some of your favourite moments.

It’s now a permanent feature in the city and makes a great activity for any fan visiting Belfast. 

What’s even better is that it can be completed self-guided at any time of the day and is completely FREE. 

2. Titanic Studios 

As you make your way around the Titanic Quarter, don’t forget to check out Titanic Studios. 

This is where they filmed all eight of the Game of Thrones series in Belfast. You can see a BTS video here. 

Of course, they did choose many outdoor locations for Westeros around Northern Ireland but most of the indoor filming was done here.

An example is the King’s Landing Iron throne room. They built the entire set from scratch and it was 35 feet high. It stretched across two lots. 

Although you cannot go inside the building, you can take a peek over the wall and it makes a great addition to the Glass of Thrones trail. 

3. Grab a Journey of Doors Trail Passport 

A fun way to visit all the Northern Ireland Game of Thrones filming locations is to pick up a Journey of Doors passport. 

If you weren’t aware of the Journey of Doors trail, the beech trees at the Dark Hedges were damaged some years ago due to over-tourism, and some of them were sadly knocked down.

A group of clever artists re-purposed the wood and made a series of Game of Thrones doors.

The doors were gifted to pubs dotted around Northern Ireland.

Many of these pubs were places that the cast/crew used to eat, drink or sleep in after filming!

Luckily, there is one located in Belfast that is perfect for kickstarting your adventures. 

3. The Dark Horse – Game of Thrones Door

You can’t skip a visit to the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast. It’s a vibrant area with lots of pubs and restaurants to visit.

My favourite street has to be Commercial Court or the Umbrella Street with the Duke of York pub.

Another reason to visit is that the Dark Horse café is the proud owner of one of the Game of Thrones doors!

Their carved door depicts the events during King’s Landing of Westeros in series 6. 

So, remember to pick up a Journey of Doors passport and get it stamped here.

You can go out on a treasure hunt to find all the other doors around Northern Ireland.

5. Game of Thrones Tapestry

You must visit the Ulster Museum in Belfast for an overview of the city’s lengthy and turbulent history. 

Another bonus of visiting is that you can see the Game of Thrones Tapestry!

This epic tapestry is 90 metres long (295 feet) and depicts scenes from all eight seasons of the show. 

Every season, every episode, and every epic moment has been hand embroidered on here! 

It was inspired by the famous Bayeux tapestry that shows the events of the 1066 Battle of Hastings and the conquest of England.

On the Game of Thrones tapestry, you’ll find all your favourite characters, the seven Kingdoms of Westeros, steamy romances, heartbreaking betrayals, and bloody battles given life through thread. 

30 talented local stitchers, artists, and illustrators spent around 1,500 hours making it! It’s free to visit and a must-see for fans. 

6. Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Another top attraction you cannot miss is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. 

It’s a brand-new exhibition that has thousands of sets, costumes, and props on display.

It’s based in Linen Mill Studios which was used to film much of the 8-series production.

You can see creatures beyond The Wall, walk through Winterfell Hall and even have your face show up in the Hall of Faces! 

As well as drooling over the memorabilia, there are plenty of games, restaurants, photo opportunities, and gift shops to enjoy too.

Game of Thrones in County Down

If you’re doing a self-guided Game of Thrones tour of Northern Ireland, there are plenty of filming locations you can visit in County Down.

This stunning area of natural beauty is located south of Belfast and here you can visit Winterfell, Riverrun, Oxcross and the Crownlands!

Plus, there are many Game of Thrones doors to visit along the way to grab some food and stamp your passport. 

7. Inch Abbey – Robb’s Camp

This Cistercian Abbey appeared in series one when Robb makes camp at Riverrun. 

After Joffrey takes the throne, he asks Robb Stark to pay him fealty. Robb refuses as he knows his father has been held prisoner at King’s Landing.

Robb calls his bannermen and marches Stark soldiers to go to war with the Lannisters.

Robb goes on to win the Battle of the Whispering Wood taking Jaime Lannister as a prisoner. 

Robb camps near Riverrun and it’s here that Robb hears from his mother Catelyn that his father Ned has been executed. 

So, the Houses of the North and the Riverlands show fealty to Robb and cry out: “The King of the North”! And so starts the beginning of the War of the Five Kings.

8. River Quoile – Riverrun 

The River Quoile besides Inch Abbey also featured as Riverrun in series 3 episode 3 ‘Walk of Punishment’.

After Hoster Tully dies, the responsibility for Riverrun passes onto his son Edmure Tully. 

The Tully funeral tradition is to place the body in a boat on the river and then set it aflame by an arrow.

Of course, Edmure Tully is terrible at this and so his uncle Brynden takes the reins and lands a perfect blow. 

These scenes were filmed in the Quoile Pondage Nature Reserve which is surrounded by the rolling hills of the countryside. 

It’s a huge place and you could be driving/walking for miles before you find the exact location.

If you want to save time, there is a Google Pin to the exact Game of Thrones filming location where you’ll see the sign. 

9. Tollymore Forest Park – Winterfell Lands 

Tollymore Forest Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Northern Ireland and it’s a Game of Thrones filming location too.

This park played the lands around Winterfell in The North. It featured in many key scenes during the first episode and series.

You can visit the Wildlings pit in the prologue, where Ned Stark finds the Direwolves and where Jon Snow camps with Tyrion on the way to Castle Black and The Wall. 

If you want to see all of the filming locations, I would recommend booking a Tollymore Game of Thrones trek.

You get to wear a Stark Cloak and are shown around by an expert guide who was a wildling in the show. 

10. Percy French in Newcastle – Game of Thrones Door 

Newcastle is a popular beach town in County Down which is surrounded by the gorgeous Morne Mountains. 

You’ll find Percy French outside the swanky Slieve Donard Hotel which makes the perfect place to stay in this area.

The Game of Thrones Door is located right out the front as you enter the restaurant.

The staff will be happy to stamp your passport inside even if you don’t plan to dine. 

On the door, you’ll find a Greyjoy ship along with a Kraken, a direwolf of House Stark, and skulls at the bottom.

11. Castle Ward – Winterfell Castle

One of my favourite Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland was Castle Ward which played Winterfell in the series.

We see this keep in the North throughout season one where we are introduced to the Stark Family and the main characters of the show. 

This is where Robert Baratheon and his royal party arrive to see Ned Stark. He plans to ask him to become the Hand of the King.

You can also visit where Bran, Jon, and Robb are practising Archery in the courtyard.

Arya bests him with a bulls-eye after getting bored of her sewing. You can book an archery tour where this was filmed and I loved it!

There are over 20 filming locations to find around Castle Ward and Audley’s Field.

You can see them all on a Game of Thrones bicycle tour or walking tour.

12. Audley’s Field – Oxcross and The Twins

If you walk 20 minutes from Castle Ward beside the sea, you’ll eventually come across Audley’s Field where there are plenty more Game of Thrones filming locations to find. 

In series 1, we see Robert Baratheon arrive by Audley’s Field. Then in series 2, this field becomes Robb’s camp in the Battle of Oxcross.

It’s here that Robb meets Talissa, who is a healer from Volantis.

Whilst she is tending wounded soldiers, Robb falls in love with her and he later asks her to marry him. 

These scenes happen in series 2, episode 4 ‘Garden of Bones’. 

Audley’s castle also featured as The Twins in Game of Thrones (the other tower and crossing were inserted with CGI). 

This is when Theon Greyjoy takes down one of the messenger ravens from Walder Frey’s towers sent to warn about Robb’s army. 

On the walk, you’ll also stumble across the hanging tree here where Brienne comes across three women who were hanged by Stark soldiers. 

13. The Cuan Game of Thrones Door 

If you’re heading down to Winterfell aka Castle Ward in County Down then The Cuan makes the perfect pub stop. 

It was originally a traditional pub that the Stark family cast stayed in whilst filming the first series.

Although it used to be very Game of Thrones-themed with special rooms and medieval banquets, it’s now a swanky restaurant and bar.  

You’ll find the Game of Thrones door inside the bar at the back heading to the toilets.

This door is carved to reflect the opening sequence and you’ll find the geography of Westeros. 

I had originally planned to have dinner here but the Strangford Ferry had different plans, so I made a very quick stop. I’d like to go back next time.

14. Leitrim Lodge – North of Winterfell 

You’ll find this filming location on the Mourne Way and it takes you on a scenic walk through the Mourne Mountains.

You can walk under Northern Ireland’s highest peak which is Eagle Mountain which stands at 638 metres!

This location appears in Game of Thrones season 3, episode ‘2 Dark Wings, Dark Words.’

After Theon Greyjoy and the Ironborn take over Winterfell castle, Bran Stark flees along with his brother Rickon, Hodor, and Osha towards Castle Black where they hope to meet Jon Snow. 

15. Rowallane Garden – Godswood

So, the Rowallane Garden being filmed as Godswood is not technically a Game of Thrones filming location but it’s still worth a look if you’re a super fan.

You can visit their lake in the pleasure gardens to see where Ned Stark would have visited to contemplate his big decisions. 

The Weirwood Tree won’t be there and there isn’t a distinctive tree that even looks like the whitebark Westerosi tree of the Old Gods. 

But, the gardens are owned by the National Trust and it’s a lovely place to visit if you want to see it on the way to County Down. 

16. Gosford Castle – Ancestral Home of House Tully 

Gosford Castle is located in the city of Armagh and was used to film the Ancestral House of Tully in Riverrun.

Although it looks straight from the medieval era it was built in the 19th century for Archibald Acheson, 2nd Earl of Gosford. 

It’s a private property so you can’t visit the inside but you can see the rustic exteriors in Gosford Forest Park. 

If you’re visiting Armagh, why not check out the Armagh Robinson Library? 

It’s home to the oldest library in Northern Ireland and I’m sure Samwell Tarly would have loved browsing these ancient tomes. 

17. Quintin Bay – Castle Stokeworth, Crownlands 

If you’re heading to Strangford, you should try to pop over to Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula while you’re here. 

It’s best to take the really fun car ferry over the water!

Not only can you see some gorgeous views you can also visit Quintin Bay, home to Quintin Castle, which was a Game of Thrones filming location.

Quintin Castle is an Anglo-Norman fortress that was built by none other than John de Courcy in 1184! 

After Jaime Lannister promises to bring Myrcella back to King’s Landing from Dorne, he visits Ser Bronn of the Blackwater and asks him to help him.

Ser Bronn is walking with his betrothed but Jaime promises a better wife, castle, and lands from Cersei in exchange for his service!

You’ll find these scenes in series 5, episode 2 ‘The House of Black and White’.

18. Fiddlers Green in Portaferry – Game of Thrones Door

While in Portaferry you can head over to Fiddlers Green which is the location of another Game of Thrones door. 

You’ll find it at the back of the pub near the toilets and you’ll find carvings of the growing conflicts between House Bolton and House Greyjoy. 

There are images of the Flayed Man on the door as well as a Kraken, swords, and the Winterfield Weirwood Tree. 

On my visit, there wasn’t a food menu but it’s a great pitstop for a pint of Guinness or a wee dram. 

Game of Thrones in County Clare 

Now, there aren’t many Game of Thrones locations in County Clare.

If you look on a map you’ll quickly see that this area is a little out of the way from the other locations. 

So, I would only visit this area if you have the time to spare and are a major fan of the show! 

19. Pollnagollum Caves – Hollow Hill

Pollnagollum Cave is a gorgeous emerald cavern fed by a cascading waterfall and is located in the magical Belmore Forest. 

It’s Ireland’s longest cave and is over 16 kilometres in length. Inside, you’ll find a labyrinth of caverns and connected passageways. 

Its name in Irish translates to ‘hole of the doves’ and the cave is surrounded by lush foliage, crawling vines, overgrowth, and moss. It looks like something from a fairytale! 

Fans of Game of Thrones will want to visit this location as it was used to film the Brotherhood Without Banner’s hideout aka Hollow Hill in series 3.

Beric Dendarrion was the Lord of Blackhaven and Head of House Dendarrion until he formed a resistance group called Brotherhood Without Banners.

In series 3, episode 4 ‘And Now His Watch is Ended’, Beric takes Arya, Gendry, and Sandor Clegane (The Hound) to his hideout cave. 

He then explains how he has converted to the Lord of Light and he is resurrected from death. 

It’s a little further out of the way than the other filming locations in Northern Ireland but I thought a visit here was worth it.

Plus, there’s a Journey of Doors trail stop nearby in Enniskillen if you want to stamp your passport.

20. Blakes of the Hollow – Game of Thrones Door 

Near Pollnagollum Cave in Enniskillen you can visit The Blakes of the Hollow pub.

This traditional bar has one of the Game of Thrones Doors so remember your Journey of Doors passport for a stamp.

The intricate design features the highlights of the Targaryens and Arryns. I loved seeing the dragons carved on this door!

Blakes of the Hollow is one of the most famous Victorian pubs in Ireland and is famous for its heritage. 

It was established in 1887 making it the oldest pub in County Fermanagh and can be found on Church Street. 

Beyond just being a traditional pub they also have a café, atrium, and club as part of their chain as well. 

Game of Thrones in County Antrim

County Antrim is where the majority of the Northern Ireland Game of Thrones filming locations are.

It’s a huge area that stretches just beyond Belfast to Londonderry on the coastline. 

Here, you can visit areas from King’s Landing, Iron Islands, Stormlands, Dragonstone, Vale of Arryn, Braavos and even Essos and Dothraki Sea! 

The Causeway Coast in the far North is only around an hour’s drive from Belfast. But, there are plenty of epic locations to stop off along the way. 

21. Lough Neagh – Summer Sea & Jousting 

Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and is just a few miles away from Belfast International Airport. 

This was the location used for the Summer Sea which is one of the oceans that connects Westeros with Essos.

It’s home to seafaring Summer Islanders and is also where Ser Jorah Mormont transports the captive Tyrion Lannister. 

Brienne of Tarth fought a group of bandits here on her quest to take Jamie Lannister to King’s Landing.

Nearby, you can visit Shane’s Castle which was the backdrop of the royal jousting tournament to honour Ned Stark in series 1. 

I recently stayed over at Lough Neagh in a Mirror Cabin which was the perfect detox as you’re surrounded by nature.

22. Toome Canal – Old Valyrian Canals 

Toome Canal can be found in Toomebridge at the far northern end of Lough Neagh.

The Lower Bank River snakes through the area and features in Game of Thrones series 5.

This waterway was the Old Valyrian Canal where Ser Jorah Mormont sailed through with Tyrian Lannister to Meereen.

It’s on this doomed voyage that he contracts Greyscale from a Stoneman, also known as Prince Garin’s curse. 

There’s free parking nearby and you can easily visit the canal fortifications in 5 minutes or so!

23. Glenariff Forest Park – Runestone

Glenariff Forest Park is a beautiful area located in the Glens of Antrim.

This magical landscape is where Little Finger takes Sansa to meet with Lord Royce in the Vale of Arryn in series 5. 

They visit the settlement of Runestone to seek help from the Knights of the Vale.

In the meantime, they watch duelling practice with the coddled Prince Robin Arryn.

24. Carncastle – Winterfell & Harrenhal

Carncastle is a delightful village in County Antrim where you can see the lands surrounding Winterfell. 

In the very first episode of series 1, this is where Ned Stark delivers punishment to a deserter of the Night’s Watch.

Later, this is where Catelyn captures Tyrion Lannister suspecting that he had a hand in trying to kill her son.

There is free parking near the sweeping plateau with a Game of Thrones sign. 

25. Sallagh Braes – Riverlands 

Sallagh Braes was used to film part of the Riverlands in Game of Thrones.  

In series 6, episode 7 ‘The Broken Man’ Sandor Clegane aka the Hound, can be seen working here after he survived being left to die by Arya.

He is nursed back to health by the former soldier Septon Ray who takes him to live with his band of villagers

You can find the sign and viewpoint on a remote road near Carncastle but be warned that there is very limited parking! 

26. Shillanavogy Valley – Dothraki Sea

Shillanavoghy Valley was used to film the Dothraki Lands of Essos in Game of Thrones.

This is where Daenerys and Karl Drogo make camp with the Dothraki. 

Of course, the valley is very green in real life but the production team used magical CGI and effects to create Vaes Dothrak. 

27. Ballygally Castle Game of Thrones Door 

Ballygally Castle in Larne is located on the Antrim coastline. It’s a stunning historic hotel that dates back to the 17th century.

As well as being a hotel with restaurants, it’s also a tourist attraction.

You can visit a Game of Thrones Door, their museum and step into their Ghost room. It’s one of the top haunted hotels in the country. 

According to legend, a resident called Lady Isobel Shaw jumped to her death from the tower after her husband locked her up! Dare you go inside? 

The Game of Thrones door can be found in the lobby at the entrance of the Garden Restaurant. You can get your passport stamped at reception.

It portrays the scene before the ‘Battle of the Bastards’. You can see a huge direwolf of the Starks of Winterfell in the centre along with the flayed man of House Bolton.

Ballygally Castle has all sorts of Game of Thrones-themed souvenirs to purchase including Hastings rubber ducks called ‘Duck of Thrones’!

After you can take a riverside walk in their lovely planned gardens. It was honestly a stunning property and I would love to stay one day.  

28. Carnlough Harbour – Braavos 

On your way north along the Antrim Coast it’s worth making a stop in Carnlough as there are plenty of cafés for a pitstop.

There is free parking in the village and here you can visit another Game of Thrones filming location. 

Carnlough Harbour was the location where Arya was washed up in the Free City of Braavos. 

You can see the steps where she lands in the harbour. Just be mindful of the seaweed and use the ropes for balance as it can be slippy!

29. Steenson’s Jewellery Workshop in Glenarm

On your way through the Antrim Coast, it’s well worth stopping by Glenarm to visit Steenson’s Jewellery workshop.

They made lots of the props and Game of Thrones jewellery for the show. 

Steenson’s now sells these beautiful bespoke pieces to the public and they make a lovely souvenir.

I loved my visit here as the staff were so friendly and happy to show me everything on display. 

I even got to wear a prototype of Sansa’s Queen of the North crown! It made my day. 

30. Hidden Village of Galboly – Vale of Arryn 

The Hidden Village of Galboly is a bit of a secret on the Antrim Coast. 

Its clandestine location makes it the perfect place to film TV shows and movies without prying eyes.

It’s another location that was used for Runestone in the Vale of Arryn during series 5 & 6.

As it’s private land, you must park in one of the layby parking areas on the main road and then walk the rest of the way.

If you love Dungeons & Dragons, they recently filmed the movie Honor Among Thieves here too! 

31. Cushendun Caves – Stormlands 

Another Game of Thrones filming location in Northern Ireland can be found in some ancient caves of Cushendun.

Although these caverns have been here for millions of years, they’ve only really started to get famous with tourists in the last decade due to Game of Thrones.

Cushendun Caves featured in two seasons. Firstly, when Ser Davos Seaworth rows the Red Priestess Melisandre to the caves to have her creepy Shadow Baby in the Stormlands.

Then, we see Cushendun Caves again in series 8 when Euron Greyjoy fights Jaime Lannister in King’s Landing. 

32. Mary McBrides’ in Cushendun – Game of Thrones Door

If you’re looking for a place to eat near Cushendun Caves, then I would look no further than Mary McBride’s Bar.

Its bang slap opposite the car park, so it makes a very convenient place to eat and it’s more like an institution in Northern Ireland. 

It was once one of the smallest bars in Ireland with a landlady called Mary McBride years ago.

They now serve up some wholesome pub meals every day.

For Game of Thrones fans, you’ll want to visit as they have a Game of Thrones Door!

Here, you’ll find door number 8 with “Valar Morghulis. Valar Dohaeris” carved on there.

It tells the story of Arya Stark’s journey to the free city of Braavos. 

In the centre, you’ll find the Faceless Man Coin and you can even spot her trusty sword Needle.

33. Murlough Bay – Slavers Bay

Murlough Bay is a gorgeous coastal stop that you must add to a Northern Ireland itinerary.

It is accessed by a narrow road with passing places but it’s well worth it for the spectacular views of the cliffs over the ocean. 

This was used to film Slaver’s Bay in the show where Ser Davos is rescued after the Battle of Blackwater. 

Later Ser Jorah and Tyrion come ashore here only to be captured by Slavers!

There is very limited parking and then it’s a short walk down to the bay. 

34. Fair Head Cliffs – Dragonstone 

Fair Head can be found near Murlough Bay on the Causeway Coast. 

Here, you can take a scenic stroll along the dramatic cliffs to visit Dragonstone.

We see Fair Head a lot in Game of Thrones, including when Jon Snow has his first encounter with Daenerys’ Dragons! 

Although this is a National Trust site there is a small car park by a private land owner. So, you must pay £3 cash in the honesty box. 

Then, it’s a short walk to the cliffs on a well-marked trail. The views over this area from here are breathtaking.

Make sure to keep safe as it’s a windswept area. Thankfully on my visit, it was warm and there was only a slight breeze. 

35. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Pyke Castle

The Game of Thrones team used the popular attraction Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge a couple of times in the show. 

First, they used it as inspiration for the rope bridges of Castle Greyjoy in series 2.

But, they also use the bridge to film Game of Thrones series 6, episode 2 ‘Home’. 

This is when Balon Greyjoy fights Euron Greyjoy at Pyke during a terrible storm! 

I’ve been to Carrick-a-Rede a few times and I always love a visit. It’s so exhilarating to cross the bridge and explore the nearby island.

Just remember to book tickets in advance as it’s owned by the National Trust and they have capacity limits.

36. Larrybane Quarry – Stormlands 

After, make sure to visit Larrybane Quarry which is behind the Carrick-a-Rede car park.

This is another Game of Thrones filming location and only requires a quick walk in order to see it. 

Larrybane Quarry was used for King Renley Baratheon’s camp in series 2.

This is when we first meet Brienne of Tarth who wins a fight against Ser Loras Tyrell.

She pledges her allegiance to King Renly and asks to become a member of his Kingsguard.

Catelyn Stark later visits the camp to negotiate with Renly about helping Robb. But, Renly later meets a sorry end from Melisandre’s shadow baby! 

37. Ballintoy Harbour – Iron Islands 

Ballintoy Harbour in County Antrim played Pyke in the Iron Islands in Westeros during series 2.

This is when Theon returns to his ancestral home of House Greyjoy to ask his father for help.

He lands at Lordsport (aka Ballintoy) and is rather surprised when there isn’t a fanfare waiting to greet him.

We also see the beach near Ballintoy Harbour later on. This is the place where Theon has his baptism to reaffirm his allegiance to the sea.

It’s quite a turning point for Theon as this is when he turns his back on Robb and the Starks. 

The fierce House Greyjoy has a golden Kraken as its sigil and ‘We Do Not Sow’ as their motto!

The Iron Islands are dramatic, harsh, bleak, wild and unyielding. So, Ballintoy was changed a lot to reflect this in the show.

In real life, Ballintoy is lovely, peaceful and very scenic. But, you’ll still recognise a bit of Pyke here especially if it’s cloudy or raining.

According to behind-the-scenes interviews, when the team were here there was a gale and they got sand in their eyes and equipment.

38. Fullerton Arms – Game of Thrones Door 

I would highly recommend stopping at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy for some food or a drink.

I had one of their traditional pies for dinner here and it was delicious. But, they have lots of other dishes on offer.

You’ll find one of the carved doors at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy. The door has a huge carving of Drogon, Deanery’s most fearsome dragon.

Drogon has a Dothraki stallion in his talons which represents the allegiance and the Queen making her voyage over the Narrow Sea.

Don’t forget to check out their Game of Thrones-themed room. There is even an Iron Throne to sit on. 

39. Dunluce Castle – Pyke Castle

Another incredible attraction on the Causeway Coast is Dunluce Castle and for fans, there is a Game of Thrones connection.

The production did film at Dunluce but they changed the castle ruins with a bit of CGI magic. So, you will hardly recognise it.

It was used as the inspiration for Castle Greyjoy in Game of Thrones series 2. 

This is when Theon Greyjoy arrives at his ancestral home of Pyke to persuade his father, Balon, to help Robb Stark with the war.

But, as we know, that went down like a lead balloon… 

In the series, they completely changed these ruins and made a series of toppling towers for the House of Pyke that are connected by terrifying rope bridges.

You can easily visit the coast around Dunluce to get a great view of Pyke Castle. Also, the ruins are now a museum that you can pay to visit.

40. Dark Hedges – Kingsroad 

The best Game of Thrones filming location in Northern Ireland has to be the Dark Hedges 

They appeared in Game of Thrones as the Kingsroad which leads you to King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

In Westeros, the Kingsroad is a pathway between King’s Landing and the Neck with plenty of inns along the way.

This tree avenue appears in series 2, episode 1 ‘The North Remembers’ when Arya escapes from King’s Landing dressed as a boy. 

She joins Yoren, Hot Pie, Gendry, and other prisoners who are to join the Night’s Watch at The Wall.

It’s free to visit the Dark Hedges but you must park up at the Dark Hedges Hotel nearby for a small fee. It’s not possible to drive down this road. 

I would also get here for sunrise for fewer crowds. It gets ridiculously busy!

41. The Dark Hedges Hotel – Game of Thrones Door 

There is also a Game of Thrones door located inside the Dark Hedges Hotel.

It’s in their Lannister Bar which is themed like the show and it makes the perfect spot for lunch or dinner.

This carved door has the Three-Eyed Raven on the front which is a foreshadowing of events to come. 

It also makes an incredible place to stay. This way, an early wake-up for photos wouldn’t feel half as bad!

Game of Thrones in County Londonderry 

42. Portsteward Strand – Dorne 

Heading towards Londonderry you can find the long sandy bay of Portstewart Strand with high dunes. 

It was used to film the Dornish Coast near Sunspear in season 5, episode 4 ‘Sons of the Harpy’.

This is where Jaime and Bronn come ashore to fetch Princess Myrcella. Later, Jaime saves Bronn from being bitten by a snake here.

It’s easy to visit and there is convenient parking available on the sand!

43. Downhill Beach and Mussenden Temple – Dragonstone

Another one of my favourite Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland has to be Mussenden Temple and Downhill Beach.

This beach area was used for Dragonstone where we see the Burning of the 7 Gods led by Stannis’ unhinged advisor Melisandre. 

You can visit Downhill Beach easily and there is parking on the sand. Or, you can head up to the Mussenden Temple on the cliffs. 

The temple is owned by the National Trust and you only pay to park. Then, you can head out on a walk over the cliffs to visit. 

You can’t go inside the temple but it makes a fabulous photo opportunity.

The views are spectacular and the epic scenery transports you to Westeros!

44. Binevenagh – Dothraki Grasslands

Next, you can head to Binevenagh Mountain which was another location used for the Dothraki Lands and Sea.

You’ll see this mountain in the backdrop when Daenerys is rescued by Drogon from the Pits of Mereen.

Drogon then brings her to his lair only for her to be recaptured by Khal Moro’s khalasar. 

Ser Jorah Mormont also finds Daenerys’ ring here while they search for her! 

45. Owens in Londonderry – Game of Thrones Door 

Another Game of Thrones door is located in Londonderry in Limavady. Owens Bar can be found right on the main street. 

It’s a tiny traditional pub that serves up a range of drinks with a lively atmosphere and friendly staff. 

It’s perfect for a pint on your Journey of Doors journey.

You’ll find the Game of Thrones door near the back of the pub and this one features the Night King, White Walkers, and the undead Wights. 

Below you find the symbol of House Stark twinned with branches and roots preparing for the attack.

How long do you need to visit?  

I would set aside at least 3-5 days to visit all of these Northern Ireland Game of Thrones filming locations.

You may able to see them in less time if you don’t mind driving around so much. 

Remember, it may be a small country but there is lots to see and do!

At a minimum, I would recommend 1 day in Belfast / Studio Tour, 1 day in County Down and the last day in County Antrim.

Setting off early, or visiting in spring/summer with lots of daylight would be the best choice to make the most of your time.

For a more relaxed pace, consider bumping up your trip to 5 days and booking more time on the Antrim Coast. 

This area is filled with amazing natural beauty including the magical Giant’s Causeway which looks like something from a fantasy world. 

My top tips for your Game of Thrones road trip 

• It’s easiest to drive around Northern Ireland as some of these filming locations are in remote areas.

• Public transport may be limited. Consider booking a guided tour that will take you to the most popular sites

• Make sure to download the Game of Thrones NI app which will help you and also tell you more about each filming location in the show.

Where is House of the Dragon filmed? 

The House of the Dragon TV series is the latest in the HBO Game of Thrones franchise.

It’s a prequel that takes place 172 years before Daenerys Targaryen’s Battle for King’s Landing.

House of the Dragon was not filmed in Northern Ireland but in many dramatic locations across the UK including Surrey, Hampshire, and the Peak District.

Beady-eyed fans will also recognise some of the prettiest beaches in Cornwall were used as filming locations as well. 

You’ll find scenes from Holywell Bay and Kynance Cove but the most recognisable by far is St Michael’s Mount as Driftmark. 

It makes another great road trip in the South West of England for Game of Thrones fans!

Click here to read my travel guides;

1. Visit Driftmark from House of the Dragon
2. Visit the Holywell Bay House of the Dragon filming location 
3. Visit the The Stepstones in Kynance Cove 

Read more of my Northern Ireland travel guides 

How to visit the Garvagh Pyramid

Glenarm Barbican – Visit a fairytale castle in Antrim

How to visit Gleno Waterfall 

Crown Liquor Saloon – Visit a Gin Palace in Belfast

Armagh Robinson Library – Visit the oldest public library in Northern Ireland 

Save these Northern Ireland Game of Thrones filming locations for later!