There is an island in Northern Europe where hundreds of hours of what has been your favorite series in recent years were filmed: Game of Thrones. If you want to follow in the footsteps of John Snow, Northern Ireland is the destination for your next vacation.
We don’t know what exactly those responsible for Game of Thrones were thinking when they landed on the island, but its beauty and the spectacular nature of its landscapes ended up converting North Ireland in the region of the world with the most Game of Thrones locations. They liked it so much Game of Thrones Official Studio Tour is based there. If you have ever considered traveling to where your favorite series was filmed, keep reading; we will give you some clues.
From Winterfell to the city of the Dothraki
It is impossible not to love the Starks, that family that brings together as much good faith as misfortunes and torments throughout the 73 chapters of the series. Despite the fact that they belong to the mythical world, it turns out that you can visit their house. It is located south of Belfast, less than an hour’s drive away. We do not know, of course, how long it takes to get on the backs of Daenerys’s dragons. The Ward’s Castle, in County Down, hosted the filming of the plans for Winterfell, the house that was taken from the Starks and which is so central, do you remember?, at the start of the series. The ruins of the 16th century battlement saw the fall of Brandon Stark, the quietest lord of Winterfell.
From the great defenders of the Seven Kingdoms to their great enemies. They say that on clear days you can still see the shadows of the White Walkers crossing the Tollymore Forest Park which, in the series, lends its centuries-old redwoods to give life to the gloomy Enchanted Forest. Also there the Starks found their adorable pets, the wargs.
The list of Game of Thrones locations in Northern Ireland is too extensive to make a detailed list, but it is impossible not to remember Daenerys and her dragons. One of them, Drogon, rescues her in the middle of the Dothraki sea.. Those who at the time of the feat would have enjoyed the incredible views of the Binevenagh Mountain he would have witnessed the action from the best possible spot.
An island of experiences
If you are a bit overwhelmed by so many locations, think that they are all in a relatively small area and that it is very affordable, for example, to consider a route by car that covers them all. Thus, remembering the scenarios and feeling, for a while, at the feet of your heroes (or villains, you choose) will be quite easy for you in a Tour around the world of Westeros that will take you only three days. Winterfell, Essos, Pyke, the Kingsroad, Dorne or Rocadragon await you.
The Linen Mill Studios, in Banbridge, between Belfast and Dublin, host the Game of Thrones Official Studios. You can easily get there from both cities (you can buy the ticket with the transfer included) to enjoy a walk through some of the sets or see up close some of the (wonderful) costume pieces worn by its protagonists. Through the exhibits and some interactive experiences you will leave there knowing your favorite series a little better.
The presence of the series is so entrenched in Northern Ireland that even the doors of some pubs, of ten in particular, come out of the wood of the trees that delimited the Camino Real de Poniente, Dark Hedges in real Ireland. In 2016 a storm swept away many of these trees and with the wood of two of them Ten doors were made that carry the history of some episodes of the sixth season of the series.. They are found throughout Northern Ireland in places like Enniskillen, Cushendun and Ballygally Bay. Do you want more? Search Belfast’s six Game of Thrones stained glass windows.
beyond the wall
Of course, the scenery of Westeros is not the only attraction of Northern Ireland. In any town or castle, even if they are not “TV stars”, you will find stories, monuments and charming people that will continue to add attractions to your trip. The Causeway Coastal Route it will treat you to some of the most impressive views of your life: of Belfastpassing through incredible landscapes, until reaching the centuries of history of Derry-Londonderry.
Although in Northern Ireland there is much more to visit. The northeast corner of the island it’s full of fantastic medieval castles, colossal cliffs, and (slightly) scary forests. Their place names are Slemish, Polnagollum, Glenariff or Binevenagh. The series writes itself, right? Don’t think about it too much and start your script.
Source: Fotogramas
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
