Game of Thrones Filming Locations - Northern Ireland
There are an incredible 23 Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. The Willows provides a great base for fans, and super fans, to explore many all of them. Here’s our guide to the 6 locations which can be visited in a single day and more slightly further afield.
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Whilst you’re out and about exploring the filming locations, you can also pick up your Doors Passport and collect 3 of the stamps.
For those who haven’t heard about the doors – in January 2016, Storm Gertrude blew down some of the trees that line the Dark Hedges, known as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. Discover Northern Ireland took wood from the trees that fell and created ten beautifully carved wooden doors, one for each episode of series 6. Three of the doors locations are marked on our map below.
Binevenagh Mountain
Binevenagh Mountain became the peak overlooking “Game of Thrones’ imaginary of the Dothraki Sea.
You’ll see the mountain as the backdrop when Daenerys is rescued by her dragon from the pits of Meereen.
It’s also the filming location for the scene where Daario Naharis and Ser Jorah Mormont find Daenerys’ ring whilst search for her in series 6.
Series 5 – Mother’s Mercy
Series 6 – The Red Woman
Downhill Strand & Mussenden Temple
Exterior shots of Dragonstone are provided by Downhill Beach and the Mussenden Temple.
Fans will know that Dragonstone is the ancestral seat of House Targaryen, held by Lord Stannis Baratheon at the start of the series.
This is where Stannis draws the long sword from the flame and Melisandre burns of the effigies of the old gods on the beach.
Season 2 – The Burning of the 7
Ballintoy Harbour
Another Doors location, Ballintoy Harbour features frequently in Game of Thrones as Lordsport, the main port of Pyke and the realm of Theon and Yara Greyjoy.
The Harbour was the location for the baptism of Theon Greyjoy and the funeral of Balon Greyjoy. It’s also where Euron drowned only to be reborn as ruler of the Iron born and Melisandre burns the bannermen for continuing to worship the seven gods.
Series 2 – The Night Lands, What is Dead May Never Die, The Ghost of Harrenhal.
Series 4 – The Lion and the Rose
Series 5 – Home & The Door
The Dark Hedges
Planted in the 18th century, this avenue of trees has become known as the Dark Hedges, and they have a ghost. If you visit at dusk you may see the Grey Lady beneath the trunks.
They play the role of The King’s Road in Game of Thrones. After escaping from King’s Landing, disguised as a boy, Arya Stark, Yoren, Hot Pie and Gendry are seen escaping along it.
Series 2 – The North Remembers
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
Cushendun Caves
The caves feature is two episodes and are one of the Journey of Doors locations.
Sir Davos Seaworth and Lady Melisandre land here and the caves become the setting for Melisandre giving birth to a shadow baby.
Much later they are also the setting for the battle between Jaime Lannister and Euron Greyjoy, in which Euron is finally killed.
Series 2 – Garden of Bones
Series 8 – The Bells
Cushendall / Glenariff
The “Queen of the Glens,” as Cushendall is often known, is the setting for the Vale of Arryn.
Whilst Cushendall is uses as a filming location for may scenes, the one you might most remember is when Littlefinger and Sansa are filmed here watching Robin Arryn archery training overseen by Lord Royce.
Series 5 – The Wars to Come
Further Afield
For those still wanting more Game of Thrones nostalgia, just slightly further afield you’ll find an array of additional film locations.
Portstewart Strand: Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland
30 minutes drive from The Willows, you’ll find the golden beach at Portstewart Strand. They appear in Game of Thrones during the War of the Five Kings as the backdrop during Jaime and Bronn’s approach to the Water Gardens.
Dunluce Castle: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
From Portstewart, drive a further ten minutes along the coast and, on the edge of a cliff, you’ll discover the ruins of the 16th century Dunluce Castle. You might recognise it as the House of Greyjoy. It’s only accessible via a narrow bridge but if you’re brave enough to cross you can explore the ruins.
Murlough Bay: Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Within an hour you can be on the remote north east coast at Murlough Bay. It was used for the scene where Tyrion and Ser Jorah are captured by a slave ship in season five and for the scene where Yara rides her horse with Theon.
Tollymore Forest Park: Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Tollymore Forest Park is the Haunted Forest in Game of Thrones, which the White Walkers march through into the realm of men.
Mourne Mountains: Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Close to Tollymore Forest Park you’ll find the Mourne Mountains, used in Game of Thrones as Vaes Dothrak, the only city on the Dothraki Sea.
Audley’s Field and Castle: Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Audley castle and field were used extensively in the filming of the Game of Thrones. In series 1, King Robert journeys through Audley’s Field on his way to Winterfell and later in series two it’s the location for Robb’s camp, following the battle of Oxcross, where is meets his wife Talisa.
All Doors Locations