Follow the Game of Thrones trail: discover film locations in Northern Ireland
April 11, 2025
Northern Ireland is not only a land of breathtaking scenery, but also a magical place that became home to one of the most popular series of all time - 'Game of Thrones'. For fans of the series, as well as lovers of unusual travel, it's the perfect opportunity to travel to the world of Westeros and discover the places that have become iconic movie locations. In this article, we'll take you on an unforgettable journey along the 'Game of Thrones' trail, showing you the top attractions you must see when visiting Northern Ireland. From the dark alleys of the Dark Hedges to the majestic castles, each place has its own unique story and atmosphere that will take you straight into the world of the series. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will make you feel like characters from your favorite series!
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Game of Thrones Studio Tour - a trip behind the scenes of the series
Our journey along the 'Game of Thrones' trail begins with a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, located in Banbridge. This place is a real treat for all fans of the series who want to take a look behind the scenes of the production and feel the magic of the creation of this epic masterpiece.
The Studio Tour, located on The Boulevard, Cascum Rd, offers an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Westeros like never before. The facility has received an impressive 4.8 out of 5 star rating, a testament to the high quality of the attraction.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to see the original costumes, props and sets used in the series. You can expect impressive displays that will transport you straight to the movie set. In the words of one visitor: 'I love the GoT series so visiting the GoT studio was an amazing experience for me, great place, super atmosphere.
It's worth noting that visiting the studio is not just about looking at exhibits. It's an interactive experience that allows you to feel part of the 'Game of Thrones' world. You can expect multimedia presentations, special effects and the opportunity to take souvenir photos in iconic settings.
However, keep in mind that to fully enjoy your visit, it is advisable to book your ticket in advance through the official website: www.gameofthronesstudiotour.com. Ticket prices may vary depending on the season, so always check for up-to-date information before planning your visit.
If you want to round out your experience, consider using Game of Thrones Tours. This company, based in Belfast, offers tours of various movie locations in Northern Ireland. Their offerings include both group and private tours, allowing you to tailor your tour to your individual preferences.
One tour participant from Game of Thrones Tours describes his experience this way: 'We chose the Iron Islands tour with pickup at the Leonardo Hotel in Belfast. It was nice to meet our guide Andrew, who was also part of the Game of Thrones TV show. We had an amazing tour with lots of basic information from the set.
Comparing the two attractions, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour offers a more detailed look behind the scenes of the production, perfect for those who want to learn about the technical aspects of making the series. Game of Thrones Tours, on the other hand, allows you to see the actual film locations in their natural setting, which may be more appealing to lovers of Northern Ireland's nature and history.
Winterfell and Castle Ward -. in the heart of the Seven Kingdoms
Continuing our journey in the footsteps of 'Game of Thrones,' we can't miss one of the most important locations in the entire series - Winterfell. In fact, this iconic location is Winterfell Castle & Demesne, also known as Castle Ward, located in the picturesque area of Strangford in County Down.
Winterfell Castle & Demesne is not only a beautiful castle, but more importantly a place that served as the seat of the House of Stark in the series. The property, managed by the National Trust, offers an unforgettable experience for fans of the series and history buffs. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, the site is highly regarded by visitors.
One tourist describes his impressions as follows: 'Very cool place. Worth a visit if one likes to walk around and I recommend for fans of 'Game of Thrones' lots of movie locations to see. Indeed, walking around the castle grounds, one can recognize many scenes from the series, which adds magic to the whole experience.
Castle Ward offers a variety of activities for visitors. You can take a guided tour, which will tell you about the history of the castle and its role in the 'Game of Thrones' production. For more active visitors, there are archery and axe-throwing activities - typical Winterfell residents' pastimes!
However, it is worth remembering that the full Winterfell experience may require additional fees. As one visitor noted: 'You could only get to the upper rooms at Winterfell if you booked a €43 tour. On-site reservations were not possible.' We therefore recommend planning your visit in advance and checking the available tour options.
When comparing Winterfell Castle & Demesne with other attractions on the 'Game of Thrones' trail, it is worth noting its authenticity and multidimensionality. Unlike the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, which focuses on the production aspects, Castle Ward offers an immersive experience in the actual historical setting that served as the backdrop for the series.
At the same time, compared to The Dark Hedges (which we'll talk about in the next section), Winterfell Castle & Demesne offers far more activities and attractions. It's an ideal place for families, with something for everyone - from leisurely strolls through the picturesque gardens to exciting activities inspired by the series.
Also worth mentioning is the National Trust - Castle Ward, which manages the site. Thanks to their work, visitors can enjoy not only the atmosphere of 'Game of Thrones,' but also learn about the rich history of the place dating back much further than the series' production. This combination of fiction and reality makes a visit to Winterfell a truly unique experience.
Remember, it's best to visit Castle Ward during the spring and summer seasons, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is conducive to outdoor activities. Admission prices can vary depending on the season and the tour package chosen, so it's always a good idea to check up-to-date information on the National Trust's official website before planning your visit.
The Dark Hedges - a mysterious avenue of the Royal Road
The last, but certainly not least, of our journey along the 'Game of Thrones' trail in Northern Ireland are the famous Dark Hedges. This remarkable avenue of beech trees, located on the Bregagh Road in Ballymoney, has become one of the most recognizable film locations of the series, representing the Royal Road.
The Dark Hedges is not only a place made famous by 'Game of Thrones,' but also a remarkable natural and architectural phenomenon. The avenue, formed by massive beech trees weaving over the road, creates an eerie, somewhat dark tunnel that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The site has been rated 4.3 stars, a testament to its popularity among visitors.
One tourist describes his impressions as follows: 'Amazing place! I've dreamed for a very long time to stand there among those beech trees, of which there are not so many left anymore. Still, it makes a huge impression! A must-see while in Ireland.
However, as with many popular tourist attractions, Dark Hedges has its challenges. Another visitor notes, 'This place is another example of how a beautiful place can be botched. The nature itself actually defends itself with boughs, but the amount of mindless tourists not only crowding this road but still parking their nasty wagons there simply doesn't help to take away from the beauty of this place.
In order to fully appreciate the beauty of the Dark Hedges and take souvenir photos without the crowds, it is advisable to plan a visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when there is less tourist traffic. Also remember that parking along the avenue is prohibited - use designated parking lots nearby.
Comparing Dark Hedges with other attractions on the 'Game of Thrones' trail, it's worth noting that it's a unique place in many ways. Unlike Winterfell Castle or the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, which offer organized tours and a variety of attractions, Dark Hedges is primarily a natural setting whose magic lies in its simplicity and raw beauty.
Dark Hedges do not require an entrance ticket, making it the most financially accessible attraction of all those discussed in this article. At the same time, due to the lack of organized tourist infrastructure, a visit here may be shorter than other places.
It's also worth mentioning that Dark Hedges, unlike enclosed sites like studios or castles, are subject to weather conditions. Therefore, when planning a visit, it's worth checking the weather forecast - a foggy or rainy day can add to the mysteriousness of the place, but can also make it difficult to take photos.
To sum up our journey along the 'Game of Thrones' trail in Northern Ireland, it's worth noting that each of the places we visited offers unique experiences. From an in-depth look behind the scenes of production at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, to the opportunity to play the role of a Winterfell resident at Castle Ward, to the magical atmosphere of Dark Hedges, each place has its own unique character.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series or simply a fan of beautiful landscapes and interesting history, Northern Ireland and its 'gaming' locations will certainly not disappoint you. However, remember to plan your visits in advance, especially during the summer season, when these attractions are most popular. Also, be a responsible tourist, respecting both the natural beauty of these places and their historical significance. Let your journey along the 'Game of Thrones' trail be an unforgettable adventure!
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