Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland: Complete Guide

Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland: A Complete Location Guide

From the moment Ned Stark uttered "Winter is coming" in the pilot episode, Game of Thrones captured the imagination of millions worldwide. But for those of us in Northern Ireland, the show offered something extra special—the stunning landscapes we call home transformed into the mythical kingdoms of Westeros.

Northern Ireland isn't just a filming location; it's practically a character in the show. Over 40% of all Game of Thrones filming took place here across eight seasons, from Season 1's pilot episode through the final season. The rugged Antrim Coast became the Iron Islands and Storm's End, ancient forests transformed into the haunted Kingsroad and the mysterious lands Beyond the Wall, and the real Winterfell castle scenes were shot at Castle Ward.

Whether you're a die-hard fan who can quote every episode or simply someone who appreciates the show's epic cinematography, exploring these filming locations offers a unique way to experience Northern Ireland's natural beauty and history. This comprehensive guide covers every major Game of Thrones location in Northern Ireland, from the iconic to the obscure, with practical tips for visiting each site.

Northern Ireland's Game of Thrones Locations Map

Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland span approximately 100 miles from Belfast to the far north coast. The locations cluster in a few key areas:

• The Causeway Coast: Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves, Larrybane (Carrick-a-Rede area)
• County Down: Castle Ward (Winterfell), Tollymore Forest Park, Inch Abbey
• Near Belfast: Titanic Studios (interior sets), Linen Mill Studios, various quarries
• Other Locations: Mourne Mountains, Magheramorne Estate, Downhill Strand

Most fans visit in one of two ways: a comprehensive two-day self-drive tour, or a one-day guided tour focusing on the most iconic and accessible locations. Our Game of Thrones Experience tour efficiently combines the top sites with expert commentary from locals who worked as extras or crew on the show.

The Dark Hedges: The Kingsroad

The Scene

Appeared In: Season 2, Episode 1 – "The North Remembers"

Westeros Location: The Kingsroad where Arya Stark escapes King's Landing disguised as a boy, traveling north with Yoren and Night's Watch recruits.

The Real Location

This stunning avenue of 18th-century beech trees on Bregagh Road near Ballymoney has become Northern Ireland's most photographed natural attraction. The intertwined branches create a naturally dark, atmospheric tunnel that required minimal CGI to become the mysterious Kingsroad.

Planted in the 1770s by the Stuart family to impress visitors approaching their Georgian mansion, approximately 90 trees remain today (down from the original 150). Storms have claimed several trees in recent years, making preservation efforts crucial.

Visiting Information

• Address: Bregagh Road, Ballymoney, BT53 8TP
• Access: Free, 24/7. The road is now closed to through traffic.
• Best Time: Early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds. Read our complete Dark Hedges photography guide for detailed tips.
• Facilities: Very limited. The Hedges Hotel at one end has toilets and food for paying customers.
• Parking: Small car park at Hedges Hotel, or roadside parking nearby (be considerate of residents).

Insider Tip

Visit at sunrise for a truly magical, crowd-free experience. Morning mist often weaves through the branches, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that's even more dramatic than in the show.

Castle Ward: Winterfell

The Scene

Appeared In: Seasons 1-8 (extensively)

Westeros Location: Winterfell Castle courtyard where Bran practices archery, where King Robert arrived in the pilot, and where many iconic Stark family scenes were filmed.

The Real Location

Castle Ward is an 18th-century mansion near Strangford in County Down, about 40 minutes from Belfast. The castle's grounds and Audley's Castle on the estate served as various Winterfell exterior locations throughout the series.

The location is particularly special because it operated as an active filming site while remaining open to visitors. You can stand in the exact spot where Ned Stark beheaded the deserter, where Bran practiced archery, and where the Stark children played in the courtyard.

Visiting Information

• Address: Audley's Castle Road, Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM - 4 PM (winter), 10 AM - 5 PM (summer). Check National Trust website for exact times.
• Admission: Adults £9.50, Children £4.75, Family ticket £23.75. National Trust members free.
• Activities: Archery experiences, Winterfell tours, costumes for photos, extensive walking trails around the estate.
• Facilities: Visitor center, cafe, toilets, gift shop, ample parking.

Insider Tip

Book the Winterfell archery experience where you can dress in Stark costumes and shoot arrows like Bran and Arya. It's remarkably authentic and great fun for fans of all ages.

Cushendun Caves: Where Melisandre Birthed the Shadow

The Scene

Appeared In: Season 2, Episode 4 – "Garden of Bones"

Westeros Location: The caves beneath Storm's End where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow creature that murdered Renly Baratheon.

The Real Location

These 400-million-year-old caves on the Antrim Coast were formed by wind and sea erosion over millennia. Located in the picturesque village of Cushendun, the caves are remarkable natural formations that required virtually no set dressing to become one of the show's most disturbing locations.

Visiting Information

• Address: Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PR (follow signs to Cushendun Caves from the village)
• Access: Free, 24/7. Short walk from parking area.
• Best Time: Anytime, though sunrise/sunset offers beautiful lighting. The caves face east, so morning light is particularly attractive.
• Safety: The caves are safe to enter, but watch for wet rocks and uneven surfaces. Do not attempt to access during high tide or storms.
• Facilities: Parking area. Village of Cushendun (5-minute walk) has pubs, cafes, and toilets.

Insider Tip

The caves are best photographed at low tide when you can venture further inside. Check tide times before visiting. The nearby village is charming and worth exploring—it's one of the prettiest spots on the Antrim Coast.

Ballintoy Harbour: The Iron Islands

The Scene

Appeared In: Seasons 2-6

Westeros Location: Lordsport harbour on Pyke in the Iron Islands, where Theon Greyjoy returned home and was baptized by the Drowned God. Also used for various Ironborn scenes including the Kingsmoot.

The Real Location

This tiny, picturesque limestone harbor on the north Antrim coast is impossibly scenic. The dramatic coastline, rocky outcrops, and wild Atlantic seas perfectly captured the harsh, seafaring culture of the Ironborn. The harbour's distinctive stone buildings and natural pools featured prominently in multiple seasons.

Visiting Information

• Address: Harbour Road, Ballintoy, BT54 6NA
• Access: Free, 24/7. Steep road down to harbour (care required).
• Best Time: Early morning or evening for best light and fewer crowds. Low tide reveals more of the harbour and pools.
• Activities: Swimming (for the brave—water is cold!), rock pooling, photography.
• Facilities: Small car park (gets full in summer), no toilets at harbour itself. Nearest facilities in Ballintoy village (2 km).

Insider Tip

Walk around the headland to the right (facing the sea) for spectacular coastal views and additional rock formations. This area is gorgeous and often overlooked by visitors focused solely on the harbour itself. Combine with Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (10 minutes away) for a perfect coastal day.

Larrybane: Renly's Camp

The Scene

Appeared In: Season 2

Westeros Location: Renly Baratheon's military camp in the Stormlands, where he held court and met with Catelyn Stark.

The Real Location

This dramatic headland next to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers sweeping views of the Atlantic and coastal cliffs. The open grassy area was transformed into Renly's sprawling military encampment with hundreds of tents (all added in post-production or as temporary sets).

Visiting Information

• Address: Larrybane, Ballycastle BT54 6LS (accessed via Carrick-a-Rede car park)
• Access: Free to access the headland, though you'll park at Carrick-a-Rede (£3.50 parking if not crossing the bridge).
• Best Time: Anytime, though morning light is particularly beautiful.
• Walking: Easy 10-minute walk from car park to the headland viewpoint.
• Combine With: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (must pre-book tickets in summer).

Insider Tip

Many visitors focus solely on the rope bridge and miss Larrybane entirely. The headland offers some of the best coastal views in Northern Ireland without the crowds or expense of the bridge crossing. It's perfect for a picnic with a view.

Tollymore Forest Park: Beyond the Wall

The Scene

Appeared In: Season 1, Episodes 1-3 (and establishing shots throughout the series)

Westeros Location: The Haunted Forest beyond the Wall where the Night's Watch rangers were killed by White Walkers in the opening scene of the entire series. Also used for Wildling camp scenes and various "Beyond the Wall" sequences.

The Real Location

Northern Ireland's first state forest park, established in 1955, Tollymore sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in County Down. Its ancient woodland, including areas of Douglas fir and Sitka spruce, provided the perfect atmosphere for the frozen northern lands beyond the Wall.

The park is stunning in its own right, featuring beautiful walking trails, Gothic follies, stone bridges, and the Shimna River. It's a favorite spot for local hikers and families, offering a very different atmosphere from the show's creepy opening scenes.

Visiting Information

• Address: 176 Tullybrannigan Road, Newcastle BT33 0PQ
• Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM until dusk
• Admission: £5 per vehicle parking fee
• Walking Trails: Multiple marked trails from 30 minutes to 3 hours. The River Trail (2 hours) is particularly scenic.
• Facilities: Car park, toilets, picnic areas. Small visitor information point.
• Best Time: Autumn and winter for the most "Beyond the Wall" atmosphere. Morning mist adds to the effect.

Insider Tip

The exact scene of the opening White Walker massacre is difficult to pinpoint (it's deep in the forest), but the atmospheric woodland throughout the park captures the feel perfectly. Visit in winter fog for the full "Winter is Coming" experience. The Hermitage area with its caves is particularly atmospheric.

Other Notable Northern Ireland Filming Locations

Inch Abbey: Robb's Camp in the Riverlands

Appeared In: Season 1, Episode 10

Westeros Location: Where Robb Stark's army camped in the Riverlands.

Visiting: Downpatrick, County Down BT30 9AA. Free access. Impressive 12th-century Cistercian abbey ruins set on the River Quoile.

Magheramorne Quarry: Castle Black and the Wall

Appeared In: Seasons 1-8

Westeros Location: Extensive outdoor sets for Castle Black, the Wall, and various northern locations were built in this former quarry.

Visiting: Not open to public. This was a closed filming location. The outdoor sets were dismantled after filming concluded.

Downhill Strand: Dragonstone Beach

Appeared In: Season 2 and later seasons

Westeros Location: The beach at Dragonstone where Melisandre burned the statues of the Seven.

Visiting: Downhill Strand, Castlerock, County Londonderry. Free access. Seven-mile beach with Mussenden Temple visible on clifftop above. Spectacular for sunset walks.

Mourne Mountains: Various Northern Locations

Appeared In: Multiple seasons

Westeros Location: Various northern landscapes, particularly used as establishing shots for "Beyond the Wall."

Visiting: Multiple access points. Try Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland's highest peak) for hiking with Game of Thrones views. See our day trips guide for Mourne Mountains information.

Should You Take a Guided Tour or Self-Drive?

Benefits of a Guided Tour

• Expert Commentary: Many local guides worked as extras or crew on the show and have insider stories you won't get anywhere else.
• Efficiency: See 6-8 major locations in one day without navigation stress or parking hassles.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Learn about filming techniques, how scenes were shot, and what was CGI versus real.
• No Driving: Relax and enjoy the scenery rather than concentrating on unfamiliar roads.
• Photo Opportunities: Guides know the best angles and can take photos of your group at each location.

Our Game of Thrones Experience tour includes all the major locations with commentary from locals who lived through the filming era. Many guests say the guide's stories are as entertaining as the locations themselves.

Benefits of Self-Driving

• Flexibility: Spend as long as you want at each location. If you're passionate about Ballintoy, stay for hours.
• Custom Route: Include lesser-known locations or side trips based on your interests.
• Timing Control: Arrive at sunrise for magical, crowd-free experiences.
• Multiple Days: Spread locations over 2-3 days rather than rushing.

My Recommendation: For first-time visitors or those with limited time, a guided tour is ideal. You'll see more, learn more, and avoid the stress of navigation. For die-hard fans who want to linger at each location, recreate specific scenes, or visit every obscure filming spot, self-driving over two days is better.

Sample One-Day Game of Thrones Itinerary

If self-driving, here's an efficient route covering the top locations:

8:00 AM: Depart Belfast, drive to Tollymore Forest Park (1 hour)
9:00-10:30 AM: Walk Tollymore's trails, exploring the "Beyond the Wall" forest
10:30 AM: Drive to Castle Ward (30 minutes)
11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Explore Winterfell, try archery, have lunch at café
1:00 PM: Drive to Cushendun Caves (1 hour 15 minutes)
2:15-2:45 PM: Visit the caves where Melisandre's shadow was born
3:00 PM: Drive to Ballintoy Harbour (20 minutes)
3:20-4:20 PM: Explore the Iron Islands harbour
4:30 PM: Drive to Dark Hedges (25 minutes)
5:00-6:00 PM: Photograph the Kingsroad in golden hour light
6:00 PM: Drive back to Belfast (1.5 hours) or overnight on the coast

Total Driving: Approximately 4 hours
Total Time at Locations: 6 hours
Overall: Full 10-12 hour day

Practical Tips for Location Hunting

Photography Tips

• Golden hour (first hour after sunrise, last hour before sunset) provides the best light at all locations.
• Bring a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a standard zoom for flexibility.
• Tripod recommended for Dark Hedges and Tollymore Forest in low light.
• Screenshot your favorite scenes from the show to recreate angles and compositions.
• Many locations look quite different without CGI—enjoy them for their real-world beauty rather than expecting exact screen matches.

What to Wear and Bring

• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or boots. Many locations involve uneven terrain, forest paths, or rocky beaches.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layers and waterproofs. Northern Ireland weather is changeable—be prepared for sun, wind, and rain in one day.
• What to Pack: Water, snacks, phone charger, camera equipment, downloaded offline maps (some coastal areas have poor signal).

Best Season to Visit

• May-September: Best weather, longest days, but busiest period at popular locations like Dark Hedges.
• October-November: Autumn colors are stunning, particularly at Tollymore. Fewer crowds, still decent weather.
• December-February: Quietest period with most atmospheric "winter is coming" feel, but short daylight hours and unpredictable weather.
• March-April: Spring brings new growth and longer days. Good balance of weather and crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Game of Thrones filming locations are in Northern Ireland?

Over 25 distinct locations were used for filming across Northern Ireland, ranging from major locations like Castle Ward (Winterfell) and the Dark Hedges to smaller sites used for brief scenes. Approximately 40% of all Game of Thrones filming took place in Northern Ireland across all eight seasons.

Can you visit the Game of Thrones studio sets?

The interior sets at Titanic Studios (where the throne room, Winterfell interiors, and many other iconic sets were located) are not open for public tours as they're an active working studio. However, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour opened in 2022 at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, featuring authentic sets, costumes, props, and interactive experiences. This is a must-visit for serious fans.

How long do I need to see all the Game of Thrones locations?

A comprehensive self-drive tour covering all major locations requires 2-3 full days. A guided one-day tour covers 6-8 of the most iconic and accessible locations. Most visitors find a one-day tour sufficient to experience the highlights.

Are the Game of Thrones locations free to visit?

Most filming locations are free to access (Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves, beaches, etc.) as they're natural features or public spaces. Exceptions include Castle Ward (£9.50 for adults), Tollymore Forest Park (£5 vehicle parking), and Carrick-a-Rede (£9 adults). The Game of Thrones Studio Tour requires paid admission.

What's the closest Game of Thrones location to Belfast?

Tollymore Forest Park is approximately 45 minutes south of Belfast and was used extensively for "Beyond the Wall" scenes. Castle Ward (Winterfell) is about 50 minutes east of Belfast. Both make easy half-day trips from the city.

Can you visit Game of Thrones locations in winter?

Yes! Winter actually provides the most atmospheric "winter is coming" experience, particularly at Tollymore Forest and the Dark Hedges. However, daylight hours are short (sunset around 4 PM), and some locations may be muddy or have limited accessibility in bad weather. Most locations remain accessible year-round except in severe conditions.

Is the Dark Hedges the most popular Game of Thrones location?

Yes, the Dark Hedges is Northern Ireland's most visited Game of Thrones location, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Its accessibility, free access, and photogenic nature make it extremely popular. Castle Ward (Winterfell) is second most popular due to its significance as the Stark home.

Final Thoughts: Exploring Westeros in Northern Ireland

Game of Thrones may have concluded, but its legacy in Northern Ireland lives on. The show transformed our coastlines, forests, and castles into icons recognized worldwide, bringing visitors from every corner of the globe to experience the magic for themselves.

What makes these locations special is that they're not just movie sets—they're real places with their own rich histories and natural beauty that existed long before the show and will endure long after. The Dark Hedges has stood for 250 years. Castle Ward has welcomed visitors for centuries. The Causeway Coast has been stunning the Atlantic for millions of years.

Having guided countless Game of Thrones fans over the years, I can tell you that the joy isn't just in seeing where favorite scenes were filmed—it's in discovering the real Northern Ireland. Visitors come for Winterfell and leave talking about the beauty of Ballintoy Harbour. They arrive for the Kingsroad and leave with an appreciation for ancient beech trees and conservation.

Whether you're a superfan who's rewatched the series multiple times or someone who simply appreciates beautiful filming locations, Northern Ireland's Game of Thrones sites offer an incredible journey through some of Europe's most spectacular landscapes.

Ready to explore the Seven Kingdoms of Northern Ireland? Join our Game of Thrones Experience tour for a comprehensive day of location visiting with expert local guides, or contact us to plan a custom tour based on your favorite characters and scenes.

Remember: Winter is coming... but in Northern Ireland, so is spring, summer, and autumn—and each season reveals different beauty in these remarkable locations. Valar Morghulis!