Discover all the major Game of Thrones filming locations across Northern Ireland.
When Game of Thrones creators searched for locations to bring Westeros to life, they found what they needed in Northern Ireland – dramatic coastlines, medieval castles, ancient forests, and windswept cliffs that could convincingly represent everything from Winterfell to the Iron Islands. Over eight seasons, Northern Ireland hosted more than 25 major filming locations, becoming so integral to the production that it's impossible to imagine the show without these landscapes.
This guide takes you through Northern Ireland's most significant Game of Thrones filming locations, explaining what was filmed where, how to visit, and what made each location perfect for the show.
The Dark Hedges - The Kingsroad
The most photographed Game of Thrones location in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges appeared as the Kingsroad in Season 2, Episode 1, when Arya Stark fled King's Landing disguised as a boy. This atmospheric tunnel of 18th-century beech trees created the perfect Gothic atmosphere for Arya's dangerous journey north.
What makes it special: The Dark Hedges was already one of Northern Ireland's most photographed locations before Game of Thrones, thanks to its atmospheric intertwined branches creating a natural cathedral effect. The production enhanced the scene's mood digitally, but the trees' dramatic character needed little embellishment.
Visiting: Located near Ballymoney in County Antrim, the Dark Hedges is free to access but extremely popular. Visit early morning (before 9am) or late evening to avoid crowds. Roadside parking is prohibited – use designated car parks nearby. The site is about 1 hour from Belfast.
Castle Ward - Winterfell
The courtyard and tower of Castle Ward, an 18th-century mansion near Strangford in County Down, served as Winterfell in Season 1. This is where Bran Stark practiced archery, where the Starks gathered, and where much of Winterfell's exterior scenes were filmed before the production moved to studio sets.
What makes it special: Castle Ward's Gothic Revival stable yard provided the perfect medieval castle atmosphere. The National Trust property now offers "Winterfell Tours" where visitors can try archery, handle replica costumes and weapons, and see exactly where key scenes were filmed.
Visiting: Open daily (National Trust property, £12 entry for non-members). Allow 2 hours minimum. The estate includes formal gardens, woodland walks, and the main mansion with Victorian and Classical architecture. Highly recommended for families and dedicated fans. Located 45 minutes south of Belfast.
Ballintoy Harbour - The Iron Islands
This tiny fishing harbor on the North Antrim coast portrayed the Iron Islands multiple times throughout the series. Its dramatic coastal setting, with sea stacks, rocky shore, and working harbor, perfectly captured the harsh, windswept character of Pyke.
What makes it special: Ballintoy Harbour remains a working harbor where local fishermen still launch boats, giving it authentic character. The location is spectacularly photogenic even without the Game of Thrones connection, with dramatic cliffs and sea stacks creating powerful compositions.
Visiting: Free access, small car park (can fill quickly in summer). The walk down to the harbor is steep but manageable for most visitors. Combine with the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Located on the Causeway Coastal Route, about 75 minutes from Belfast.
Cushendun Caves - Birthplace of the Shadow
These mysterious sea caves on the Antrim coast were the setting for one of Game of Thrones' most dramatic scenes – Melisandre giving birth to the shadow creature that would kill Renly Baratheon. The caves' dark, mysterious atmosphere made them perfect for this supernatural moment.
What makes it special: The caves are natural formations created by 400 million years of erosion. Their dark, winding passages and eerie atmosphere made minimal set dressing necessary. The location captures Northern Ireland's dramatic coastal geology perfectly.
Visiting: Free access, small parking area in Cushendun village with short walk to caves. The caves involve uneven ground and can be slippery – bring a flashlight if you want to explore fully. Be aware of tides when visiting. Located on the Causeway Coastal Route, about 70 minutes from Belfast.
Tollymore Forest Park - Winterfell, Haunted Forest, and Beyond
Tollymore, Northern Ireland's first forest park, hosted numerous Game of Thrones scenes. The series opened here with the discovery of the direwolf pups. Later scenes included wildling camps, Jon Snow and Ygritte's developing relationship, and various Winterfell exterior locations.
What makes it special: Tollymore offers ancient trees, mountain backdrops, and dramatic river settings that provided variety for different scenes. The park's Victorian features, including stone bridges and grottos, added atmospheric elements.
Visiting: Open daily, £5 parking. Multiple walking trails range from easy riverside walks to challenging mountain hikes. A Game of Thrones trail map shows filming locations within the park. Allow 2-3 hours to explore properly. Located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, 50 minutes south of Belfast.
Additional Filming Locations
- Murlough Bay: Stunning coastal viewpoint, used for multiple scenes
- Larrybane Quarry: Near Carrick-a-Rede, several filming locations
- Inch Abbey: Medieval ruins, Robb Stark's camp
- Magheramorne Quarry: Studio backlot for Castle Black, Winterfell interior scenes
- Dunluce Castle: Inspired the design of Pyke (though not directly filmed here)
Planning Your Game of Thrones tour
One-Day Tour
Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves, possibly Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This route follows the Causeway Coastal Route and covers the most photographed locations.
Two-Day Tour
Day 1 covers the coastal locations above. Day 2 includes Castle Ward, Tollymore Forest Park, and Belfast's Linen Mill Studios area (exterior viewing only).
Tour Options
Several companies offer dedicated Game of Thrones tours with expert guides who share behind-the-scenes stories, production insights, and help you capture perfect photos. Private tours allow customization based on your favorite characters or storylines.
Best Time to Visit
April-October offers best weather and longest days. Summer provides warmest temperatures but attracts crowds at popular sites. Consider early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid peak times and capture better photography light.
Photography Tips
Bring a wide-angle lens for dramatic landscapes. Early morning fog creates atmospheric conditions similar to the show's aesthetic. Research specific scenes beforehand so you know what angles to capture. Many locations look different depending on tide levels, weather, and season.
For Super-Fans
The Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge (not open to public) housed the massive sound stages where interior sets were built. While you can't tour the studios, the area features a Game of Thrones tapestry exhibition and other themed attractions.
Tourism NI created an official "Game of Thrones Territory" route covering all major locations with brown tourism signs. Following this route provides a structured way to visit multiple sites.
Consider timing your visit around themed events. Some locations host Game of Thrones festivals, costume events, or special screenings.
Respecting the Locations
These filming locations are real places – working harbors, protected forests, historic properties, and natural landscapes. When visiting:
- Stay on designated paths
- Don't disturb wildlife or remove natural features
- Respect private property near filming locations
- Support local businesses in filming location communities
- Consider the environmental impact of viral tourism spots
The Legacy
Game of Thrones filming transformed Northern Ireland's tourism profile, attracting visitors who might never have considered visiting otherwise. The show's production invested over £250 million in Northern Ireland, trained thousands of local crew members, and showcased the region's dramatic landscapes to a global audience.
Even years after the show concluded, these locations continue attracting visitors. Unlike typical film tourism that fades quickly, Game of Thrones locations have staying power because the landscapes themselves are extraordinary. The show simply gave the world a reason to discover what Northern Ireland has always offered – dramatic, diverse, and deeply photogenic landscapes that capture imagination.
Whether you're a dedicated fan who's watched the series multiple times or someone who simply appreciates beautiful locations, Northern Ireland's Game of Thrones sites deliver spectacular scenery, engaging stories, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of Westeros's most memorable characters.
Experience This With Us
Join us for an unforgettable journey through Northern Ireland's most stunning locations with expert local guidance.