In recent years, Northern Ireland has gained a reputation among production crews as a perfect filming location. Today, we will share with you ten famous filming locations you can spot across the North.
Whether you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, Line of Duty, Derry Girls, or something else, you are sure to recognise some of these famous filming locations in Northern Ireland.
With stunning scenery all around, historic architecture in abundance, and some of the world’s most incredible coastal stretches, we’re just surprised it took Hollywood so long to notice.
So, if you want to explore some of the most iconic and famous filming locations in Northern Ireland, read on.
10. Galgorm Castle, Co. Antrim – discover Frankenstein in Northern Ireland
Kicking off our list of famous filming locations in Northern Ireland is Galgorm Castle in County Antrim.
This Jacobean estate acts as the backdrop for various scenes in the ITV drama The Frankenstein Chronicles, starring multi-award-winning actor Sean Bean.
Address: Galgorm Rd, Ballymena BT14 1HL
9. The Antrim Hills, Co. Antrim – the setting of the Battle of the Somme
This scenic stretch of County Antrim countryside acts as the backdrop for the Battle of the Somme scenes in the 2016 film The Lost City of Z.
The American biographical adventure drama features big names such as Charlie Hunnam, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson.
It tells the story of British explorer Colonel Percival Fawcett as he and his family embark on a journey into the Amazon rainforest.
Address: 29 Mullaghsandall Rd, Larne BT40 2LX
8. The Merchant Hotel, Co. Antrim – the setting of The Fall
The BBC psychological thriller drama The Fall is based on a serial killer preying on victims around Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Starring Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson, one of the most iconic locations from the series is the upscale Merchant Hotel.
Address: 16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ
7. The Walled Garden at Bangor Castle, Co. Down – standing in for London
The Walled Garden at Bangor Castle acts as a lush rooftop garden of a divided London tower block.
Starring Tom Hiddleston and Jeremy Irons, the movie tells a twisted tale of economic division in 1970s London.
Address: Valentine Rd, Bangor BT20 4BT
6. Ballintoy Harbour, Co. Antrim – the main port of Pyke
The quaint Ballintoy Harbour on the Causeway Coast will be recognisable to any fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones.
The harbour acts as Lordsport, the main port of Pyke, one of the Iron Islands. Fans of the show may recognise this spot as the location of Theon Greyjoy’s baptism in season two.
Address: Harbour Rd, Ballintoy, Ballycastle BT54 6NA
5. Whiterocks Beach, Co. Antrim – for Disney’s Artemis Fowl
Even Disney is making the most of the famous filming locations in Northern Ireland as it features in the young adult science fantasy adventure film Artemis Fowl.
Produced by Northern Ireland’s own Kenneth Brannagh, the movie is based on the Eoin Colfer book of the same name.
Address: Portrush BT56 8DF
4. The Graffiti Underpass, Co. Antrim – the perfect spot for secret meetings
Fans of the BBC police drama Line of Duty will certainly recognise the graffiti underpass right by the Albert Clock.
The underpass acts as a location for various secret meetings among the AC-12 colleagues, making it a must-visit for fans of the show.
Address: Custom House Square, Belfast BT1 2AG
3. Guildhall Square, Co. Derry – walk in the footsteps of the Derry Girls
If you want to live like a Derry Girl for the day, you need to head to the second-largest city in Northern Ireland.
Guildhall Square in the centre of the city is one of the most iconic filming locations from the series. But we highly recommend taking a walk around to get a true feel for the Northern Irish sitcom.
Address: Derry, BT48 7BB
2. Fair Head, Co. Antrim – discover the Dragonstone Cliffs
Set along the Antrim Coast, Fair Head is yet another location that will be recognised by Game of Thrones fans.
Fair Head acts as the iconic Dragonstone Cliffs, where famous scenes occurred between Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and her dragons.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world at this scenic and mythological spot.
Address: Ballycastle BT54 6RD
1. The Dark Hedges, Co. Antrim – perhaps the most iconic one of all
Topping our list of the most famous filming locations in Northern Ireland is undoubtedly the iconic Dark Hedges.
Standing in as the King’s Road, this beautiful beech-tree lined road is a truly majestic sight to encounter – even if you’re not a fan of Game of Thrones.
Address: Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX
