Magazine Tripzilla put together a prestigious list of the top 15 most majestic filming locations around the world. One Irish estate was named among these stunning spots.
Ireland has been home to some incredible movie locations throughout the decades. Famous films from The Quiet Man (1952) to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) and so many more have been filmed in some of Ireland’s most beautiful spots.
TV series like Vikings (2013-2020)and Normal People (2020) have also had Ireland abuzz with several locations throughout the country used as filming locations.
However, one Irish estate has been named among the most majestic filming locations around the world, ranking higher than some stunning locations in New Zealand and the US.
Irish estate named among most beautiful movie locations in the world – outranking Lord of the Rings location
Castle Ward estate in County Down has been listed as one of the most majestic filming locations around the world.
Ranking at number 13 on the list by Tripzilla, it is praised for having “an eclectic mix of architectural styles” and is “a must-visit for architecture buffs.”
Fans of Game of Thrones will know Castle Ward better as Winterfell, the seat of House Stark.
Perhaps one of the most famous filming locations of the series, this location outranked Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, otherwise known as the stronghold of Lord Sauron in Lord of the Rings.
Castle Ward also ranks ahead of Triple Falls in North Carolina, a famous filming location featured in The Hunger Games.
A historic farmyard turned Winterfell – some of GOT’s most recognisable locations
Castle Ward, County Down, is the location of Winterfell in Game of Thrones. The historic farmyard at Castle Ward is featured in much of the series. It also lends itself to the series pilot.
Lying on the shores of Strangford Lough, Castle Ward estate provided much of season one’s most recognisable locations.
The sprawling medieval walls, imposing castle tower, surrounding landscape and views of the lough make it abundantly clear why this historic demesne is a critical location for the series.
The rest of the list – other majestic filming locations
The list put together by Tripzilla includes some incredible filming locations around the world. Noteworthy locations include Angkor Thom in Cambodia.
The ancient Bayon temple gained Hollywood star status after it was featured in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2001.
Another jaw-dropping location on the list is Maya Bay in Thailand. Leonard DiCaprio fans will recognise this stunning stretch of sand as the deserted beach backdrop for the hit 1999 film, The Beach.
Castle Ward is among some seriously impressive company on this list of the most majestic filming locations around the world. You can check out the rest of the locations here.
