Follow the Game of Thrones Route Through Northern Ireland.
This summer, why not combine your love for Game of Thrones with a trip through Northern Ireland’s dramatic landscapes?
Northern Ireland is home to some of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming locations, making it the perfect destination for a fantasy-inspired road trip.
Here is the ultimate Northern Ireland route from the haunted forest of the White Walkers to the castle of Winterfell, through landscapes of the Dothraki territory.
1. Tollymore Forest Park – where it all began
Our journey starts an hour’s drive from Belfast, in Tollymore Forest Park, where the White Walkers make their first appearance in the opening scenes of the show.
On your way to the woodlands, following the rushing river trails, you might also recognise the backdrop of the scene where the Stark children found the direwolf pups.
Under the forest canopy, you’ll be able to soak up the mystical atmosphere that pervades these woods, setting the tone for your Game of Thrones road trip.
2. The ruins of Inch Abbey – where Robb Stark was first proclaimed king of the North
A 30-minute drive away, you will find the ruins of Inch Abbey, a Gothic 12th-century monastery nestled on the bank of the peaceful Quoile River.
You might recognise these ruins from the scene where Robb Stark was first proclaimed King of the North.
3. Castle Ward – fire arrows just like Bran at Winterfell
To wrap up our exploration of the south-west of Northern Ireland, we’ll head to Castle Ward, which is none other than the filming setting of Winterfell, home of the Stark family.
It’s time to trade in your map of Ireland for a bow and arrows and test your archery skills in the very same place where Bran was first trained. The Winterfell tours offer different packages to experience archery dressed up as your favourite character.
On your way out, stop at the first Door of Thrones at The Cuan, which features an intricately carved Stark family sigil and a map of Westeros.
4. Shillanavogy Valley – travel on Dothraki’s territory
The second part of our journey opens the door to another realm of Game of Thrones.
It’s time to drive north on the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route, which overlooks the magnificent Shillanavogy Valley, one of the filming locations of the Dothraki territory.
It was across these plains that the scene was filmed in which the mightiest of the Dothraki, Khal Drogo, rode to reunite with his new wife, Daenerys Targaryen.
5. Carnlough Harbour – in the footsteps of Arya Stark in Braavos
As you head towards the coast, our next stop takes us to Carnlough Harbour, or Braavos in the show.
On her way to becoming a faceless assassin, Arya Stark has no choice but to escape via Braavos Harbour; the scene was filmed on the steps of Carnlough Harbour.
6. Cushendun Caves – an eerie backdrop to the most haunting GOT moment
Heading north along the coast, you will find Cushendun Caves, formed naturally over 400 million years ago, which offered an eerie backdrop to one of the most haunting moments of the series.
It’s in one of these caves that the scene in which Melisandre gives birth to a creature of the shadow was shot.
7. The Dark Hedges – 200-year-old beech trees forming the Kingsroad
Next stop: the Dark Hedges, known as the Kingsroad by the inhabitants of Westeros, used in Season 2 by Arya Stark on her way to escape the capital of King’s Landing.
Now one of the most popular GOT filming locations in Ireland, the road impresses visitors with the two lines of 200-year-old beech trees forming a tunnel that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
8. Larrybane Quarry – where we first encounter Brienne of Tarth
Further down the coast is Larrybane Quarry, known as King Renly Baratheon’s war camp in the show.
Perched above the coastline, this impressive filming setting is where we first encounter the character of Brienne of Tarth, presented as the unknown challenger of Ser Loras Tyrell, whom she defeated while rising as one of the most iconic characters of the show.
9. Ballintoy Harbour – Theon Greyjoy’s homecoming
A few minutes’ drive away is Ballintoy Harbour, known as the place in the show where Theon Greyjoy returns to the Iron Islands.
The harbour is one of the most photogenic locations on the coastal route, offering stunning views of the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Another Door of Thrones is located nearby at The Fullerton Arms, featuring Daenerys’ most aggressive dragon, Drogon, and the Dothraki stallions.
10. Dunluce Castle – the medieval fortress and towering seat of House Greyjoy
The medieval fortress of Dunluce Castle, which was used in the show as Pyke, the House of Greyjoy, is located further west on the coast.
The spectacular view of the ruins of the fortress perched on the cliff, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, offers a truly immersive experience, so captivating that you expect to see a dragon in the sky at any moment.
11. Downhill Strand – where Dragonstone comes to life
Our Game of Thrones journey ends at the beautiful Downhill Strand, where you can admire Mussenden Temple, perched 37 metres (120 feet) up on the cliff.
While the beach served as the backdrop where Melisandre burnt down the old god effigies, the temple was used in many Dragonstone scenes.
Many of these places are designated sites that are part of Ireland’s cultural heritage. At the end of this exceptional road trip, you’ll leave with your mind filled with memories that blend the best of Northern Ireland‘s wild landscapes with the world of Game of Thrones.
