IT’S NOT EVERYDAY THAT YOU CAN CHANNEL YOUR INNER KHALEESI, BUT THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT FACT’S JAYNE GREEN DID ON HER LATEST VISIT TO NORTHERN IRELAND OFFERING UP A UNIQUE BEHIND-THESCENES LOOK AT THE BELOVED SEVEN KINGDOMS OF WESTEROS.

Set to grace television screens across the world early next year, the award-winning television series, Game of Thrones, will return for its eighth and final season in April 2019. As viewers await the show’s highly anticipated arrival, there’s one way fans can beat their Game of Thrones’ blues between then and now. THIS.
Winter isn’t coming yet, but your Game of Thrones ‘fix’ could be as Northern Ireland offers visitors an unparallelled immersive experience. As we met our tour guide we couldn’t contain our excitement when we drove into Winterfell, located at Castle Ward, Down as the theme tune pulsated in our heads (as if it ever isn’t!). Here, we practiced our archery in the same spot as Jon Snow, modelled some authentic Westeros attire fact magazine 65 and took that all important Instagram photo in The Iron Throne. You can even feast on a lavish medieval banquet inspired by the show. We’d already filled our boots with Irish pastries en route, y’see. Northern Ireland beckons fair maidens and fine knights to take a trip down the Kingsroad, through the country that houses more of the Seven Kingdoms than any other location in the world. Fans can get a real and first-hand feel for the forests, cliffs, castles and bays upon which their beloved characters have strode. The lush greens and azure waters of the landscape are sure to transport explorers to the fantasy drama’s mystical world of direwolves and dragons.

BELOW ARE SOME OF THE KEY LANDMARKS THAT ARE MUST-SEE LOCATIONS FOR GAME OF THRONES’ ENTHUSIASTS:

Stormlands, The Dark Hedges and the Iron Islands at Antrim
Those who want to fully experience the world of Westoros can settle themselves into the iconic Ballygally Castle in Antrim, which offers insightful trips to the Stormlands and the Iron Islands, located along the coast of Antrim. However a highlight of the location would have to be The Dark Hedges, fringing the famous Kingsroad itself, which has been used as passage for many a Stark in the series. Prior to exploring, guests can indulge in a Games of Thrones® themed tea fit for a Karl and Khaleesi, and can come back to yet another themed banquet to feast upon after a thrilling day of sightseeing. TOP TIP – Go at dusk for the optimal “WOW!” photograph.

Winterfell at Castle Ward, Down
Can you really visit Northern Ireland and not visit the legendary home of the mighty Starks, Winterfell, … Erm? No!
The majestic location exudes a sense of the pride of the North, as much of the surrounding scenery is seen over a number of episodes – including when Arya hones her archery skills, or when Catelyn Stark oversees the ‘going ons’ of her family. Visitors to Castle Ward can don authentic Westerosean apparel (trust me you look and feel awesome), tuck into themed banquets and even meet two of the fearsome direwolves. The secret shadow in the Stormlands
The Cushendun Caves are over 400 million years old. Found along the Antrim coastline, near the cosy village of Cushendun, they look out over the stony beach and the turbulent sea. In Westeros, these caves are the site of a dark crime. This is where Melisandre summons her shadowy demon beneath Renly’s Camp, in order to murder Stannis’ brother in the name of the Lord of Light.

The Haunted Forest at Tollymore Forest Park, Down
With Winter finally upon the great kingdoms, bringing with it the dreaded arrival of the White Walkers, guests can be taken back to the first sighting of the terrifying creatures at Tollymore Forest Park in Down, commonly known as the Haunted Forest. Hikes through the forest park can be enjoyed alongside a quick picnic amidst the rich greenery, with an added option to try mountaineering and canoeing, courtesy of the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.

Dothraki Grasslands at Binevenagh, Londonderry
Travellers can keep their eyes peeled for a glimpse of Daenerys Targareon’s majestic dragons, as they take on the scenic walks to the summit of Binevenagh in Londonderry. The mountain, formed over 60 million years ago from molten lava, today offers picturesque views that stretch across expanses of plains, creating the perfect horizon across which the ‘Mother of Dragons’ rode her ferocious Drogon.

GO: VISIT WWW.IRELAND.COM, WWW.VISITBELFAST.COM AND
FOLLOW @DISCOVERIRELAND_ FOR MORE INFORMATION.

 

Coast of Sunspear at Portstewart Strand, Londonderry

Aside from being one of the top destinations to visit in Northern Ireland, the pristine beach that is Portstewart Strand – stretching across two miles – happens to be the pivotal location where the Sandsnake sisters conspired against the Lannisters. The sandy shores, located in Londonderry, are kept in pristine condition, making for the ideal day out for families and couples, who want to take to the water.

All of these fabulous destinations are complemented by a variety of locations dotted across Northern Ireland that house 10 Game of Thrones inspired doors – each telling the story of a Season 6 episode. These intricate masterpieces are dotted across Northern Ireland, and were carved from the wood of the 200 year old beech trees at the Dark Hedges. Whilst you’re currently arranging your flights why not
download the free Game of Thrones’ Filming Locations Northern Ireland app? This pocket guide will help you navigate your way around the spectacular filming locations from the show as well as the 10 Doors. Now, who argued that the best things in life aren’t for free? ✤