If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, there’s no better place to be than Northern Ireland.
Around 70% of the series was filmed here, bringing the Seven Kingdoms to life with the region’s rugged, beautiful landscapes.
This epic show had me hooked from the start, and I still love exploring the real-world spots of Westeros. On my last trip to Northern Ireland, I got to visit many of these iconic locations myself.
To see the filming locations, you’ll need a car or can join one of the many guided tours. And as for tours, there are more of them than nudie scenes in the show—believe it or not!
Just pop by any tourist office or hotel lobby in Northern Ireland. You’ll find info on all the tour options, some of which even have costumes and swords for you to play with!
Here’s a sampling of your choices:
- 9.5 hour GOT tour from Belfast
- Winterfell trek from Belfast
- Iron Island & Giant’s Causeway from Belfast
- Tollymore Forest tour with costumes
- GOT tour from Dublin
In this guide, you’ll find the top Game of Thrones filming locations across Northern Ireland. There are 23 in total!
I didn’t make it to every single one, but I checked off most.
Be forewarned, some Game of Thrones filming locations might not look exactly like they do on screen.
That’s because CGI magic helped transform them into the places we know and love. Still, these spots have a charm of their own, even if they aren’t quite as grand as their on-screen counterparts.
So, get ready to step into an imaginary world of people being gutted by axes and burned alive by dragons.
Fun Fact: The show’s writers, Dan Weiss and David Benioff, met in Dublin while studying at Trinity College back in 1995.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations In Northern Ireland
Magheramore Quarry
With the help of CGI, this quarry doubled as the wall and the entrance to Castle Black.
A large green screen was used to digitally extend the Wall’s height. The quarry’s cliffs served as the imposing icy Wall, where the Night’s Watch guards Westeros from the dangers beyond.
In Season 5, Magheramorne Quarry was transformed into Hardhome. This was the remote Wildling village where Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch attempt to evacuate the Wildlings.
This location became the site of one of the series’ most intense battles, as the White Walkers and wights attack, leading to a chilling showdown.
Cairncastle
Cairncastle is where it all began with Ned Stark’s beheading of a deserter from the Night’s Watch in episode 1.
The actual castle you see in the series was a CGI creation. But you can still walk to the pretty glen along the Ulster Way and stand beneath the cliffs imaging the deserter’s blood squirting down.
In Season 3, Episode 7, we catch another glimpse of the Cairncastle area. Jamie Lannister, on his way back to King’s Landing with Qyburn, stops to rest as Qyburn tends to his injured arm.
Cairncastle also appears in Season 5, Episode 3, when Sansa Stark and Littlefinger (Lord Baelish) travel together toward Winterfell.
It’s here, at Moat Cailin, that Sansa learns she’s destined for Winterfell—and to marry the ruthless Ramsay Bolton.
Murlough Bay
The breathtaking Murlough Bay is a hidden gem along the Antrim Coast. It’s easy to miss but well worth a stop.
The bay served as the backdrop for Tyrion Lannister and Jorah Mormont’s trek to Meereen.
Unfortunately for them, the journey takes a turn when they’re captured by slavers, but the scenery here steals the show.
If you’re up for a bit of a stroll, Murlough Bay offers beautiful trails with views stretching as far as the Scottish Islands and Rathlin Island on clear days.
It’s a perfect place to soak in Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastal beauty!
Slemish Mountains
To the west, you’ll see the Slemish Mountains.
It was previously famous as the place where St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, was enslaved. But, in GOT, it became famous as the location of Dothraki camp early in the series.
This area is known for its rolling green hills and rugged landscapes.
It provided the ideal setting to capture the vast, open, and untamed feel of the lands where Daenerys Targaryen journeys with her Dothraki tribe.
Cushedun Caves
Just a quick hop from the charming village of Cushendun, you’ll find the Red Caves. They’re more commonly known as the Cushendun Caves.
These caves are natural marvels, shaped over a whopping 400 million years.
For Game of Thrones fans, these caves are legendary. In Season 2, Episode 4, Davos Seaworth brings Melisandre ashore here in the eerie Stormlands.
Inside the caves, she brings a shadowy assassin into the world, who doesn’t take long to make trouble for Renly Baratheon. It’s a memorable spot for any Thrones fan — and a lot more thrilling than your average coastal cave!
Ballintoy Harbor
Ballintoy Harbour, on the stunning Causeway Coast, served as the rugged setting for the Iron Islands in Game of Thrones.
This small, windswept harbor was transformed into Pyke, the home of House Greyjoy. We see Ballintoy featured prominently when Theon Greyjoy returns to the Iron Islands after being raised by the Starks in Winterfell.
In Season 2, Ballintoy appears in the scene where Theon docks after his journey back to Pyke. Here, he’s met with a chilly welcome and eventually reunites with his family, setting off a chain of events that shape his complex storyline.
The natural sea arch was transformed into the Summer Sea in Season 5. Jorah seizes a boat, takes Tyrion captive as a “gift” for Daenerys, and they set sail for Meereen. They encounter the stone men in Valyria, leaving Tyrion unscathed but Jorah infected with greyscale.
Ballintoy was also used in other Iron Islands scenes, including Yara and Theon’s moments and scenes of the Ironborn preparing for battle.
Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges are one of the most well-known Game of Thrones spots in Northern Ireland. Though, truth be told, I’m not entirely convinced it still deserves all the fanfare!
It’s an 18th century avenue of beech trees. James Stuart planted them to impress visitors arriving at his mansion, Gracehill.
The setting is striking but a bit weathered. Storm Gertrude took down several trees. Others are fading. And you’ll often find the road packed with visitors.
In Game of Thrones, this eerie lane becomes the Kingsroad. In the finale of season 1, it’s where Arya Stark escapes from King’s Landing after her father, Ned Stark, is beheaded.
While the real-life version might not feel as magical as on-screen or on Instagram, you might catch a quieter moment if you go at the right time!
Shane’s Castle
Shane’s Castle is on the shores of Lough Neagh. It had multiple roles as Winterfell, Castle Black, The Land of Always Winter, and The Wildlings Site.
The castle is a haunting ruin built in 1345. It was once the stronghold of the O’Neill clan, rulers of Ulster for centuries.
In 1722, Shane MacBrien O’Neill took over and renamed it Shane’s Castle. According to legend, the castle was haunted by the O’Neill banshee, a ghostly figure who foretold death.
In Game of Thrones, these ruins became part of Westeros. Shane’s Castle featured prominently in Season 1 in episodes like “Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things” and “The Wolf and the Lion,” back when Ned Stark was still alive.
In Season 2, Brienne and Jaime’s journey also unfolds around Lough Neagh, with Brienne taking down bandits while Jaime mocks her appearance (well before his redemption).
Their famous duel, where they try to disembowel each other, was filmed right here on the grounds of Shane’s Castle.
The castle also hosts one of the most memorable scenes from the series—the Tourney of the Hand.
The Hound famously cuts off a horse’s head, Loras Tyrell makes his grand entrance as the Knight of Flowers, and a wide-eyed Sansa whispers, “Oh, he’s so beautiful.”
Castle Ward
Castle Ward is the location of Winterfell, the Stark family’s gaff (house) in season one.
The castle offers an extremely organized Game of Thrones tour. Everything is dedicated to replicating a day in Westeros.
You can don a fur cape or costume and learn to shoot bow and arrows, just like Bran the Broken in Season 1.
A replica of the Winterfell Archery Range has been recreated in the same spot where filming took place. This was where Bran practices archery in the courtyard, with Jon Snow encouraging him and Arya showing off her own mad skills.
It was also the setting for King Robert’s grand arrival.
Robert comes to ask Ned Stark to serve as Hand of the King, setting off the chain of events that drives the series.
Pro tip: When you arrive at Castle Ward, follow narrow roads through the gates and signs for the main car park. Continue straight following signs for Trail Parking/Shore Car Park. Parking is free.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle inspired the look of Castle Greyjoy, the rugged seat of House Greyjoy. We get our first glimpse of it when Theon Greyjoy returns to Pyke, hoping to convince his father, Balon, to support Robb Stark’s war efforts.
The show’s creators were captivated by Dunluce’s cliffside setting, which suited the harsh, stormy vibe they wanted for the Iron Islands. In Game of Thrones, Castle Greyjoy is dark and imposing—just like the Ironborn who call it home.
While Dunluce’s real ruins made a perfect starting point, the castle got a major CGI upgrade for the show. Elements like towering, jagged spires were added to make it look even more forbidding and isolated.
They also expanded the cliffs and ocean around it, creating the illusion that the castle teeters more dangerously over the waves than it does in reality.
Inch Abbey
Inch Abbey is a 12th century Cistercian monastery in County Down south of Belfast. The ruins are incredibly atmospheric and served as Riverrun in the series.
It also served as the spot where Robb Stark pitches his camp and is declared “King in the North” This scene takes place in Season 1, following the news of Ned Stark’s execution.
Joffrey has already declared himself king. But Rob refuses to pay him fealty.
The lords of the North gather and pledge their loyalty to Robb. This officially starts the War of the Five Kings.
Larrybane Quarry
Larrybane Quarry, with its dramatic white limestone cliffs and rugged terrain, was the perfect stand-in for Renly Baratheon’s camp. Situated along the beautiful Causeway Coast, this striking location brought battle-ready Westeros to life.
One of the most iconic scenes shot here is the duel between Brienne of Tarth and Ser Loras Tyrell in Season 2. The fight takes place at Renly’s camp, where Brienne is determined to prove herself as a fierce warrior.
Clad in armor, she takes on the Knight of Flowers in a thrilling tournament bout. The fight is intense and ends with Brienne emerging victorious, earning her a place in Renly’s Kingsguard.
Larrybane Quarry also serves as the gathering spot for Renly’s banner men. This is where he hosts his allies and discusses strategies for his claim to the Iron Throne.
Fair Head Cliffs
Fair Head Cliffs, towering over the northeastern coast of Northern Ireland, offer dramatic, rugged scenery with sweeping views of the ocean and Scotland on a clear day.
These cliffs were featured in Game of Thrones as Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen.
In episode 5 of the same season, the cliffs are where we see Jon getting friendly with the dragon Drogon and even petting his face. Shortly afterwards, Jorah turns up, healed from greyscale thanks to the efforts of Samwell Tarly.
In episode 6 of season 7, the cliffs are where Daenerys sets off to try and rescue Jon Snow and his party from where they have been besieged by the army of the dead.
There is lovely aerial footage of the cliffs in this scene.
The location was also used for scenes where Jon and Daenerys watch the dragons fly overhead and where the group prepares for their journey north.
Tollymore Forest Park
Tollymore is known to GOT enthusiasts as the Haunted Forest. Basically, every other forest scene was shot here.
It appeared in the very first episode, in a chilling moment when you encounter the dismembered wildlings.
For fans, there’s a real treat here. You can visit the Wildling Pit, the exact spot where the Stark kids discovered their direwolf pups.
You enter through the Barbican gate, a charming little structure that feels like a mini fortress.
Inside, you’ll find trails marked in red, blue, and black that wind through lush forest paths, past sparkling streams, grottos, and quaint bridges.
The whole place feels straight out of a fairy tale, like something from Lord of the Rings—a magical land of green nooks and wandering water. As the Irish would say, it’s an absolute cracker.
Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge
Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, about 24 miles southwest of Belfast, became one of the most crucial filming spots for Game of Thrones. This studio was a home base for creating key parts of Winterfell and other memorable Westeros settings.
Now, Linen Mill has taken its role to the next level, transformed into the Game of Thrones Studio Tour—a dream come true for any fan of the show.
The tour is fully immersive, letting you step straight into the Game of Thrones world. You’ll wander through authentic sets, admire intricate costumes, and see props used in unforgettable scenes.
It’s as close as you can get to walking through the Seven Kingdoms without crossing the Narrow Sea!
>>> Click here to book an admission ticket
Belfast
Belfast, too, holds a bit of Game of Thrones magic—it’s home to Titanic Studios, where much of the series was filmed.
You can’t explore inside. You have to go to Banbridge for that. But you can see the Glass of Thrones trail.
To celebrate a decade of Game of Thrones magic in Northern Ireland, six gorgeous stained glass windows light up Belfast’s Maritime Mile in the docklands. Each window captures an iconic scene or beloved character from the series, representing different houses.
It’s a perfectly free self-guided trail that lets fans relive the epic highs (and lows) of Westeros while strolling along the waterfront. Perfect for snapping photos and diving back into the world of dragons, battles, and power struggles
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. You may find these other related travel guides useful:
- 1 day in Belfast itinerary
- 3 days in Northern Ireland itinerary
- guide to Giant’s Causeway
- Dublin bucket list
- 1 day in Dublin itinerary
- 3 days in Dublin itinerary
- 10 days in Ireland itinerary
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- what not to do in Ireland
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