10 Iconic Game of Thrones Filming Locations to Visit in Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones fans won't want to miss a tour of Northern Ireland's stunning filming locations. This region’s dramatic castles, rugged cliffs, and lush hills featured in around 25 scenes from the HBO series. Popular guided tours—like those from Giant Tours Ireland (we recommend Flip!)—or self-guided trips make it easy to explore. Download the official Game of Thrones Northern Ireland app for precise directions.
Cushendun Caves – Co. Antrim
Shaped by 400 million years of harsh weather, these small but striking caves near Cushendun village sit on an elevated beach by the Glendun and Glencorp valleys.
Recognize them from Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 4: the Stormlands cove where Davos Seaworth brings Melisandre ashore, and she births the shadow assassin.
Larrybane Quarry – Co. Antrim
Now an overflow car park for the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, this quarry retains its magic with sheer white cliffs, sea views, and distant Rathlin Island.
It starred in Season 2, Episode 3, as Renly Baratheon's camp, where Brienne of Tarth defeats Loras Tyrell and Catelyn Stark meets King Renly.
The Dark Hedges – Stranocum, Co. Antrim
This eerie avenue of 18th-century beech trees, planted by the Stuart family to impress visitors to Gracehill House, is one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed spots.
Dubbed the Kingsroad in the series, it appears in Season 2, Episode 1, as Arya Stark (disguised as a boy) flees King’s Landing with Gendry, Yoren, and Hot Pie.
Castle Ward – near Strangford, Co. Down
This 18th-century mansion on a hillside overlooking Strangford Lough has housed the Ward family since the 16th century. Explore 820 acres of gardens, trails for hiking or cycling.
Featured as Winterfell in Season 1, including King Robert Baratheon’s arrival and Bran’s archery lessons with Jon Snow and Robb Stark.
Ballintoy Harbour – Co. Antrim
Accessed via a steep road from Ballintoy village (near Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede), this historic fishing harbor boasts rocky shores and towering cliffs.
In Season 2, Episode 2, it portrays Lordsport on the Iron Islands, where Theon Greyjoy returns home.
Downhill Beach – Co. Londonderry
On the Causeway Coast, this 11km beach features the clifftop Mussenden Temple. Enjoy watersports, walks, and nearby waterfalls.
Transformed into Dragonstone in Season 2, notably Episode 1, with Stannis drawing the flaming sword amid Melisandre’s chant: “The night is dark and full of terrors.”
Titanic Quarter – Belfast, Co. Antrim
Belfast’s waterfront hub includes entertainment, maritime sites, the Titanic Museum, and Titanic Studios, where many interior Game of Thrones scenes were shot.
Meet the Direwolves – Strangford, Co. Down
The Stark pups from Season 1’s opening were played by Northern Inuit dogs. Meet Summer (Odin) and Grey Wind (Thor) in Strangford, 40 minutes south of Belfast.
The Cuan Restaurant – Strangford, Co. Down
Not a set, but where the cast stayed during early Winterfell filming. Now offers Game of Thrones banquets in a recreated hall, picnics at sites, Stark costumes, themed menus, and murder mystery nights.
Dunluce Castle – Bushmills, Co. Antrim
These cliff-edge ruins (built c.1500 by the MacQuillans, later MacDonnells) doubled as House Greyjoy’s seat on Pyke, with CGI enhancements.
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