Earlier this month Tourism Ireland joined forces with HBO’s hit TV show Game of Thrones to market Northern Ireland’s rugged landscapes, crumbling castles and magical mountains as the real life Westeros to the rest of the World. HBO is lending its name and logo to the new campaign, which was rolled out by Tourism Ireland through ads on Facebook and Twitter in the UK, the US, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Holland and Scandinavia. Tourism Ireland has also created a dedicated land page on their website showing off the locations where the popular medieval fantasy series was set. The huge marketing effort can also be seen offline in the Game of Thrones signage that is being placed at key locations from the show around Northern Ireland. This is a marketing tactic that worked well for New Zealand in the wake of the Lord of the Rings movie series. 

Where to visit:

The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim

The Dark Hedges by Jim Barton, on Flickr 

Planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century, the trees were originally intended as a landscape feature to wow visitors as they approached the entrance to the family home, Gracehill House. Two centuries later, the trees have become a must see destination in Northern Ireland for Game of Thrones Fans. These trees are currently protected by a Tree Preservation Order issued by the Northern Ireland Planning Service. 

Downhill Beach, Coleraine, Co. Derry

Downhill beach, Co. Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland by James Burke, on Flickr

Already one of Northern Ireland’s most visited beaches Downhill Beach is overlooked by the easily recognised Mussenden Temple. Fans of the Game of Thrones series will easily recognise the view as a doppelganger for Dragonstone Castle.

Cushendun Caves, Cushendun, Co. Antrim

Cushendun Caves by Jonathan Tweed, on Flickr

The Caves at Cushendun are a natural attraction formed by over 400 million years of extreme Irish weather conditions. Fans of the show will be happy to know they can be accessed on foot from near the coastal village of Cushendun in Co. Antrim.

Marble Arch Caves, Florencecour, Co. Fermanagh

Marble Arch Caves by Lachlan O’Dea on Flickr

One of Europe’s finest show caves, The Marble Arch Caves are located at Florencecourt, County Fermanagh. They give visitors the opportunity to explore the natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls and winding passages. Game of Thrones fans will notice that the caves were used to film scenes such as the hideout for the Brotherhood Without Banners.

The Causeway Coast, Co. Antrim

The Giants Causeway by Patrick G., on Flickr

The Causeway Coast has multiple locations featured in the hit show. GOT Fans wanting to visit the Iron Islands will have to look no further than the view from the Ballycastle approach to The Causeway Coast. Ballintoy Harbour is also a dead ringer for Lordsport, the port town on the island of Pyke, which is the seat of House Botley.

What are others doing?

Budget Car Rental Ireland created a map showcasing the locations of the popular series as a self-drive option. The full version of the map is available here for anyone wanting to spend time exploring Co. Antrim, Derry and Down.

The Stones & Thrones tour company offer a unique day tour of discovery, giving the opportunity to explore the scenic splendour of the seven kingdoms and see where so many of the pivotal Game Of Thrones scenes were shot! The tour will last 1.5 hours and will set you back £35.00 per adult.  

The courtyard of Clearsky Adventure Centre at Castle Ward Demesne Northern Ireland  is one of the actual filming locations of the show. They have masterfully recreated a replica of the ‘Winterfell Archery Range’ in the courtyard in the very same spot that the filming took place, and offer an authentic archery lesson in complete costume from £25.

Game of Throne day tours are also available from Dublin starting April 21st departing from CHQ Building, Custom House Quay check out Game of Thrones Tours for more details.