Game of Thrones Filming Locations: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, Ireland is one of the most magical places to explore. From haunting avenues of trees to dramatic coastlines and medieval castles, Northern Ireland in particular doubled as Westeros for much of the HBO series. I’ve personally visited these locations over the years (often dragging my husband along!) and can share practical travel tips, highlights, and a few surprises.
Below you’ll find a guide to the best Game of Thrones filming spots across Ireland and in Europe, complete with travel notes, episode connections, and updated visitor info. If you only have time for a few, check the Top 5 Must-Sees section.
Check out my Northern Ireland Travel Tips Guide before you go
- Game of Thrones Filming Locations: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
- The Top 5 Game of Thrones Filming Locations
- Planning Your Trip
- Here Are Game of Thrones Locations You Can Visit
- Castle Ward (Winterfell)
- The Dark Hedges (Kingsroad)
- Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands)
- Cushendun Caves
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour
- Downhill Strand (Dragonstone beach)
- Murlough Bay (Renly & Stannis’s war council)
- Tollymore Forest Park (Where the Starks found the direwolf pups)
- Larrybane Quarry (Renly’s camp, Brienne’s duel)
- Inch Abbey (Robb Stark declared “King in the North”)
- Fair Head (Jon & Daenerys’ cliff meeting)
- Shillanavogy Valley (Dothraki grasslands)
- Magheramorne Quarry (Castle Black, Hardhome)
- Audley’s Castle (The Twins / Robb’s Camp)
- Glenariff Forest Park (Runestone, Vale of Arryn)
- Dunluce Castle (Pyke / Iron Islands)
- Titanic Studios, Belfast (Indoor / Sets)
- Binevenagh Mountain (Dothraki Grasslands)
- Real-Life Game of Thrones Filming Sites Around the World
The Top 5 Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Castle Ward (Winterfell) – The Stark family’s home, with archery experiences and medieval reenactments. Official info
The Dark Hedges (Kingsroad) – One of the most photographed GOT sites. Now pedestrian-only; cars banned to protect the trees.
Ballintoy Harbour (Lordsport, Iron Islands) – Small, rugged harbor with direct filming connections.
Cushendun Caves (Melisandre’s Shadow) – Atmospheric caves where the infamous shadow was born.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour (Banbridge) – An official behind-the-scenes experience with sets, costumes, and props. Book here
Planning Your Trip
Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn (May–September) for mild weather.
Getting around: Renting a car is easiest. Some sites are remote, but day tours leave from Belfast and Dublin.
Itineraries:
1 Day: Castle Ward, Ballintoy, Dark Hedges.
3 Days: Add Cushendun Caves, Downhill Strand, and the Studio Tour.
Family-Friendly: Studio Tour + Castle Ward.
Here Are Game of Thrones Locations You Can Visit
Castle Ward (Winterfell)
Scene: Home of the Stark family.
Where: Near Strangford, Co. Down. GPS: 54.3687, -5.5659
Tips: Dress up in Stark cloaks, try archery, and explore the 18th-century estate.
More info: National Trust Castle Ward
The Dark Hedges (Kingsroad)
Scene: Arya Stark and Gendry escape from King’s Landing.
Where: Near Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. GPS: 55.1186, -6.3807
Update: Cars banned since 2017; parking provided nearby. Some trees have fallen in recent storms, but the avenue remains stunning.
Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands)
Scene: Theon’s return to the Iron Islands.
Where: Co. Antrim coast. GPS: 55.2417, -6.3684
Tips: Visit in early morning to avoid crowds. Slippery rocks — wear sturdy shoes.
Cushendun Caves
Scene: Melisandre gives birth to the shadow assassin.
Where: Co. Antrim. GPS: 55.0869, -6.0593
Tips: Free to visit; allow 30 minutes. Tides may limit access — check times.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Where: Banbridge, Co. Down. GPS: 54.3552, -6.2709
What you’ll see: Original sets (Great Hall, Dragonstone), costumes, weapons, and behind-the-scenes design.
Tickets: Book online in advance.
Downhill Strand (Dragonstone beach)
Scene: Used as Dragonstone’s beach where Melisandre burned the statues of the Seven.
Where: Near Castlerock, Co. Londonderry — clifftop views around Mussenden Temple.
Access & pricing: Managed by the National Trust (Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple). Pay & display car parking applies at Lion’s Gate (example: £5 per vehicle — check current signage). Walking access from Castlerock train stop.
Hidden / new info: Mussenden Temple is a short walk from the strand and makes a great photo vantage point — combine both in one visit to avoid extra parking charges. Tide times matter if you want to walk the beach safely.
Murlough Bay (Renly & Stannis’s war council)
Scene: Setting for the tense war council (Renly vs Stannis) and nearby coastal shots.
Where: North Antrim coast between Ballycastle and Torr Head.
Access & pricing: Remote single-track road; parking limited and often informal (no official visitor centre). No entry fee but expect a short downhill walk to reach the coast. Be prepared for exposed weather. (Visitor guides and local pages recommend stout footwear).
Hidden / new info: The road is narrow and can be closed in bad weather; allow extra time to reach it from Ballycastle. It’s a quieter location — great for early-morning photography.
Tollymore Forest Park (Where the Starks found the direwolf pups)
Scene: The forest where Ned Stark and his children find the direwolf pups in Season 1.
Where: Near Newcastle, Co. Down (foothills of the Mourne Mountains).
Access & pricing: Open to the public; small forest recreation charges may apply in some areas (many trails are free; check nidirect/Northern Ireland park pages for current notices). Car parking and marked trails at the main entrance. Tollymore is used for guided treks and private tours (some operators charge for guided experiences, e.g., ~£8–£10 for organised walks).
Hidden info: The park is popular for hiking and film fans — join a guided “Winterfell” walk if you want extra filming anecdotes from local guides. Parts of the forest can be muddy; bring waterproof boots.
Larrybane Quarry (Renly’s camp, Brienne’s duel)
Scene: A tournament fight at Renly Baratheon’s camp. Brienne wins, earning a place in Renly’s Kingsguard.
Where: Near Carrick-a-Rede / Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim coast (close to Ballintoy).
Access & pricing: The quarry and cliff-top viewing areas are public land but some sections are restricted for safety. There is no admission fee, but parking is limited and paths are steep. Check local signage — some platforms above the quarry provide safe viewpoints while the old quarry floor may be unsafe.
Hidden / new info: Visit early in the morning to avoid tour-bus crowds — the adjacent coastal walk links the Giant’s Causeway, Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede for a half-day coastal loop.
Inch Abbey (Robb Stark declared “King in the North”)
Scene: Where Robb Stark’s bannermen proclaimed him “King in the North.”
Where: Near Downpatrick, Co. Down, beside the River Quoile.
Access & pricing: Inch Abbey is Managed as a historic site — free to enter and with a small car park nearby. Paths are level and suitable for a brief visit; combine with Downpatrick or the Cathedral. (See local visitor pages for directions.)
Hidden info: The ruins are compact and quiet; excellent for fans wanting a quick “Winterfell” photo without the crowds. There’s a good vantage point from the accessible path beside the river.
Fair Head (Jon & Daenerys’ cliff meeting)
Scene: Dramatic cliff-top shots (used for meetings / iconic wide-angle scenes).
Where: North Antrim coast (Fair Head cliffs rise to around 600 ft).
Access & pricing: Fair Head sits on private farmland but permissive access is generally allowed; parking at the car park (sometimes a small fee applies). Trails are steep and can be slippery — suitable footwear required. Respect landowner instructions and livestock.
Hidden / new info: Early morning visits give the best light; also check local access notices — farmers sometimes restrict access during lambing season.
Shillanavogy Valley (Dothraki grasslands)
Scene: Used to represent the Dothraki Sea (wide-open grasslands).
Where: Foot of Slemish Mountain / Broughshane area, Co. Antrim.
Access & pricing: Mostly open countryside / farmland — free to visit where public rights of way exist. Stick to country lanes and marked paths; some areas cross private farmland so keep to the paths and close gates.
Hidden / new info: A quiet, less-touristed spot — best combined with nearby Slemish hikes for scenery and local history.
Magheramorne Quarry (Castle Black, Hardhome)
Scene: Quarry backlot used for Castle Black, Hardhome and The Wall exterior shots during filming.
Where: Near Larne, Co. Antrim (Magheramorne).
Access & pricing: Closed to public access — private property and restricted after filming; you can view some areas from public roads or distant viewpoints but do not attempt to enter. No public admission.
Hidden / new info: Some specialized tours (rare, private or media-led) have had limited approved access in the past — these are exceptional and require prior permission. Otherwise, treat Magheramorne as a distant photo / drive-by stop only.
Audley’s Castle (The Twins / Robb’s Camp)
Scene: Used in the Red Wedding sequence (the Twins) and also for Robb’s Camp.
Where: Strangford, County Down, Northern Ireland. Near Castle Ward.
Access & pricing: It is a historic ruin under state care (public monument). There is no standard fee for wandering the ruins themselves, but parking nearby at Castle Ward may have fees (~£10 adult entry to Castle Ward estate); Audley’s Castle is free to walk around externally.
Hidden tip / new info: Because it’s part of the Castle Ward area, you can often combine a visit with the Winterfell-experience (archery, trails) and avoid extra driving. Best visited earlier in the day to catch softer light and fewer tour groups.
Glenariff Forest Park (Runestone, Vale of Arryn)
Scene: Used to represent Runestone in the Vale of Arryn in the books/series. Lush forests, waterfalls, green valleys
Where: County Antrim, Northern Ireland. One of the nine Glens of Antrim
Access & pricing: Entry fees are modest. According to local guides: Car entry ~ £5.50 for adults, ~£3.50 for children; family rates available. Trails are well-maintained with signage.
Hidden tip / new info: The Waterfall Walk is particularly beautiful after rain (so bring waterproofs), and parts of the forest are quieter (away from main entrance) so great for photography. Also, look out for seasonal guided walks.
Dunluce Castle (Pyke / Iron Islands)
Scene: Dunluce Castle’s ruins stood in for parts of Pyke in the Iron Islands storylines.
Where: Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. On cliffs jutting into the sea.
Access & pricing: There is a visitor centre and the ruins are accessible with entry ≈ £5.50 per person. Parking is free or included with entry; last admission usually ~30 minutes before closing.
Hidden tip / new info: Visit at low tide to see some cliff-features and rock formations not visible at high tide. Sunset is particularly dramatic; café on site for refreshment.
Titanic Studios, Belfast (Indoor / Sets)
Scene: Many indoor sets, including some of the Winterfell interiors, throne rooms, etc.
Where: Belfast, Northern Ireland. Part of the larger Titanic Quarter.
Access & pricing: The studios aren’t typically open for regular daily visits (they are working studios), but you can see the Game of Thrones Exhibition in Belfast, which covers props, costumes, and sometimes full-scale set pieces. Admission to exhibitions varies (often around £15-£20). Tours including the exhibition and related stained-glass or multimedia installations start from ~£30-£35 per person when combined with nearby sites (e.g. city tours) depending on the operator.
Hidden tip / new info: Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions and behind-the-scenes events in Belfast—they sometimes offer set replicas or expanded exhibits. Booking ahead is essential, particularly in Spring/Summer.
Binevenagh Mountain (Dothraki Grasslands)
Scene: Part of the landscapes standing in for the Dothraki Sea and Khal Drogo’s Dothraki tribe’s open plains.
Where: Limavady / County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Visible from many points along the Causeway Coast.
Access & pricing: Free access; no admission fee. Roads to viewpoints can be narrow and rough. Minimal facilities. Hidden tip / new info: Ideal for sunrise or sunset photography; very quiet at dawn. GPS’s sometimes take you to private lanes — stick to public roads / signage.
Real-Life Game of Thrones Filming Sites Around the World
While Northern Ireland holds the largest share of Game of Thrones filming, the production also spanned several stunning locations across Iceland, Croatia, Spain, and even South America. Here are some of the most iconic sites fans can visit worldwide:
Spain — The Dothraki Sea
Scene: The primary filming location for the Dothraki Sea in Season 6, where Daenerys is held by the Dothraki tribe. The park’s unique, Mars-like badlands represented the vast plains of Essos.
• Where: Bardenas Reales Natural Park, Navarre region, northern Spain. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Access & pricing: Free access to the park. A vehicle permit may be required for certain protected areas. Best explored by car, bike, or on foot.
• Hidden tip / new info: While the Spanish badlands were the main location, some establishing shots for the Dothraki Sea were also filmed in the lush Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland, showing how the production blended diverse landscapes.
Iceland — Beyond the Wall & North of Westeros
Iceland’s stark and volcanic landscapes provided the perfect real life backdrop for the frozen wastelands beyond the Wall. Much of this filming took place within the vast Vatnajökull National Park and other dramatic locations.
Thingvellir National Park (Oxarárfoss Waterfall):
Used for Arya and Sandor’s travels. A UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry free; parking ~ 1,000 ISK (~€7).
• Lake Mývatn & Grjótagjá Cave: Jon Snow and Ygritte’s hot spring scene filmed here. The cave is now closed for bathing but can be viewed. Free entry.
• Höfðabrekka (near Vík): Landscape used for scenes “Beyond the Wall.” Free access but remote roads.
• Hidden tip: Winter tours often combine GoT filming sites with Northern Lights packages.
Malta — The Original King’s Landing
Before production moved to Croatia, Malta served as the primary filming location for the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in Season 1, offering sun-drenched stone cities that defined the show’s early aesthetic.
• Scene: The ancient capital city of King’s Landing and the exterior of the Red Keep.
• Where: Mdina, Malta. A stunning, fortified medieval city atop a hill.
• Access & pricing: Mdina is a living city with free public access. Some specific historic attractions within have separate entry fees.
• Hidden tip / new info: Fort Manoel in Gżira was also used as the backdrop for the Great Sept of Baelor. Fans can recognize its courtyard as the location for key scenes between Cersei and Ned Stark.
Croatia — King’s Landing
Dubrovnik Old Town: The stand-in for King’s Landing from Season 2 onward. City walls used for Cersei’s “Walk of Shame.” Wall entry ~ €35 adults; free to wander old town streets.
Fort Lovrijenac: The Red Keep exterior. Entry often included in wall ticket.
Lokrum Island: Used as Qarth. Ferry ticket from Dubrovnik Old Port ~ €27 return (includes entry).
Hidden tip: Dubrovnik offers official GoT walking tours with licensed guides, from €25–€40 per person.
Spain — Dorne, Dragonstone, Meereen
Seville’s Real Alcázar: Used as the Water Gardens of Dorne. Entry ~ €13.50 adults; book ahead online.
Castillo de Almodóvar del Río (Córdoba): Served as Highgarden. Entry ~ €10 adults, guided tours extra.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Basque Country): Dragonstone’s causeway. Free to visit, but tickets required in peak season via local authorities.
Plaza de Toros de Osuna: Arena for Daznak’s Pit. Museum ticket ~ €3–5.
Hidden tip: Many Spanish sites offer combo-tickets with cultural passes — look for regional bundles.
Astapor (Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira, Morocco: Port city used for Astapor, where Daenerys obtained the Unsullied. Free to wander; guided tours from €20–€40.
Aït Benhaddou: Fortified ksar used for Yunkai. Entry ~ €2 donation; UNESCO site.
Hidden tip: Combine Essaouira and Aït Benhaddou with Marrakesh as a multi-day GoT filming itinerary.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
What: The official Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill/Banbridge offers original sets, costumes, props and new immersive experiences (recent expansions include attraction features such as a “Dragon Ride” announcement and special events). The site now functions as a major, permanent attraction.
- Pricing & tickets: Tickets are sold online — prices vary by package. Third-party listings show typical adult prices around £25–£30 depending on package and add-ons; concessions and family passes often available. Book in advance (peak season sells out). Official ticketing page and packages: Game of Thrones Studio Tour.
- Accessibility: The Studio Tour is set up as a major visitor attraction with parking and accessible routes; check the Studio Tour FAQs for full accessibility details (some set areas may have steps or standing-only exhibits).
- Hidden / new info: The Studio Tour keeps adding limited-time experiences (e.g., themed evenings, “Dragon Ride” and seasonal exhibitions). If you’re a fan of props/costumes, the Studio Tour now offers a depth of artifacts and behind-the-scenes content not available on location tours.
A unique legacy of the filming is the “Doors of Thrones” tour. After a storm damaged the iconic Dark Hedges tree tunnel (the Kingsroad), the fallen wood was carved into ten magnificent doors, each depicting a scene from Season 6. These doors are now installed in pubs and restaurants across Northern Ireland, creating a unique, fan-driven trail that celebrates the show’s deep local history.
Embarking on a journey to the real-life settings of Westeros is more than a pilgrimage for fans; it’s a chance to walk where legends were filmed, bridging the gap between fantasy and breathtaking reality. From the icy realms of Iceland that doubled as lands beyond the Wall to the ancient forests and castles of Ireland and the UK that formed the heart of the Seven Kingdoms, these locations offer a powerful connection to the epic saga.
Standing where Jon Snow stood or seeing the landscapes that Daenerys traversed transforms the show from a story on a screen into a tangible adventure, proving that the magic of Game of Thrones continues to live on in the very soil and stone of these remarkable places.
Start Planning Your Trip
👉 Public Transportation in Ireland
👉 Answering all your travel questions about Ireland
👉What to pack for your Ireland trip
👉 Northern Ireland Public Transportation