Game of Thrones' Northern Ireland travel to-do list
At the close of Game of Thrones season four, HBO declared the show its most-watched program since The Sopranos is 2007. The continued popularity of the fantasy series has also meant that the show’s filming locations – Northern Ireland, Croatia and Iceland – have seen a boost in tourism. Ireland has been of particular interest. Thousands have been visiting from across the globe and the latest – and perhaps most illustrious – visitor, Queen Elizabeth II, toured the studio sets in June.
Northern Ireland, one of the main shooting locations since its first season, has served as the backdrop for GOT's distinctive fantasy world. Counties such as Antrim, Londonberry and Down are among the key locations you should note if you want to plan a GOT travel adventure.
The Caves of Cushendun, located in a small coastal village, set the scene for the scene in which Lady Melisandre gives birth to a mysterious shadow. A site known as the Dark Hedges, with its curving beech trees, stands in for the dangerous King's Road in the series. Shillanavogy Valley is the site of the show's Dothraki Camp.
The country's tourist board is going out of its way to attract GOT fans, even offering a guide of must-see locations on its website.
GOT Ireland must-do list:
Cushendun Caves, County Antrim
Where enchantress Melisandre births a shadow baby.
Castle Ward
County Down is more familiar as Winterfell and is featured when King Robert Barratheon arrives at Winterfell.
Shane's Castle in County Antrim
GOT fans would better know this as where Ned Stark was chained up and The Hand's Tournament took place.
Armoy known as The Dark Hedges
County Antrim, is where Arya Stark escaped from King's Landing.
Murlough Bay
Otherwise known as the Iron Islands where Theon Greyjoy and his sister Asha ride on horseback.
Inch Abbey on the River Quoile
The backdrop for Walder Frey's twin castles in The Riverlands, where Catelyn Stark learns of her husband's fate and vows revenge.