Game Of Thrones Filming Locations In Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has become a must visit destination for many Game of Thrones fans. What could make a Game of Thrones fans happier than the chance to explore and discuss the finer points of George RR Martin's world.

With the spectacular scenery it is easy to see why location scouts chose Northern Ireland, with rugged coastlines, green fields, caves, mountains, forests and Cliffs it is easy to transport yourslef into Martin's world – that dark, depressing and dangerous place where the only certainty is that you win or you die.

While there are Game of Thrones locations all over Europe, there is an incredible concentration of stunning filming locations in Northern Ireland that could very easily all be visited on a single day trip, making it a popular destination for Game of Throne fans, many of which are located just a short drive from Ballygally Castle and Slieve Donard Resort and Spa.  Take a look at our map below and scroll down for more information on each location, including travel time from our hotels.

 

 Game of Thrones Locations Near Ballygally Castle

Carnlough - Co. Antrim

This picturesque harbour was home to a critical Braavos-based scene from season six. The stony staircase leading down to the sea were the steps Ayra crawled up after being stabbed by the troublesome Waif. 

Location - 15 minute drive from Ballygally Castle

Cushendun Caves - Co, Londonderry

The village of Cushendun stands on an elevated beach at the at the mouth of the River Dun between the Glendun and Glencorp valleys. The caves are easily recognisable and accessible only by foot along the coast from the village. The caves appeared in Game of Thrones season two as a cove in the Stormlands - the memorable scene saw Melisandre give birth to the shadow creature. If you need fortification after the evils of the caves, then recover at the nearby Mary McBride's Bar, a proper ye-olde pub where you’ll see scenes of Braavos, a free city of Essos, carved into one of the doors.

Location - 40 minute drive from Ballygally Castle

Dark Hedges - Stranocum, Co. Antrim

The Dark Hedges has become an iconic location and is one of the most photographed areas in Northern Ireland. A popular attraction for tourists from across the world, this beautiful avenue of trees was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to Gracehill House.

The site featured in Game of Thrones series two, doubling as the Kingsroad which young Arya Stark travelled on in the back of a cart along with Yoren, Gendry and Hot Pie - all new recruits for the Night's Watch. 

Location - 55 minute drive from Ballygally Castle

Larrybane - Co. Antrim

Found on North Antrim coast, this spot was where the show first introduced behemoth Brienne through her fight with Loras Tyrell. Now an overflow car park for the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge this is the stop where the Thrones crew set up Renly Baratheon‘s war camp in the Stormlands.

Sheep Island and another filming location. The Kingsmoot scene – the one where Theon Greyjoy rallies the Iron Islanders to support his sister Yara’s claim to the Salt Throne – was filmed less than a minute’s walk away from the quarry. 

Location - 70 minute drive from Ballygally Castle

 Ballintoy Harbour - Co. Antrim

Ballintoy is a village on the coast of County Antrim which features in season two of Game of Thrones when Theon Greyjoy returns home to Lordsport Harbour. This picturesque little village has a beautiful fishing harbour located at the end of a steep road down Knocksaughey hill which passes by the entrance to Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. 

Location - 75 minute drive from Ballygally Castle

 Portstewart Strand - Co. Londonderry

This area is owned and managed by the National Trust and is one of the finest beaches in Northern Ireland. Sweeping along the edge of the North Coast with idyllic views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs Portstewart stand is a favourite amongst both locals and tourists. The strand doubled as the coast of Dorne in season five of Game of Thrones when Jaime Lannister was tasked by his sister Cersei to bring her daughter Myrcella back to King's Landing.

Location - 75 minute drive from Ballygally Castle

Downhill Beach - Co. Londonderry

This fabulous beach is part of a seven mile stretch of sand offering a wealth of activities including water sports and scenic walks. Above the beach is the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland. In Game of Thrones, Downhill Beach appeared in season two when Stannis Baratheon rejects the Seven Gods of Westeros and allows Melisandre to burn their effigies as an offering to the Lord of Light. 

Location - 80 minute drive from Ballygally Castle

Binevenagh - Co. Londonderry

The plateau and steep cliffs extend for over six miles across the peninsula of Magilligan, dominating the skyline over the villages of Bellarena, Downhill, Castlerock and Benone beach. It appeared as the Dothraki Grasslands in season five when Daenerys Targaryen was rescued by her dragon, Drogon, while fleeing from the Sons of the Harpy in the fighting pits of Meereen.

Location - 90 minute drive from Ballygally Castle

 

 Game of Thrones Locations Near Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

 Tollymore Forest -  Co. Down

Tollymore Forest was the first state forest park in Northern Ireland and appeared in the first season of Game of Thrones as the lands around Winterfell when Ned Stark comes across the orphaned direwolves -  the symbol of House Stark - and finds there are as many pups as there are Stark children.

Tollymore Forest Park is open to the public seven days a week. Visitors can enjoy a number of scenic walks throughout the country park. With car parking and camping onsite it is a great base for exploring not only Tollymore but also the Mourne Mountains. 

Location - 5 minute drive from Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

Inch Abbey - Co. Down

Set beside the River Quoile, with distant views towards the Cathedral town of Downpatrick sits the remains of a Cistercian Abbey - Inch Abbey which was founded in 1180 by John de Courcy. This site was used as Robb Stark's Camp, Riverrun in season one of Game of Thrones. 

Location - 30 minute drive from Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

Castle Ward - Co. Down

Overlooking Strangford Lough, Castle Ward has been home to the Ward family since the 16th century. The 18th century mansion house rests on a rolling hillside overlooking the Lough and surrounded by a beautiful 820-acre walled demesne with gardens and woodland. Open all year round to the public Castle Ward has car parking on site a number of stunning walks to explore the beautiful estate. The site appeared in Game of Thrones season one as the iconic Winterfell - home of the House Stark.

Location - 35 minute drive from Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

 Audley’s Field & Castle - Co. Down

Five minutes from Castle Ward is Audley’s Castle, a battlement named after the Norman family who arrived in Northern Ireland around 1210. And it’s by this battlement that Robb Stark stashed his army while they prepared to face the Lannisters. Just beside the castle is Audley’s Field, where the aftermath of the battle of Oxcross was filmed (the one where Robb meets future wife Talisa – a meeting that ultimately leads to the infamous Red Wedding).

Location - 40 minute drive from Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

Marble Arch Caves - Co. Fermanagh

Part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark in Co. Fermanagh is Pollnagollum Cave, which featured in season three of Game of Thrones as Beric Dondarrion's hideout in The Riverlands. This amazing cave is fed by a waterfall and is viewed if you follow the Belmore Forest walk which leads to a viewing point for the cave. 

Location - 2 hours 20 minute drive from Slieve Donard Resort and Spa