The forests, mountains and moorlands around Northern Ireland transformed into the scenic backdrops for Game of Thrones® most memorable moments. It was here that Sansa and Littlefinger journeyed to the Eyrie, Jorah and Tyrion set sail on the Summer Sea together, and Jaime and Bronn came ashore on Dorne., made its mark as the Haunted Forest, where the White Walkers began their march into the realm of men. These 600 hectares hold ancient redwoods as well as Gothic stone arches – the remnants of an 18th century estate. The ‘bastard of Bolton’ hunted Theon here, and it's where the Starks discover the direwolves. Listen carefully, you might still hear their howls. Nature was definitely smiling on HBO’s location scouts when they found the, a haunting avenue of serpentine beech trees near Armoy,.
It became the Kingsroad, where Arya disguised herself as a boy to avoid capture. But captured she was, and dragged to the Brotherhood without Banners’ hideout, otherwise known to us as in. Part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, it's an extensive maze of underground passages that attracts explorers from distant lands. The gorgeous Shillanavogy Valley, beneath in County Antrim, recreated the Dothraki grasslands, when the Khalasar departs Pentos and rides to Vaes Dothrak. Another Antrim stunner is.
Known as ‘Queen of the Glens’, it’s considered the most beautiful of the nine Glens of Antrim: a plunging valley surrounded by stunning waterfalls and walking trails. It served as the practice ground at Runestone in the Vale of Arryn, where Littlefinger and Sansa Stark watched Robin Arryn’s attempt at duelling.
Another prime filming location can be found in the in County Down. These dramatic slopes were the entrance to Vaes Dothrak and are no stranger to fantasy novels – they inspired author CS Lewis to create Narnia. Leitrim Lodge at the foothills of the Mournes became the lands north of Winterfell where Bran first meets Jojen and Meera in the woods. In County Londonderry you'll find Mountain, marking the edge of the Antrim plateau and boasting panoramic views from the summit that stretch for miles. No wonder this is the location chosen for the Dothraki Sea far above the city of Meereen.
It’s where Daenerys is rescued by her dragon Drogon and brought to his lair. Aside from the fantasy landscapes, Northern Ireland's packed with another prolific requirement for Game of Thrones® – its abundance of castles. Dating back to Norman and medieval times, these structures catapult you right into Westeros and have seen a Lannister lion’s share of bloodshed. Take in County Antrim. Built in the 14th century on the edge of, this ruined castle was the backdrop to the jousting tournament.
You know the one, where Gregor Clegane beheaded a horse? Lough Neagh was also transformed into the Summer Sea, where Jorah steals a boat, takes Tyrion captive and sets sail to his beloved Daenerys in Meereen. High up on the Antrim plateau is Cairncastle, depicted in the scene where Littlefinger took Sansa to Moat Cailin and she made her decision to ally with the Boltons.
You can’t actually visit the castle, but that doesn’t stop you admiring its breath-taking beauty from the road (and snapping a few memorable pictures). Remember Theon pre-Reek?
Arriving at Pyke to seek an alliance with Balon? That Iron Island port he docked at is actually a far calmer in County Antrim. Still used by local fishermen and boatmen, it was here Theon was baptized as his sister Yara looked on. The little harbour is a spear’s throw from the iconic, a natural wonder on the.
Speaking of Yara, that horse ride she shared with Theon was filmed 12 miles from here – as the raven flies –. Shielded by steep rock walls, the path to the sea is scarred with gnarled trees and even has views across to Scotland. It’s in these Atlantic waters that Ser Davos was rescued following the Battle of the Blackwater. And Tyrion and Jorah come ashore on Slavers' Bay, only to be accosted by slavers. Today, its sea vistas and wild headlands are some of the most spectacular views on the north coast.
As you creep into Antrim’s, which formed over a period of 400 million years, bear in mind that this is the same spot where Melisandre birthed the shadow assassin. She also burned the old gods on Dragonstone, otherwise known as Downhill Strand in, a scenic beach dominated by the elegant 18th century ruins of. Downhill Strand is far from the only gorgeous beach in Northern Ireland. County Derry-Londonderry’s boasts miles of golden sand, and this scenic spot is where Jaime and Bronn, disguised as Martell soldiers, approach the gates of the Water Gardens and where the two fight (and kill) some Dornish.
Meanwhile, Quintin Bay in, County Down is the spot near Castle Stokeworth in the Crownlands where Jaime Lannister goes to find Bronn and persuade him to accompany him to Dorne. HBO®, Game of Thrones®, and related service marks are property of Home Box Office, Inc. Used under license.
Take aim: time to test your skills with a bow Find out if you’re as apt as Arya (or as bad as Bran) in the courtyard of Winterfell Castle, aka. You don’t have to be a Game of Thrones ® fan to appreciate the jaw-dropping surroundings (but it helps). This eccentric 18th-century mansion is a collision of Gothic and classical architecture, so it’s easy to see why it was chosen as a stand in for Winterfell. Careful with your aim – you’re standing on the exact spot where Robb and Jon first showed Bran how to string a bow. An archery expert is ready to show you the ropes, so you’re in good hands.
A feast fit for kings Remember the feast the Starks held in honor of Robert Baratheon, before relationships disintegrated and heads began to roll – literally? Now it’s time to re-live it. The Castle Maester will greet you and your comrades at the north gate and escort you to the Armory. Here, you will don appropriate attire before being seated to break bread, sink your teeth into a roasted hog, and wash it all down with a pitcher of Winterfell’s finest ale.
And what’s a party without entertainment? Expect live music, re-enactments and plenty of banter. Isn’t the only place to enjoy an epic meal. In Strangford, County Down, provided accommodation for Game of Thrones ® stars while filming was taking place at Castle Ward. Book your place at the king’s banquet and you never know, you might be bedding down in a Stark’s old room If you’re looking for something a little lighter, then the Game of Thrones ® Afternoon Tea at is the perfect midday delight. Munch on scrumptious Jon Snow Cakes, Baratheon bread and even mini Dragon’s eggs! The direwolves at Castle Ward 'There are five pups, one for each of the Stark children,” said Jon Snow to Ned Stark.
Now it’s YOUR turn to meet them. These mighty beasts are not actually wolves, but Northern Inuit dogs.
Odin and Thor, aptly named after the Norse gods of war, have made Castle Ward their home. But don’t worry, they know friend from foe, so they won’t harm a surrogate member of the Stark clan! All that glistens From direwolves we move to royal adornments. And as the late Tywin Lannister rightly observed: “Any man who must say, I am the king, is no true king.” But a good crown?
Now that speaks for itself. The Haunted Forest “Things are not always as they seemed, Much that may seem evil can be good.” So said George RR Martin. But do you think you’re brave enough to spend a night in the home of the fierce Wildling tribes and White Walkers?
Then you might as well do it in style in a snug glamping pod in. Go kayaking, off-road mountain biking or simply explore the bridges, grottos, caves and exotic trees that surround you. But keep your eyes open.
In the Haunted Forest, you never know who’s watching. As Jon Snow once said, sometimes different roads lead to the same castle Try the Game of Thrones ®/Giant’s Causeway double whammy day trip, or a Game of Thrones itinerary that ticks off all the places die-hard fans know and love. Or maybe you think you’re brave enough for the Stormlands and its savage elements?
Discover the 400-million-year-old, Storm’s End (where a walk along the base of the cliffs towards leads to even more hidden nooks) and plenty more. Want to go it alone – but with the help of an itinerary? The ’ three-day Game of Thrones ® itinerary is perfect for you.
Grab your map, and set off on your adventure. Of course, if you’re looking for something more intimate, then allow yourself to get swept away with a private Belfast Black Cab 150-mile round trip, and get up close and personal with the Game of Thrones ® epic locations. If you’re feeling REALLY adventurous, why not hire a, and see all the stunning locations in your time, and your own way. Choose Robb, Tywin or the direwolves' trail.
Set sail on with the Stark flag flapping in the wind, and soak up the coastal wonders of Westeros, from Winterfell Castle to The Twins and Robb Stark’s Camp. These are the very waters where Brienne of Tarth brought Jamie Lannister ashore in a canoe on her way to King’s Landing. The Game of Thrones ® is another great way to make your watery way around Westeros, taking in Ballintoy Harbour, Murlough Bay, and much more. As you travel around the coastline, the skipper will even show you the cliffs that were filmed as backdrops in the series. Back on dry land, grab your Game of Thrones ® map, don your cloak and choose your path for a tour on two wheels: Robb Stark, Tywin Lannister or the Direwolf pups’ trail. Robb Stark’s trail will take you to and Field, where Jaime Lannister was held as Robb’s prized captive. Highlights of Tywin’s trail include Baelor Battlefied, where Arya Stark tried to escape the surging riots after her father’s shock execution.
Jennifer lopez get right zippyshare. Add the Direwolf pups’ trail to your trip and visit the deep crater in the Haunted Forest where the Nights’ Watch men meet their icy end. Your only dilemma?
Which path to take! Ready for action 6. Like Tyrion, you can whistle while you walk In the Seven Kingdoms much travelling is done on foot. Just think of Arya and the Hound’s arduous journey on the Kingsroad, or Bran’s search for the three-eyed raven haunting his visions.
Now is your chance to walk in their footsteps: step off your coach from or, and into Winterfell. But be warned: you’ll need your hiking boots for this four-mile trek.
Emilia Clarke
Of course, once you’ve donned the Stark family cloak and gambeson, and felt the weight of a mighty sword in your grip. HBO®, Game of Thrones®, and related service marks are property of Home Box Office, Inc. Used under license.