Northern Ireland was the heart of Westeros. Here's your complete guide to every Game of Thrones filming location in Northern Ireland — from the Dark Hedges to Castle Ward.
Northern Ireland served as the primary filming location for Game of Thrones throughout its eight-season run, with over 25 locations used across the country. From the eerie Dark Hedges to the Iron Islands of Ballintoy Harbour — here's your complete guide.
1. The Dark Hedges — The King's Road Location: Near Stranocum, County Antrim Scene: The King's Road — used when Arya Stark escapes King's Landing disguised as a boy in Season 2 The Dark Hedges is a stunning avenue of 300-year-old beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century. It's now Northern Ireland's most photographed location and the most visited Game of Thrones site.
2. Ballintoy Harbour — Lordsport Harbour, Iron Islands Location: Ballintoy, County Antrim Scene: The harbour of the Iron Islands, home of House Greyjoy This tiny, picturesque harbour on the north Antrim coast doubled as Lordsport Harbour where Theon Greyjoy returns to the Iron Islands. The dramatic basalt cliffs add to its otherworldly appearance.
3. Cushendun Caves — Melisandre's Cave Location: Cushendun, County Antrim Scene: Season 2 — where Melisandre gives birth to the shadow creature The atmospheric sea caves at Cushendun provided the perfect dark setting for one of Season 2's most memorable scenes.
4. Castle Ward — Winterfell Location: Strangford, County Down Scene: Winterfell in the early seasons of Game of Thrones The grounds and courtyard of Castle Ward served as Winterfell throughout the series. The estate now offers a full Game of Thrones experience including archery, a GoT exhibition, and even costume hire.
5. Tollymore Forest Park — The Haunted Forest / North of the Wall Location: Newcastle, County Down Scene: The opening scenes of Game of Thrones Season 1 (the Night's Watch finding White Walkers), and later as the Haunted Forest Tollymore Forest Park's ancient Gothic stone arches and dark forest paths created the perfect atmosphere for the lands north of the Wall.
6. Carnlough Harbour — Braavos Location: Carnlough, County Antrim Scene: Season 6 — Arya Stark stumbles out of the canal after being stabbed The small stone harbour at Carnlough village was used as the canals of Braavos in Season 6.
7. Fair Head — The Iron Islands Location: Ballycastle, County Antrim Scene: Various Iron Islands and Wall scenes The dramatic 100-metre basalt cliffs of Fair Head featured in multiple scenes representing the dramatic coastal landscapes of Westeros.
8. Murlough Bay — The Night's Watch Location: Ballycastle, County Antrim Scene: Various north-of-the-Wall scenes This remote and beautiful bay provided a wild, unspoiled location for several atmospheric scenes.
9. Larrybane — The Stormlands Location: Near Ballycastle, County Antrim Scene: The tournament in Season 2 The clifftop area near the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge car park was used for the tournament scenes in Season 2.
10. Inch Abbey — The Riverlands Location: Downpatrick, County Down Scene: Season 2 — Robb Stark's camp at the Twins The 12th-century ruins of Inch Abbey became Robb Stark's military camp.
Getting to the Filming Locations The Game of Thrones filming locations are spread across Northern Ireland, from the north Antrim coast to County Down. The best way to experience them all is on a private guided tour from Belfast. Our Game of Thrones Tour from Belfast covers the key north Antrim coast locations in a single day, with an expert guide who brings the context and stories to life.