Carrickfergus Castle

While Carrickfergus Castle itself did not appear in the HBO series Game of Thrones, it served as a significant inspiration for the fictional Castle Black, the stronghold of the Night’s Watch. Located on the shores of Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus Castle boasts a formidable presence, with its towering stone walls and imposing architecture.

These features, reminiscent of the harsh, unforgiving landscapes of the far north in Westeros, made Carrickfergus Castle a fitting source of inspiration for the Night’s Watch’s fortress. The castle’s rich history, dating back to the 12th century, further enhanced its connection to the medieval world of Game of Thrones.

Carnlough Harbour

Carnlough Harbour in Northern Ireland, played a significant role in Game of Thrones as the fictional city of Braavos. Located along the picturesque Antrim Coast, Carnlough’s charming harbour with its colorful houses, small fishing boats, and cobbled streets perfectly captured the essence of Braavos, a bustling port city renowned for its vibrant culture and intricate canal system.

In the sixth season of Game of Thrones, Carnlough Harbour served as the backdrop for several pivotal scenes, including Arya Stark’s arrival in Braavos and her harrowing escape from the Waif’s assassination attempt. Retrace Arya Stark’s footsteps and experience the magic of Braavos firsthand.

Cushendun Caves

The Cushendun Caves served as a captivating backdrop for several pivotal scenes in Game of Thrones. These 400-million-year-old caves, with their rugged rock formations and dramatic coastal setting, provided an ideal location to portray the Stormlands, the ancestral home of House Baratheon.

In Season 2, the Cushendun Caves became the stage for one of the show’s most memorable and unsettling moments – the birth of Melisandre’s shadow assassin. As the Red Priestess performed a dark ritual, a monstrous, black creature emerged from the depths of the cave, a testament to Melisandre’s powerful sorcery.

The caves also reappeared in Season 8, providing the backdrop for a climactic battle between Jaime Lannister and Euron Greyjoy. Amidst the crashing waves and towering cliffs, the two warriors engaged in a fierce duel, adding another layer of drama and intensity to the show’s final season.

Carrick-a-rede rope bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland was featured in Game of Thrones as a filming location for the deadly encounter between Balon Greyjoy, King of the Iron Islands, and his younger brother Euron. In season 6, episode 2, titled “Home,” Balon Greyjoy walks onto the bridge at night during a storm. He encounters Euron, who has returned to the Iron Islands. After a heated exchange, Euron throws Balon off the bridge, killing him.

The bridge is located on a small island off the coast of Northern Ireland, we’ll walk across it to get to a nearby islet.

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning geological formation consisting of approximately 40,000 basalt columns that extend into the sea along the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. While the causeway was not directly featured in Game of Thrones, it is widely believed to have been a source of inspiration for the show’s creators. The site’s dramatic beauty and otherworldly ambiance align perfectly with the fantastical elements of Game of Thrones, making it easy to imagine the causeway serving as a backdrop for the story’s mythical creatures and epic battles.

Dunluce Castle

Perched precariously atop a rugged cliff overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Castle stands as a testament to both the power of nature and the ingenuity of humankind. Its dramatic setting and rich history have captivated visitors for centuries, making it a popular destination for Game of Thrones fans and history enthusiasts alike.

In the hit HBO series, Dunluce Castle served as the exterior of Pyke, the ancestral home of the Greyjoys, a formidable family of ironborn warriors. With its imposing stone walls and windswept location, Dunluce Castle perfectly captured the essence of Pyke, a stronghold that epitomized the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the Iron Islands.

The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges, a striking avenue of beech trees, forms a captivating green tunnel with its interwoven branches. Planted in the 18th century by James Stuart, these approximately 250-year-old trees have become incredibly popular, particularly after appearing as the “Kingsroad” in HBO’s Game of Thrones. The magical, almost surreal atmosphere of the Dark Hedges has captivated photographers, artists, and writers alike, establishing it as one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable landmarks.