10 of the best experiences Game of Thrones

Northern Ireland is the Home of Thrones - the perfect setting for such an epic story. In celebration of the TV series reaching its 10th anniversary in 2021, the Game Of Thrones studio tour is opening, and we discover there are many ways to celebrate and get the full atmospheric experience

1.VISIT THE NEW STUDIO TOUR

Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge

Linen Mill Studio – the former filming location for the Game of Thrones HBO blockbuster – is to become home to the brand new Game of Thrones Studio Tour. This epic landmark plans to attract up to 600,000 people a year, making it the north's third biggest tourism attraction behind the Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast. Showcasing authentic sets, costumes and props from all seasons of the hit series, this engaging, enchanting tour will allow fans to truly step inside the world of Westeros and beyond. Be one of the first to visit with a spectacular Game of Thrones 'set-jetting' itinerary arranged by Dream Escape's travel designers.

2.TAKE THE BEST INSTAGRAM PICTURES

The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges

A popular stop on Game of Thrones filming location tours, The Dark Hedges is an impressive and atmospheric tunnel of trees. The beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House.

Game of Thrones fans may recognise it as the King's Road in Westeros. Take a drive along the King's Road that led Ned Stark to his death and Arya Stark away from King's Landing.

This is probably one of the most photographed landmarks on the Game of Thrones map and a hidden road on the way to Bushmills.

3.GAME OF THRONES WOODEN DOORS

Journey of Doors

Mary McBride's

Enjoy a tour of the famous Game of Thrones wooden doors. There are 10 in total, why not challenge yourself to see them all?

Hidden throughout Northern Ireland, the Game of Thrones doors are in fact made of wood from fallen trees at the Dark Hedges after it was damaged by winds during Storm Gertrude in 2016. Each of the doors were crafted by Tourism Northern Ireland, and capture some of the series’ most exciting moments, while simultaneously preserving a piece of history from the show’s most memorable filming location. Home to door number 8 for example, is Mary McBride's – pictured above, once one of the smallest pubs in Ireland.

It's a venue full of character, history and has many interesting stories to be told about the late Mary McBride who was the landlady in years gone by.

It's situated in the beautiful village of Cushendun and is a must when visiting the area.

4. 'SET-JET' ON A DREAM ESCAPE PROGRAMME

Castle Ward and Strangford

Take some time to explore the National Trust property, Castle Ward, used as the location of Winterfell, and the backdrop for much of Game of Thrones season one. It’s also where you will find the beautiful landscape of international importance, Strangford Lough, as well as the Whispering Wood, and the location of key scenes, such as Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor battle, and when Brienne confronts the Stark men. Hundreds of actors and crew who worked on the filming stayed nearby in the pretty village of Strangford, at the luxurious village inn, The Cuan – home to ‘door 1’ of 10 intricately carved wooden doors made from some of the iconic trees from the ‘Dark Hedges’ along the highway known to Game of Thrones as ‘Kindsroad’. Fittingly the first door portrays the opening sequence of the show, with a map of Westeros. Here, you can stay in the same room as your favourite star and wake up to a delicious breakfast, to fuel up for a day following in the footsteps of the Game of Thrones cast.

5. MEET THE OWNERS OF A SPECIAL GAME OF THRONES VENUE

Ballyscullion Park

Ballyscullion Park

Home of Richard and Rosalind Muholland and their family, Ballyscullion Park is also a Game of Thrones location – where cast filmed within the gardens and woods of the estate. Hear all about the excitement that took place in these woods, with the cast surrounded by the ivy, ferns

5and stones among the ruins of what little remains of the Earl Bishop’s palace. Take a private tour or dinner, where food is prepared in-house using the best local ingredients. Richard gives fascinating talks about the history of Ballyscullion Park and the Mulholland family, followed by tours of the house and garden. This is a magical house, a true Irish treasure and a completely unique experience.

6. JOIN THE NEW TRAIL

Glass of Thrones Stained-Glass Windows

To celebrate 10 years of filming in Northern Ireland, six giant, stained-glass windows depicting some of the most thrilling scenes from Game of Thrones, form part of a new walking trail in Belfast, passing the very place where the show was filmed at Titanic Studios.

Glass of Thrones installation

The windows were unveiled to coincide with the final season of the show, with each one representing a different house or legacy; including the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Targaryens, White Walkers and the Iron Throne. The designs include the most talkedabout scenes from seasons one to seven, based on fans’ online searches. Find the Glass of Thrones installations dotted along the Maritime Mile, from AC Hotel past Titanic Studios to HMS Caroline. Take a stroll to rediscover the most exciting moments from the saga immortalised in stained glass.

7. STOP IN AT THIS FAMOUS VICTORIAN PUB

Blakes Of The Hollow

Renowned for its traditional Irish heritage, Blakes of the Hollow is one of the most famous and well-recognised Victorian pubs in Ireland. It is a must-see attraction that has graced County Fermanagh’s shores for over 125 years. The bar keeps its tradition, while welcoming all ages – the snugs are a testament to this, crowded with groups of people looking for a famously poured pint of Guinness or a delicious Irish coffee. Live traditional music is played every Friday, creating a genuine Irish pub atmosphere that is not to be missed. Being one of County Fermanagh's oldest pubs, Blakes is also recommended in Georgina Campbell's Jameson Guide and the Rough Guide to Ireland – it also houses Game of Thrones' door number 4.

8.EXPERIENCE THE NORTH COAST

County Derry and the North Coast

Why not start your adventure in County Derry – the perfect base to see some of the most recognisable Game of Thrones filming locations around the stunning North Coast of Northern Ireland.

One of the most popular is Cushendun Caves – formed over 400 million years of extreme weather conditions.

The caves provided the background for The Stormlands, and lie just beyond the beautiful coastal village of Cushendun, spotted while walking down next to the Cave House. Situated in the heart of the Glens of Antrim, Cushendun village is steeped in character and folklore.

While on the coast, why not take a visit to Downhill Beach (Game of Thrones' Dragonstone), Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede (The Stormlands), Ballintoy Harbour (Pike), and Murlough Bay (Storm's End).

9. DISCOVER AN AGE-OLD CRAFT

Visit the renowned Magee of Donegal

Experience a private visit to the weaving mill and workshop at Magee of Donegal, a 5th-generation Irish family business with over 150 years’ experience in designing, weaving and tailoring luxurious fabrics and clothing. Famed for its handwoven tweed, including one-off pieces and custom designs created for Game of Thrones (including Joffrey’s Crown), Magee still employs the use of handweavers, and offers weaving demonstrations on one of their pedal looms.

Magee was founded on handwoven tweed over 150 years ago when John Magee first established a small draper's shop in Donegal. This hardwearing, course fabric was handwoven across Donegal by part-time fishers and farmers as the perfect fabric for dissipating the damp and cold weather, so often found in north-west Ireland, a far cry from the luxurious cloths being produced today. Meet the third and fourth generations of the Temple family who are still at the helm – Lynn, Charlotte, Paddy and Rosy.

10. VISIT A RIVERSIDE EXCAVATION SITE

Inch Abbey Ruins

Inch Abbey ruins

The most avid Game of Thrones fans will recognise Inch Abbey in County Down as the Trident River and Riverrun, also home to the Tully family, from season one.

Located on the north bank of the Quoile River, Inch Abbey was founded by John de Courcy in atonement for his destruction of Erenagah Abbey.

The buildings are mainly from the 12th and 13th centuries, while it is believed the church is older than that at Grey Abbey, which was built about 1193.

Find out more

Annika Busam, Travel Design Manager "Set 300 years before Game of Thrones, we are excited for the House of the Dragon prequel coming out in 2022. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me for expert advice on your next adventure."

⬩ annika@dreamescape.co.uk

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