Northern Ireland: Home of the Seven Kingdoms
Northern Ireland served as the primary filming location for Game of Thrones throughout all eight seasons of the HBO series. The dramatic coastline, ancient forests and brooding mountains provided the backdrop for Winterfell, the Iron Islands, the Stormlands and dozens of other fictional locations. With a hire car and a sense of adventure, you can visit all of the key filming sites in two or three days, combining stunning scenery with a deep dive into the world of Westeros.
Most filming locations are concentrated along the Antrim coast and in County Down, making Belfast the ideal base. Pick up your car at Belfast International Airport or Belfast City Airport and you can reach every location on this list within a 90-minute drive.
The Dark Hedges (The Kingsroad)
Perhaps the most iconic filming location of all, the Dark Hedges is an avenue of ancient beech trees near Ballymoney that doubled as the Kingsroad in the show. The intertwining branches form a natural tunnel that looks otherworldly at any time of day, though early morning visits offer the best light and the fewest crowds. The Dark Hedges are roughly a one-hour drive north of Belfast via the M2 motorway. There is a dedicated car park a short walk from the avenue, as vehicles are no longer permitted on the road itself.
Cushendun Caves (The Stormlands)
The sea caves at Cushendun were used for the memorable scene in which Melisandre gives birth to the shadow assassin. These small but atmospheric caves sit at the end of a beautiful beach in the Glens of Antrim. Access is free and the caves are an easy walk from the village car park. Cushendun itself is a charming village designed in a Cornish style and makes a pleasant coffee stop. From Belfast, follow the A2 coast road north for about 70 minutes.
Ballintoy Harbour (The Iron Islands)
The tiny fishing harbour at Ballintoy stood in for Lordsport Harbour on Pyke, the seat of House Greyjoy. The harbour is dramatically set at the bottom of a steep, winding lane with limestone cliffs on either side and the wild Atlantic ahead. It is a working harbour, so you may see lobster pots and small boats alongside Thrones fans taking photos. Parking is available at the top of the lane and at the harbour itself, though spaces at the bottom are limited. Ballintoy is about 75 minutes from Belfast and just 10 minutes from the Giant's Causeway, so it pairs perfectly with a Causeway Coastal Route day trip.
Tollymore Forest Park (The Haunted Forest)
Tollymore Forest Park in County Down was one of the very first locations filmed for the series, appearing in the pilot episode as the Haunted Forest north of the Wall. The ancient woodland, with its stone bridges, river gorges and towering Sitka spruce, is genuinely atmospheric even without the White Walkers. The park is about 40 minutes south of Belfast near the town of Newcastle. An entry fee per car applies, and there are well-marked walking trails ranging from one to five miles. This makes an excellent half-day trip combined with the Mourne Mountains.
Castle Ward (Winterfell)
Castle Ward, a National Trust estate in County Down, was used as the exterior of Winterfell in the first two seasons. The estate farmyard became the Winterfell courtyard where the Stark children practised archery and where King Robert arrived with his retinue. Today you can take guided Winterfell tours, try your hand at archery, and dress up in replica costumes. The estate is about 35 minutes from Belfast via Strangford, and you can take the scenic car ferry across Strangford Lough to reach it. Allow two to three hours for the full experience.
Downhill Beach (Dragonstone)
The vast golden strand at Downhill, overlooked by the clifftop Mussenden Temple, was used as the beach at Dragonstone where Stannis Baratheon burned the statues of the Seven. The beach stretches for miles and is accessible from a car park at Downhill or by walking from Castlerock along the shore. It is roughly 80 minutes from Belfast and sits near the end of the Causeway Coastal Route, making it easy to combine with a coastal drive.
Planning Your Game of Thrones Road Trip
- Day 1 (County Down): Castle Ward and Tollymore Forest Park. Start early, visit Castle Ward for the Winterfell experience, then drive to Tollymore in the afternoon.
- Day 2 (Antrim Coast): Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves, Ballintoy Harbour and the Giant's Causeway. This is a full day following the coast road north.
- Day 3 (Optional): Downhill Beach and Mussenden Temple, then on to Derry or back to Belfast.