You are now entering Game of Thrones® territory!
With the final season arriving on our screens this April, it will mean trying to find something to fill the GoTshaped hole in our hearts. One of the best ways to do this is by visiting Northern Ireland to discover the many spectacular filming locations ac
BINEVENAGH
Known in Game of Thrones® as the Dothraki Grasslands, this distinctive headland in Co Derry has dramatic cliffs and views across Lough Foyle to Donegal. The landscape is featured in Season Five Episode 10, when the Dothraki horde surround Daenerys after her escape from the Meereen fighting pits on the back of Drogon. And again in Season Six Episode One, when Daario and Jorah discover Daenerys’ ring whilst searching for her.
SHILLANAVOGY VALLEY
Lying beneath Slemish Mountain and 45 minutes north of Belfast, Shillanavogy Valley was featured as the vast area of grasslands in Essos, the home of the Dothraki. In Season One Episode Two, Daenerys, her brother Viserys and the Dothraki Khalasar make camp in these long-grassed plains.
RIVER QUOILE
This meandering river flows into Strangford Lough and is a sanctuary for wildlife. In Season Three Episode Three, it was the location used for Holster Tully’s funeral, which was attended by his daughter Catelyn and grandson Robb Stark. Holster’s body was set ablaze by a flaming arrow and sent down the river on a small boat. Visitors to this location can enjoy a walk along the river.
INCH ABBEY
Spoiler alert ahead! The extensive remains of this 12th century Cistercian Abbey are set in a beautiful location beside the River Quoile. In Season One Episode 10, Catelyn Stark relays news to Robb that his father has been executed. Shortly after, Robb is proclaimed King in the North.
CARNLOUGH HARBOUR
This is a picturesque harbour located in the small coastal village of Carnlough, Co Antrim. Used in Season Six Episode Seven when Arya surfaced from the water after being attacked by the Waif, and crawled up the harbour steps onto the streets of Braavos.
GALBOLY, THE GLENS OF ANTRIM
Situated on a plateau beneath towering basalt cliffs is the location where Sansa and Littlefinger watch Robin practise his swordsmanship in Season Five Episode One. In Season Six Episode Four, Littlefinger and Robin agree to march to Sansa’s aid with the Knights of the Vale.
QUINTIN BAY
This idyllic bay in Co Down is home to Quintin Castle, built by an Anglo-Norman knight called John de Courcy in 1184. It is this location where Jaime persuades Bronn to go with him to bring Myrcella back to King’s Landing in Season Five Episode Two.
POLLNAGOLLUM CAVE
Situated in Belmore Forest in Co Fermanagh, this cave is part of the spectacular Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. The cave, known in Game of Thrones® as Hollow Hill, was used in Season Three Episode Four as the hideout of Beric Dondarrion. The Brotherhood without Banners escorts a hooded Arya, Gendry and the Hound to this secret hideout.
TOLLYMORE FOREST
This forest, located at the foothills of the majestic Mourne Mountains, was used as the lands around Winterfell. In Season One Episode One, the Night’s Watch members, Ser Waymar, Will and Gared discover Wildling bodies before encountering the scary White Walkers north of the Wall. It is also where Ned Stark and his sons came across the direwolf pups.
DARK HEDGES
Perhaps one of the most recognisable filming locations in Game of Thrones®, the Dark Hedges were used in Season Two Episode One as Arya escapes King’s Landing along the Kingsroad. The beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors as they approached Gracehill House. For more on the Game of Thrones® filming locations and other Game of Thrones® experiences, visit www. discovernorthernireland.com/ gameofthrones