Tourists follow ‘Game of Thrones’ trail in Northern Ireland
BELFAST: Wielding a replica broadsword, Indian tourist Akshay Mannur duels with friends – re-enacting scenes from Game of Thrones on the Northern Ireland pilgrimage trail for devotees of the blockbuster fantasy TV show.
Since the series began its rise to prominence in 2011, fans have started to flock to the coastal caves and ruined castles of the British province where much of the HBO television production was shot.
“Every new step is like something new, it’s more than my expectations,” 23-year-old student Mannur marvelled.
Tourism Northern Ireland estimates the magical show – in its final season – drew 120,000 visitors to the province in 2016, generating £30mil (RM161.25mil).
One in six visitors now comes to Northern Ireland to visit shooting locations, according to estimates.
Along the largely coastal trail, a short drive outside the capital of Belfast, that popularity is clear.
A steady hum of buses and coaches are marshalled in and out of parking lots on strict schedules, and village shops throng with tourists.
“Last week, I think on Saturday past, we had a bus with 24 nationalities on it,” said tour guide Patrick Rogan at Cushendun Caves, the site of a pivotal plot point in the series.
Today they run at least two full buses a day, he said, competing with at least four other companies offering a similar service.
A popular comparison holds that Game of Thrones is to Northern Ireland tourism what Lord of the Rings has been to New Zealand.
But Northern Ireland’s recent bloody past during the so-called “Troubles” – when 3,500 were killed in 30 years of sectarian strife – makes the boom very welcome.
“The dark history that was here is coming out,” said Irish actor Liam Cunningham, a stalwart character in the series now feted as the most expensive to ever be filmed for the small screen.
“The place is blooming, and for us to have this show here and be part of that transition is joyful,” he said.,
Chief executive of Tourism Northern Ireland John McGrillen said: “I think our association with such a global success helps transform the image of Northern Ireland.
“That gives you PR that you just simply couldn’t buy.”