Thrones tour the stuff of fantasy...
MIRROR GIRL KEELEY VISITS IRISH SITES FOR TV BLOCKBUSTER
FROM the shores of Riverrun to the snowy grounds of Winterfell, the filming locations for HBO’S Game Of Thrones have left viewers awestruck.
Some of the North’s most amazing locations have been front and centre of the hit fantasy series – and they’re a lot closer than you might think.
More than thrilled at having a chance to wander my way through Westeros, I jumped at the chance to explore the grounds of Winterfell.
We were up bright and early for the bus journey from Dublin to Co Down’s Castle Ward, also known to GOT fans as the home of the Stark family.
Just two hours from the capital, the grounds feature 20 of the iconic locations from the series – from the tower where Bran fell to the site of the now infamous Red Wedding.
There’s the option to do a number of tours around the 820-acre estate with Clearsky Activity Centre, including a self-guided cycle where you can wander through Winterfell to your heart’s content, or a private trip led by expert guides who share some set secrets snippets.
There’s also plenty of add-ons to
Smoke billowed as we stepped inside tent with tables groaning under a feast MIRROR GIRL KEELEY RYAN ON GAME OF THRONES TOUR BANQUET
personalise the experience, including archery lessons and the opportunity to meet some of the Direwolves.
Fans hoping for the ultimate experience can even spend the night in one of the pods on site.
We started off in the Winterfell courtyard, lining up in the same spot the Stark family did when the Baratheon’s arrived from King’s Landing.
After a brief history of our surroundings, we went to meet Thor and Odin, who played Robb and Bran Stark’s direwolves Summer and Greywind in the first season.
The Northern Inuit dogs featured as cuddly pups from the very first scene in season one when Jon Snow finds them in Tollymore Forest.
We then began a trek through the grounds of Castle Ward, which has doubled as anywhere from Winterfell to the riverlands, where Tywin’s camp once set up their battlegrounds.
Our guide Jamie made sure everyone was decked out in their Westerosi finest – with an option to wear the black cloaks of the Night’s Watch or the light grey cloaks of the Northeners.
And, of course, no Song of Ice and Fire outfit would really be complete without a sword.
Despite plenty of CGI being used to transform the sets and build the intricate castle designs, there’s no mistaking the sight of Winterfell – or even The Twins, the site of the Red Wedding. We even had an impromptu
sword-fighting lesson outside Audley’s Castle, which doubles as one of Walder Frey’s haunts.
BANQUET
Back at the courtyard, we stopped for a medieval banquet – which I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Smoke billowed through the air as we stepped into the teepee tent, filled with large wooden tables groaning under a feast of fruit, bread, meats, veggie soup and jugs of wine.
We headed back to the courtyard after lunch for a shot at the outdoor archery range, but not before changing into leather costumes.
Despite the lashing rain that day, it was one of the most incredible activities – and a lot harder than it looks. Winterfell Tours had one more treat in store before we headed off – a chance to sit on the Iron Throne.
The massive chair lies tucked away in the clocktower, where stills from the series locations adorn the walls.
Everyone has the chance to practise their most regal (or fierce) looking pose as they perch on the throne – ready to rule the Seven Kingdoms. We
spent the night at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains and just a short drive from Castle Ward.
The award-winning resort strikes just the right balance of modern luxury, with plush rooms, a pool with breathtaking views and some truly excellent food.
There was even one of the Door Of Thrones at the nearby restaurant Percy French, a short walk from the hotel. The doors, commissioned by Tourism NI, were created out of three felled trees from the Dark Hedges in late 2015.
DESIGNS
Each piece is carved with intricate designs to celebrate individual episodes from Season 6 of the HBO fantasy hit.
We began the next day with a cycling tour of the 630-hectare Tollymore Forest, where some scenes from the first episode were filmed. Pedalling past panoramic views, the forest boasts the spot where the Stark family first found the Direwolf pups at Altavaddy Bridge.
It is also the location of the Wildling Pit at the Stepping Stones where The Night’s Watch found dismembered bodies. All in all, the experience is a definite
must for any GOT fan. The chance to relive some of the show’s memorable moments and see some behind-thescenes magic is something that will delight any Song of Ice and Fire devotee.
Incorporating some of the North’s most amazing locations, the stunning views make it all the more worthwhile.
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