Visiting Westeros
The new series of Game of Thrones is coming... Lianne Kolirin heads to Northern Ireland to discover the reality behind the TV show’s scenes
Igave it my best shot. I devoted focused time to every episode of the first three series of Game of Thrones, determined to be gripped by this titan of television that has amassed an army of super fans. But despite committing some 30 hours, I remained baffled by the boundless cast and the never-ending journey to reach the much coveted throne. And so with the bloodiest of season finales, I finally bowed out.
My exasperated husband was only too happy, as he could now watch uninterrupted without my constant calls for him to bring me up to speed. He has since been free to binge-watch solo, enthralled by the ever-changing fortunes of the Starks, the Lannisters, the Mother of Dragons and everyone in between. So when the prospect of a Game of Thrones-themed trip to Northern Ireland cropped up, I hesitated. With the content strictly 18+, our three boys had never watched a moment. Would it be a case of dragging them around baffled and bored?
Absolutely not, as we soon discovered. The show has given tourism in Northern Ireland a similar shot in the arm as that which Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy provided for New Zealand. Not having seen the films doesn’t detract from the spectacular New Zealand experience as you follow in Bilbo’s footsteps,
And so my boys and I found ourselves in a similar position. Leaving Belfast, our first stop was Ballygally. During filming, this scenic seaside village was flooded with about 10,000 locals Top right: a cove in the Stormlands
acting as extras. Once their services were no longer required, the resourceful among them set themselves up as tour guides with insider knowledge.
The Ballygally Hotel has been a focal point during filming and ever since, with the crew often popping in for a pint. Surrounded by a walled garden, the hotel is part of the Door of Thrones itinerary — a route of ten venues which host an intricately carved wooden door depicting a scene from the show. Once through the door, fans can book on to a GoT tour or a themed afternoon tea.
And despite having never seen an episode, my boys were fully qualified to appreciate teatime delicacies like Dothraki trifle with mini dragon’s eggs