Winterfell of House Stark<\/strong><\/h3>\nWinterfell may have been burnt to the ground and the Starks scattered to the four winds, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t go and pay homage to your favourite House and mine. Located at Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down in Northern Ireland, this is one of the most complete pre-existing sets used on the Game of Thrones series.<\/p>\n![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Ireland-GoT-Winterfell.jpg\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAlthough the 18th-century manor house is a little too modern for the medievalesque, dark fantasy world of political game-playing and bloody backstabbing, its castle tower, thick stone walls and arches are ideal. Chuck in a little CGI to fill in the background and you have the perfect fortress of the north.<\/p>\n
![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Ireland-GoT-Castle-Ward.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPyke of House Greyjoy<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe old medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle are pretty cool to behold, perched on those high, rocky cliffs. Even in its long uninhabited state, it\u2019s pretty imposing \u2013 so just think how it would have looked as a fully functional fort. Both its size and its location make it the perfect site for exterior shots of the Greyjoys\u2019 seat of power.<\/p>\n![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Ireland-Got-Pyke-Castle.jpg\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThey are always presented as a fairly rough and ready house, those Greyjoys; quasi-pirates with little time for \u2018refined\u2019 ways, even of the hardly eloquent northern folk from Winterfell, so the ruins are kind of perfect. Still, it requires a little bit of CGI to fill in the gaps and create those daunting pillars of rock that hold up the outer keeps.<\/p>\n
![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Ireland-GoT-Dunluce-Castle.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDragonstone of House Baratheon (formerly of House Targaryen)<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Ireland-GoT-Mussenden-Temple.jpg\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nUnfortunately Stannis Baratheon\u2019s absolutely awesome, gothic style castle doesn\u2019t actually exist. Rather it\u2019s constructed completely by those genius CGI folks. Still, its location can be found at Downhill Strand. With its seemingly endless beach and dramatic and towering cliffs, it\u2019s on these sands that Melisandre burnt the seven Idols of Westeros as an offering to the God of Light. You’ll no doubt recognise the Mussenden Temple that sits atop the cliffs.<\/p>\n
Riverrun of House Tully<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Ireland-GoT-Gosford-Castle.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nA prettier castle than the rest of the selection, the real seat of House Tully can be found found in County Armagh at Gosford Castle. Although it was built in the comparatively modern 1819, its Norman revival style of architecture means slots in perfectly with the Game of Thrones universe – plus it\u2019s still actually standing, which is nice. Just means they don\u2019t need quite so much computer animation.<\/p>\n
Beric Dondarrion\u2019s hideout, House Dondarrion (now The Brotherhood without Banners)<\/strong><\/h3>\nAlthough he was slain by The Mountain, Gregor Clegane, that didn\u2019t actually leave him dead. Well, it did, but he was brought back to life by Thoros of Myr, formed a gang of reprobates and started raiding Lannister armies \u2013 all good.<\/p>\n![\"GoT](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/GoT-Gregor-Clegane-Duel.jpg\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBeing dead, he lost his former lands in Blackhaven, but no worries because he found this pretty ace little cave, known in real life as the Boho Caves in County Fermanagh. Unfortunately, his luck with the Cleganes hasn\u2019t got any better since being resurrected. He was slain again by Gregor\u2019s brother, The Hound, right in this spot. No worries though, because he was brought back again, by the good Red Priest. Man, if only we all had so many chances.<\/p>\n
![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Ireland-GoT-Boho-Caves.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDothraki grasslands<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"GoT](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/GoT-Dothraki-Grasslands.jpg\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAh, young love – the first meeting place of Khal Drogo and Khaleesi. Yeah, OK, we all know it wasn\u2019t that sweet at first. Still, they got better at it all in the end. In fact, they were so in love that Khaleesi traded the life of their unborn baby for Drogo resurrection, albeit as a zombified version – unknowingly of course \u2013 which she then killed, again. And it all started, right here, in the Shillanavogy Valley in County Antrim.<\/p>\n
![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Ireland-GoT-Real-Dothraki-grasslands.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Haunted Forest<\/strong><\/p>\nThe wooded area that surrounds the castle of Winterfell, it\u2019s probably best remembered for being the place the Stark children came across their dire wolves. Although we all love Ned, he wasn\u2019t all too keen on taking in the animals at first, figuring rather to kill them. But thankfully good old Jon Snow stood up for them and the rest is history (for all the ups and downs).<\/p>\n![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Ireland-GoT-Dire-Wolves.jpg\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOn this side of reality, The Haunted Forest is known as Tollymore Forest Park. It was also used to film the scene where Theon Greyjoy flees the House of Bolton, only to be re-captured by Ramsey Snow and\u2026 yeah, his thing cut off\u2026 ow.<\/p>\n
![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Ireland-GoT-Tollymore-forest.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nRobb Stark\u2019s camp during the War of the Five Kings<\/strong><\/p>\nThe moment that dashed all our hopes and dreams. Robb was doing so well, soundly thrashing the Lannisters in every battle they engaged him in, steadily making his way to King\u2019s Landing. Then he met Talisa and broke his promise to Walder Frey, triggering a chain of events that lead to the Red Wedding. I still tear up over that.<\/p>\n![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Ireland-GoT-RobbTalisa.jpg\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOh well, Talisa was worth it. You can\u2019t go through life wondering what might have been, it\u2019s just not healthy, even for a king. Though I guess being decapitated and wearing the head of your dire wolf isn\u2019t exactly going to leave you in tip top shape either.<\/p>\n
![\"ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/ireland-GoT-Shillanavogy.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAnyway, you can see the spot where all this started at\u00a0Audley’s Field near Castle Ward in County Down.<\/p>\n
Lordsport, the Iron Islands<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/ireland-GoT-lordsport.png\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSo this is where Theon Greyjoy arrives home to the Iron Islands and almost immediately hits on his sister, Asha, the dirty beggar. In real life, Lordsport is Ballintoy, a picturesque little fishing port that needed little work for the series. It\u2019s incredibly beautiful (as is the surrounding area) and well worth a look.<\/p>\n
![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Irelamnd-GoT-Ballintoy-Harbour.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Dark Hedges<\/strong><\/p>\nBeing such an unbelievably cool setting, it\u2019s a shame they only filmed a single scene here. You\u2019ll probably remember it from Arya Stark\u2019s escape from King\u2019s Landing with Gendry and Hot Pie as they are carted off to join the Knight\u2019s Watch.<\/p>\n![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Ireland-GoT-Dark-Hedges.png\")
<\/a>Image copyright HBO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIn real life it\u2019s an incredible looking corridor formed from arching beech trees. It\u2019s a natural favourite for photographers, who come to capture the sight in different weather, and also a popular wedding photo spot.<\/p>\n
![\"Ireland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Ireland-GoT-Drak-Hedges.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nEven if you’re not a Game of Thrones fanatic, these are some pretty incredible sights. After all, they were picked for a reason, and each live up to the dramatic scenes they served. In other words, if you aren’t a fan, but know someone who is dying to go, go with them, you’ll still love it.<\/p>\n
Want to learn more about the Game of Thrones locations and even visit the studio? Well you’ll find all the information you need on Ireland.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Although the 18th-century manor house is a little too modern for the medievalesque, dark fantasy world of political game-playing and bloody backstabbing, its castle tower, thick stone walls and arches are ideal. Chuck in a little CGI to fill in the background and you have the perfect fortress of the north.<\/p>\n
The old medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle are pretty cool to behold, perched on those high, rocky cliffs. Even in its long uninhabited state, it\u2019s pretty imposing \u2013 so just think how it would have looked as a fully functional fort. Both its size and its location make it the perfect site for exterior shots of the Greyjoys\u2019 seat of power.<\/p>\n They are always presented as a fairly rough and ready house, those Greyjoys; quasi-pirates with little time for \u2018refined\u2019 ways, even of the hardly eloquent northern folk from Winterfell, so the ruins are kind of perfect. Still, it requires a little bit of CGI to fill in the gaps and create those daunting pillars of rock that hold up the outer keeps.<\/p>\n Unfortunately Stannis Baratheon\u2019s absolutely awesome, gothic style castle doesn\u2019t actually exist. Rather it\u2019s constructed completely by those genius CGI folks. Still, its location can be found at Downhill Strand. With its seemingly endless beach and dramatic and towering cliffs, it\u2019s on these sands that Melisandre burnt the seven Idols of Westeros as an offering to the God of Light. You’ll no doubt recognise the Mussenden Temple that sits atop the cliffs.<\/p>\n A prettier castle than the rest of the selection, the real seat of House Tully can be found found in County Armagh at Gosford Castle. Although it was built in the comparatively modern 1819, its Norman revival style of architecture means slots in perfectly with the Game of Thrones universe – plus it\u2019s still actually standing, which is nice. Just means they don\u2019t need quite so much computer animation.<\/p>\n Although he was slain by The Mountain, Gregor Clegane, that didn\u2019t actually leave him dead. Well, it did, but he was brought back to life by Thoros of Myr, formed a gang of reprobates and started raiding Lannister armies \u2013 all good.<\/p>\n Being dead, he lost his former lands in Blackhaven, but no worries because he found this pretty ace little cave, known in real life as the Boho Caves in County Fermanagh. Unfortunately, his luck with the Cleganes hasn\u2019t got any better since being resurrected. He was slain again by Gregor\u2019s brother, The Hound, right in this spot. No worries though, because he was brought back again, by the good Red Priest. Man, if only we all had so many chances.<\/p>\n Ah, young love – the first meeting place of Khal Drogo and Khaleesi. Yeah, OK, we all know it wasn\u2019t that sweet at first. Still, they got better at it all in the end. In fact, they were so in love that Khaleesi traded the life of their unborn baby for Drogo resurrection, albeit as a zombified version – unknowingly of course \u2013 which she then killed, again. And it all started, right here, in the Shillanavogy Valley in County Antrim.<\/p>\n The Haunted Forest<\/strong><\/p>\n The wooded area that surrounds the castle of Winterfell, it\u2019s probably best remembered for being the place the Stark children came across their dire wolves. Although we all love Ned, he wasn\u2019t all too keen on taking in the animals at first, figuring rather to kill them. But thankfully good old Jon Snow stood up for them and the rest is history (for all the ups and downs).<\/p>\n On this side of reality, The Haunted Forest is known as Tollymore Forest Park. It was also used to film the scene where Theon Greyjoy flees the House of Bolton, only to be re-captured by Ramsey Snow and\u2026 yeah, his thing cut off\u2026 ow.<\/p>\n Robb Stark\u2019s camp during the War of the Five Kings<\/strong><\/p>\n The moment that dashed all our hopes and dreams. Robb was doing so well, soundly thrashing the Lannisters in every battle they engaged him in, steadily making his way to King\u2019s Landing. Then he met Talisa and broke his promise to Walder Frey, triggering a chain of events that lead to the Red Wedding. I still tear up over that.<\/p>\n Oh well, Talisa was worth it. You can\u2019t go through life wondering what might have been, it\u2019s just not healthy, even for a king. Though I guess being decapitated and wearing the head of your dire wolf isn\u2019t exactly going to leave you in tip top shape either.<\/p>\n Anyway, you can see the spot where all this started at\u00a0Audley’s Field near Castle Ward in County Down.<\/p>\n So this is where Theon Greyjoy arrives home to the Iron Islands and almost immediately hits on his sister, Asha, the dirty beggar. In real life, Lordsport is Ballintoy, a picturesque little fishing port that needed little work for the series. It\u2019s incredibly beautiful (as is the surrounding area) and well worth a look.<\/p>\n The Dark Hedges<\/strong><\/p>\n Being such an unbelievably cool setting, it\u2019s a shame they only filmed a single scene here. You\u2019ll probably remember it from Arya Stark\u2019s escape from King\u2019s Landing with Gendry and Hot Pie as they are carted off to join the Knight\u2019s Watch.<\/p>\n In real life it\u2019s an incredible looking corridor formed from arching beech trees. It\u2019s a natural favourite for photographers, who come to capture the sight in different weather, and also a popular wedding photo spot.<\/p>\n Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fanatic, these are some pretty incredible sights. After all, they were picked for a reason, and each live up to the dramatic scenes they served. In other words, if you aren’t a fan, but know someone who is dying to go, go with them, you’ll still love it.<\/p>\n Want to learn more about the Game of Thrones locations and even visit the studio? Well you’ll find all the information you need on Ireland.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nPyke of House Greyjoy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\nDragonstone of House Baratheon (formerly of House Targaryen)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Riverrun of House Tully<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nBeric Dondarrion\u2019s hideout, House Dondarrion (now The Brotherhood without Banners)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\nDothraki grasslands<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\nLordsport, the Iron Islands<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n