Game of Thrones – Location, Location, Location

Are you planning your visit to Northern Ireland as a Game of Thrones Fan? 

For ten years, HBO and Game of Thrones® made Northern Ireland their home. Filming of seasons one to eight took place in around 25 locations around Northern Ireland, including our very own Helen’s Tower.

If you are looking to get as close to the spirit of the action as possible why not book an Irish Landmark Trust property. To help you plan your visit, here are 8 must see Game of Thrones locations in Northern Ireland, and some self-catering Irish Landmark Trust property suggestions that would work perfectly as a base during your GOT tour.

Northern Ireland is now home to the official Game of Thrones studio tour created in partnership with Warner Bros. This tour offers an unforgettable immersive experience for fans from across the world. The studio is located a short distance from Tullymurry House.

 

Tollymore Forest, Co. Down

Tollymore Forest was the first state forest park in Northern Ireland, established in 1955 and covering an area of 1600 acres.  Oak wood from Tollymore was the preferred material for the interiors of the White Star liners including the ‘Titanic’ which was built in Belfast.

In Season One of Game of Thrones, Tollymore Forest appeared in as the lands around Winterfell.  Here Ned Stark comes across the orphaned direwolves –  the symbol of House Stark.

 

  • Ketch or Sloop at St. John’s Point Lighthouse, Co. Down  >  1 hour drive
  • Tullymurry House, Co. Down  >  50 minute drive

 

Ballintoy Harbour – Co. Antrim

Ballintoy is a village on the coast of Co Antrim with the small fishing harbour located at the end of a narrow, steep road down Knocksaughey hill which passes by the entrance to Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.  Home to just under 200 people, Ballintoy means “the northern townland” in Irish (Baile an Tuaigh).

Ballintoy harbour was the setting for Theon’s return to the Iron Islands.  It was here that Theon first met his sister Yara and was baptised in the name of the Drowned God.

 

 

Downhill Beach – Coleraine, Co. Derry/Londonderry

Located in the very north of Northern Ireland, the beach is part of a seven mile stretch of sand offering a wealth of activities including water sports and scenic walks. Above the beach is the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland.

In Game of Thrones Season Two, Downhill Beach serves as Dragonstone, the place where Stannis Baratheon rejects the Seven Gods of Westeros and allows Melisandre to burn their effigies as an offering to the Lord of Light.

 

 

Binevenagh – Limavady, Co. Derry/Londonderry

The plateau and steep cliffs extend for over six miles across the peninsula of Magilligan, dominating the skyline over the villages of Bellarena, Downhill, Castlerock and Benone beach.  It has  panoramic views over Lough Foyle, the Roe Valley, Inishowen and to the west coast of Scotland.  It is and Area of Special Scientific Interest due to their geological and geomorphological features.

It appeared as the Dothraki Grasslands in season five when Daenerys Targaryen was rescued by her dragon, Drogon, while fleeing from the Sons of the Harpy in the fighting pits of Meereen.

 

 

Dark Hedges – Stranocum, Co. Antrim

Lined with beech trees twisted branches forming an arch over the road, The Dark Hedges is one of the most photographed areas in Northern Ireland and a popular attraction for tourists from across the world. This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century and intended to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to Gracehill House.

The Dark Hedges were used as a filming location in Game of Thrones for the “King’s Road”.  Mystical interlocking trees provide the setting through which Arya Stark escaped from Kings Landing.

 

 

Pollnagollum Cave, Marble Arch Caves – Co. Fermanagh

 

Pollnagollum Cave in Belmore Forest is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark in Co. Fermanagh. The cave is fed by a waterfall and you can follow the Belmore Forest walk.

The cave features as Beric Dondarrion’s hideout in The Riverlands, during season three of Game of Thrones

 

 

Inch Abbey – Co. Down

Located on the north bank of the Quoile River, Inch Abbey was founded by John de Courcy in atonement for his destruction of Erenagah Abbey.  It has with distant views towards the Cathedral town of Downpatrick.

The site was used as Robb Stark’s Camp, Riverrun in season one of Game of Thrones.  It is where he was proclaimed the King of the North.

 

 

 

Castle Ward – near Strangford, Co. Down

Overlooking Strangford Lough, Castle Ward has been home to the Ward family since the 16th century. The 18th century mansion house rests on a rolling hillside overlooking the Lough and surrounded by a beautiful 820-acre walled demesne with gardens and woodland.

The site appeared in Game of Thrones season one as the iconic Winterfell – home of the House Stark.  King Robert Baratheon arrived at Winterfell and was met by Stark during Episode 1 and this was where they talked during the hunt in Episode 2. Castle Ward made a return in Episode 10 when Bran and Osha were at Winterfell.

 

Triumphal Arch Gate Lodge side view

DISCLAIMER: THESE PROPERTIES ARE INDEPENDENTLY OPERATED BY THE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST CLG. THEY ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, OR AFFILIATED WITH HBO OR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH ‘GAME OF THRONES’”

Featured Property

Salterbridge Gatelodge

Salterbridge Gatelodge, located in the glorious Blackwater valley, dates from the mid 19th Century.

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Booking Conditions

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY : 

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.     

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you. 

CONTRACT OF HIRE:  

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking. 

PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to increase or decrease the price of unsold holidays at any time. However, such amendments to price will not be applied to holidays already confirmed.   

V.A.T.:  

All prices quoted are based on current prices and rates of V.A.T. at the time of going to press. Irish Landmark is unable to absorb increases in Value Added Tax or any new forms of taxation which may be introduced. Any such increases will be charged as notified and will be payable. 

DEPOSIT AND BALANCE PAYMENTS:   

All bookings can be paid for in full at time of booking. All bookings made within 12 weeks of stay must be paid in full at time of booking. Bookings made more than 12 weeks in advance of stay require a 30% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 12 weeks before arrival.  Irish Landmark shall be entitled to treat any failure to pay by the due date as a cancellation of the booking and will notify the Hirer by email.  The maximum number of payments for a booking will be limited to two – the deposit and balance payment.   A separate payment may be due where an amendment has been made to the original booking.  

PAYMENT TYPES: 

Payments can be made by credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY).    

Payments for properties in the Republic of Ireland are taken in Euros, payments for properties in Northern Ireland are taken in Great British Pounds. 

VOUCHERS:  

Please note that only one voucher can be used per booking.  Vouchers have a strict expiry date. 

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING:    

Upon receipt of payment by our bookings office, you will receive a confirmation of your reservation.  All charges for the booking will be confirmed in this notification.  Once confirmation has been issued, the Hirer is responsible for the total advertised price of the property and any extras notified.   

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS (excluding cancellations):    

Irish Landmark does not offer a transfer of dates option. A complete change of dates is treated as a cancellation 

CANCELLATION POLICY: We hope that you will not have to cancel your stay, or part of your reservation.  If for any reason this is unavoidable, cancellations must be notified by email to bookings@irishlandmark.com. In the event of cancellation (this includes a reduction in number of nights) your deposit is non-refundable and the following cancellation charges will apply:  

Date of Cancellation 

Cancellation Charge 

More than 12 weeks before start date 

The deposit of 30% 

84 – 28 days before start date 

50% of total rental 

Fewer than 28 days 

100% of total rental 

Irish Landmark does not operate a cancellation insurance scheme for any reason, including Covid-19, and strongly recommends that all guests take out full holiday insurance cover.    

PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION:  In no circumstances may more than the number of persons listed on the booking form occupy the property overnight.   Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse admission if this condition is not observed. Bookings can only be made by adults and cannot be accepted from anyone under the age of 21.  Irish Landmark only allows guest stays where the lead guest is aged 21 years or over.   

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:  

Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive Access Details and Important Information via email about your rental. This includes the contact information of the Local House Manager, directions to the property, arrival and departure time, etc. However, the specific arrival time must be agreed with the relevant local House Manager at least four days prior to holiday start date.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to arrive at the property at the time agreed with the House Manager. Irish Landmark reserves the right to levy an additional charge if the property is not vacated in accordance with these terms on the day of departure.  

DAY VISITORS:  

The number of day visitors will be limited to the capacity of the property – i.e., a 2-person property may have 2 day visitors, etc.   Prior written consent must be obtained from Irish Landmark Trust for additional numbers of day visitors. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Baggage and personal belongings are always at the Hirers risk. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage to any car or its contents. 

POLICY REGARDING DOGS:   

Only certain Irish Landmark Trust properties accept a dog.  ALWAYS check this before you book.  Hirers who have made a reservation and are taking a dog will be required to read and agree to special terms, which details the conditions of bringing a dog to one of these properties.  Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the guest being asked to leave a property.  The rental cost is non-refundable in such cases.   

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: 

Irish Landmark respectfully request that you charge your electric vehicle at the nearest charging point and not at the property.  

HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITY:   

The Hirer is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it. Our House Managers work hard to maintain and clean the buildings and aim to ensure that the property is in a satisfactory condition for your enjoyment.  We ask that you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition upon departure, including all equipment, utensils etc. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition and additional cleaning costs are incurred, Irish Landmark reserves the right to recover these costs from the Hirer.   All breakages and damage must be reported to the House Manager immediately so that they can be rectified. All breakages and damage are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and the cost of repair or replacement must be paid to Irish Landmark upon demand.   If there are problems relating to the functioning of the building, please let the House Manager know immediately. Please note that candles are NOT permitted at any Irish Landmark property. Smoking is not allowed inside any Irish Landmark property. 

WEBSITE / LITERATURE:   

While every effort has been made to ensure that the representations stated on our website, or any printed literature, are made in good faith, neither they nor any oral representations made by employees or representatives of Irish Landmark Trust will create liability on the part of Irish Landmark. 

GENERAL:   

There shall be no liability for any claim arising from the act, omission or neglect or default of Irish Landmark Trust, its employees or representatives unless proved to be done with intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that loss or danger would probably result. Irish Landmark’s agents, servants and employees or other representatives have no authority to waive or modify these Conditions other than in writing. 

RIGHT OF ENTRY:   

On rare occasions Irish Landmark may need access to the property for essential maintenance work, should it be necessary, Irish Landmark will give you as much notice as is possible.   There is no need for you to stay in the property since our House Manager can accompany any such visits. 

COMPLAINTS:  

If you have any complaint during your holiday, please contact the House Manager.  If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, please email bookings@irishlandmark.com outlining details of your complaint.   

IRISH LANDMARK’S RIGHTS:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse any booking and cancel any booking already made, if in its absolute discretion it considers this to be necessary. Where a booking is cancelled by Irish Landmark, every effort will be made to offer an alternative holiday at no increase in cost.  If the Hirer does not accept the alternative holiday offered, Irish Landmark will return to the Hirer the deposit paid and any other sum paid to Irish Landmark by the Hirer.  Liability for all consequential loss, damage and disappointments is accordingly limited to such return. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC DOG – FRIENDLY PROPERTIES 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure they book a specific dog-friendly property if they are bringing a dog.  There are specific terms and conditions that to which the hirer must adhere: 

We allow a dog, but only when they have been booked in and paid for. The “Taking a Dog” option must be selected at time of booking.  A charge will apply.  

Our policy is strictly ONE DOG. If you arrive at the property with more than one dog the House Manger is entitled to deny you access to the property.  If it becomes known during/after your stay that more than one dog is/was with you, you may be asked to vacate the property and a charge of €100/£100 per dog will apply. 

You must bring your own crate/bed in which your dog can sleep.  Please also bring bowls, towels, and waste bags for your dog. 

Your dog must be house-trained and kept under proper control.  Dogs are STRICTLY not permitted on beds, sofas, or any furniture.  There is no exception to this rule.  

Before departure, please thoroughly clean the property, paying particular attention to removing pet hair from rugs and soft furnishings.  A vacuum cleaner is available to you.   

If there is evidence that you have not cleaned up adequately after your stay, you will be charged a flat rate of €100/£100.   

You must double-check that the outside area around the property is free of any foul. Dog fouling inside the property is completely unacceptable.  Guests will be asked to vacate the premises immediately if this is discovered.  

Your dog must not be left unsupervised in the property.  We ask that you take your dog with you when you go out.  Please be mindful of any livestock nearby. 

 

By accepting a confirmation of a reservation from Irish Landmark the lead guest agrees: 

 

I have read and agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 

I agree to be held responsible for the balance of hire for the property due and payable in accordance with these terms. 

I understand that most Irish Landmark properties have no television or internet access; that some have no washing machines or dishwashers; and that many have limited mobile phone coverage. 

I understand that as the Lead Person, I am responsible, before their arrival, for informing all guests of Irish Landmark’s booking conditions, and for their observance of same. 

If I am bringing a pet or having day visitors, I have particularly noted the special conditions that apply in these situations 

 

Hirers making a reservation over the telephone are deemed to have read all Booking Conditions and agree to be bound by them.   

 

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Important Notes

1-night stays are not permitted.

Bank Holidays & Special Dates have a set minimum number of nights.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable & non-transferable.

Cancellation Fees will apply if you cancel your reservation.

Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.

Special Offers and Discounts are not valid against existing bookings.

There are restrictions on arrival and departure dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.
Strictly no arrivals or departures on 24th, 25th and 31st of December.