Missing Game of Thrones? Try one of these new experiences in Northern Ireland

Game of Thrones Season 7 came to a close following epic action scenes, shock revelations and a huge cliffhanger. But what now for fans of one of the biggest television show in the world?

Northern Ireland is home to many iconic filming locations, truly earning its title as Game of Thrones® Territory. And now there are new ways to experience the stunning landscape of Westeros and Winterfell, which of course have been brought to life using Northern Ireland’s rugged coastlines, historic castles and breathtaking countryside and forests. 

So if you’re among those who simply can’t wait for Season 8, here are a few ideas to immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones, right on your doorstep…

1.Games of Thrones® Air Tour Adventure

If you fancy splashing out on an experience of a lifetime, look no further than Cutting Edge Helicopters. Ascend like a raven into the sky and take in the stunning filming locations below with Cutting Edge Helicopters. Fly across Downhill Beach (Dragonstone), Portstewart Strand (the Coast of Dorne), Binevenagh (the Dothraki Grasslands) and many more beautiful locations. From £125pp (3 people).

2.Game of Thrones® Tapestry

See Game of Thrones® immortalised in a giant, Bayeux style tapestry, exceeding 77 metres, at the Ulster Museum. From Winterfell to the Iron Islands, this epic tapestry brings to life the infamous events, locations and story of the most popular television series of all time. Weaving the story from Seasons 1 to 7, this impressive tapestry gives Game of Thrones® fans the perfect chance to reminisce over all the trials and tribulations of the latest episodes.

3.Game of Thrones® Door Food Tour

If you are keen to see more of the doors, then the Glenara Food and Door tour is for you. This tour operates in the evenings and takes in four of the ten Game of Thrones® Season 6 doors (£50 per person for 6 people). Travelling from Limavady to Cushendun along the Causeway Coastal Route, you will have the chance to see the beautifully carved doors, as well as time to sample local cuisine and enjoy a tipple or two.

4.Winterfell Festival

Castle Ward in Co. Down may just be the holy grail for Game of Thrones® fans as it is instantly recognisable as Winterfell, home of the Stark family. On 24 September, the National Trust will host NI’s very own Winterfell Festival (tickets £22.50). See first-hand theatrical re-enactments from the fantasy TV series, meet an actor from the show, watch spectacular games unfold in a mystical landscape and enjoy lively music, local food and much more. Special guests will also include two of the original Stark family Direwolf dogs. It is here that you can also book a filming location cycle tour, exercise your archery skills or stay for the night in a cool glamping pod.

5.By the sea

Set sail with an Aquaholics Sea Safari (£40 per person for group of 6) and as you and make your way out into the Atlantic Ocean, you will get an ocean perspective of the many Game of Thrones® filming locations found along the Causeway Coastal Route. Visiting Ballintoy Harbour (Lordsport Harbour), Murlough Bay and Fair Head (Slaver’s Bay) the tour lasts around 4 hours and you might even spot some dolphins – not dragons – along the way.

Season 7 saw a new location revealed, the dramatic cliffs of Fair Head on the Causeway Coast, to add to the 25 other publicly accessible filming locations.

Judith Webb, Tourism NI’s Experience Development Officer, said: “Locals now have even more reason to get out and explore our beautiful landscape, with Game of Thrones filming locations providing a unique itinerary for the ultimate Northern Ireland staycation.

“There are a host of exciting experiences and visitors can choose from a range of guided location tours or immerse themselves in Game of Thrones® themed adventures such as archery, cycle tours or banquets. Or why not self navigate your way around the Seven Kingdoms with the Game of Thrones® Filming Locations Northern Ireland app”.

For more experiences in Games of Thrones Territory, visit DiscoverNorthernIreland.com/GameofThrones