Screen Tourism
Game of Thrones® Territory
More Seven Kingdoms filming locations here than anywhere else in the world.
Where Westeros Came to Life
For ten years, HBO made Northern Ireland the home of Westeros. The ancient forests of the Mourne region became the Haunted Forest. Castle Ward transformed into Winterfell. And our dramatic coastlines provided the backdrop for some of television's most memorable moments.
Today, you can walk where White Walkers marched, stand in the courtyard where Jon Snow trained, and discover why showrunners chose this corner of Ireland to bring George R.R. Martin's vision to life.
Jump to Location Guide
Tollymore Forest Park
Tollymore Forest Park is perhaps the most significant Game of Thrones filming location in the Mourne region. Its ancient oak and beech trees, moss-covered stone bridges, and ethereal atmosphere made it the perfect stand-in for the Haunted Forest. The forest's natural Gothic beauty required minimal set dressing to transform into the terrifying wilderness beyond the Wall.
Visit this areaScenes Filmed Here
The very first scene of the entire series. Three Night's Watch rangers venture beyond the Wall into the Haunted Forest, where they encounter the White Walkers for the first time.
The Stark children discover the dead direwolf and her pups in the snow. This pivotal scene where each Stark child claims a direwolf was filmed along the Shimna River.
The ancient stone bridges and forest paths doubled as the Kingsroad, the main route connecting King's Landing to Winterfell. Robert Baratheon's royal procession traveled through here.
Woodland scenes depicting areas beyond the Wall, where the wildlings and Night's Watch rangers traverse the dangerous northern territories.
Getting There
From: Newcastle town centre
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Travel time: 5 minutes by car
From Newcastle Main Street, head north on the Bryansford Road (B180). The forest entrance is clearly signposted on your left. Ample car parking available at the main visitor centre (parking fee applies).
GPS: 54.2289° N, 5.9380° W
Best Time to Visit
Recommended: Autumn (October-November)
The forest transforms into a golden wonderland that matches the show's aesthetic. Misty mornings are common, adding to the atmospheric effect.
Tip: Summer weekends can be crowded. Visit early morning or late afternoon for a more immersive experience.
Photo Opportunities
The Stone Bridges
The ornate stone bridges over the Shimna River are iconic. Visit in early morning for atmospheric mist rising from the water.
The Hermitage
This cave-like grotto featured in several scenes. Best photographed in soft, overcast light to capture the mysterious atmosphere.
Direwolf Discovery Site
The area near the river where the pups were found. Bring a direwolf toy or replica for creative fan photos.
The Kingsroad Path
The main forest trail leading from the car park captures the feel of the Kingsroad. Autumn colours (October-November) add dramatic impact.
Practical Information
Admission
Vehicle entry fee: £5 (2024 prices)
Hours
Dawn to dusk, year-round
Facilities
Visitor centre, cafe, toilets, marked trails
Time Needed
Allow 2-3 hours to explore the main filming locations
Castle Ward
Castle Ward is the most complete Winterfell location you can visit. This National Trust property on the shores of Strangford Lough features over 20 individual filming locations across its 820-acre estate. The 18th-century farmyard courtyard is instantly recognizable to fans, and the Gothic mansion provides an imposing backdrop. The estate also offers official Game of Thrones experiences including archery lessons and costume dress-up.
Visit this areaScenes Filmed Here
The iconic scene where Bran practices archery in the courtyard while Jon Snow and Robb Stark watch and offer guidance. The 18th-century farmyard served as Winterfell's courtyard.
King Robert Baratheon's arrival at Winterfell. The royal procession enters through the gates as the Stark family lines up to greet them.
Multiple courtyard scenes including Stark family interactions and preparations for departure to King's Landing.
Robb Stark's military camp in the Westerlands. The fields around Castle Ward became the encampment where Robb meets Talisa.
The twin towers visible across the lough appear in several establishing shots of the Northern territories.
Getting There
From: Belfast city centre
Distance: 32 miles (51 km)
Travel time: 45 minutes via A22/A25
Head south from Belfast on the A22 through Comber, then take the A25 toward Downpatrick. Turn off at Strangford village and follow signs to Castle Ward. The estate entrance is clearly marked. National Trust members receive free parking.
GPS: 54.3791° N, 5.5917° W
Best Time to Visit
Recommended: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October)
Comfortable weather for outdoor exploration and fewer crowds than summer peak season.
Tip: July-August school holidays are very busy. Book experiences well in advance if visiting in summer.
Photo Opportunities
The Courtyard
Stand where Bran drew his bow. Morning light (before 11am) provides the best conditions without harsh shadows.
The Gothic Facade
The rear of the main house offers dramatic Gothic architecture. Wide-angle lenses capture the full grandeur.
Audley's Castle View
Walk to the shore for views of the tower house across the water, which appears in background shots.
Costume Photos
Book the official Winterfell experience to dress in authentic-style costumes for your photos. Pre-booking essential.
Practical Information
Admission
National Trust members: Free. Non-members: Adult £12, Child £6 (2024 prices)
Hours
Grounds: 10am-5pm (summer), 10am-4pm (winter). House tours have specific times.
Facilities
Visitor centre, cafe, gift shop, toilets, extensive walking trails
Time Needed
Half day minimum (3-4 hours). Full day if including Game of Thrones experience.
Booking: Official Winterfell Experience must be booked in advance at clearsky-adventure.com
Inch Abbey
Founded in 1180 by John de Courcy for Cistercian monks, Inch Abbey's atmospheric ruins provided the perfect setting for Robb Stark's war camp. The crumbling stone walls and Gothic arches created a haunting backdrop that required minimal set dressing to transform into the Riverlands. Today, the abbey sits peacefully beside the River Quoile, and you can freely wander among the same ruins where the King in the North once held council.
Visit this areaScenes Filmed Here
Robb Stark receives news of his father's execution and rallies his bannermen. The evocative ruins provided the backdrop for the Northern army's camp in the Riverlands.
Robb meets Talisa Maegyr for the first time as she tends to wounded soldiers. Their romance begins amid the devastation of war.
Catelyn Stark confronts Robb about his relationship with Talisa and his duty to the Frey alliance. Pivotal dialogue scenes set among the atmospheric ruins.
Additional scenes of Robb's camp and military council meetings as the Young Wolf plans his campaign.
Getting There
From: Downpatrick town centre
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
Travel time: 5 minutes by car, 20 minutes on foot
From Downpatrick, cross the River Quoile and take the first left onto the Inch Abbey Road. The car park is at the end of the road. The abbey is a short walk from the parking area through peaceful riverside meadows.
GPS: 54.3294° N, 5.7247° W
Best Time to Visit
Recommended: Year-round, but autumn (September-November) is most atmospheric
The ruins look most dramatic against autumn colours or in winter's stark beauty. Fewer visitors year-round compared to Castle Ward.
Tip: Heavy rain makes the paths muddy. Check weather before visiting.
Photo Opportunities
Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunset for spectacular photos. The warm light through the Gothic arches creates dramatic shadows and atmosphere.
The Main Arch
The large central archway frames beautiful compositions. Stand inside looking out for the classic Robb Stark camp perspective.
Drone Opportunity
If licensed, aerial shots reveal the abbey's full footprint and river setting. Always check current drone regulations.
Misty Mornings
Early morning mist rising from the River Quoile adds ethereal atmosphere, especially in autumn.
Practical Information
Admission
Free (Historic Environment site)
Hours
Open access, daylight hours recommended
Facilities
Small car park. No on-site facilities - use Downpatrick town (5 mins).
Time Needed
Allow 1-1.5 hours for thorough exploration and photography
Audley's Castle
While not a primary filming location, Audley's Castle is an authentic 15th-century tower house that appears in background shots and helps create the medieval atmosphere of the Castle Ward scenes. Perched on a hill overlooking Strangford Lough, this remarkably well-preserved structure gives visitors a genuine taste of medieval Northern Ireland. It's a 10-minute walk from Castle Ward's main complex and is often overlooked by visitors, making it perfect for quieter exploration.
Visit this areaScenes Filmed Here
The 15th-century tower house appears in background establishing shots of the Northern territories, adding to the medieval authenticity of Castle Ward scenes.
Visible across Strangford Lough in wide shots, contributing to the expansive feel of Winterfell's domain.
Used in various promotional materials and appears in several aerial and landscape shots throughout the series.
Getting There
From: Castle Ward visitor centre
Distance: 0.5 miles (800 metres)
Travel time: 10-minute walk along signposted trail
Follow the waymarked trail from Castle Ward toward the lough shore. The tower house is visible on the hilltop. The walk takes you through beautiful parkland with views across the water.
GPS: 54.3750° N, 5.5800° W
Best Time to Visit
Recommended: Spring through Autumn (April-October)
The walk to the tower is most pleasant in mild weather. Combine with your Castle Ward visit.
Tip: The hilltop can be very exposed in winter winds. Avoid in poor weather.
Photo Opportunities
Classic Tower Shot
Photograph from below to emphasize the tower's height. Late afternoon sun lights the eastern face beautifully.
Lough Views
From the tower, capture sweeping views of Strangford Lough - the same vistas seen in the show.
Castle Ward Combination
Frame Castle Ward's Gothic facade with Audley's Castle visible in the distance for a unique composition.
Silhouette at Sunset
The tower makes a dramatic silhouette against sunset skies over the lough.
Practical Information
Admission
Included with Castle Ward estate access
Hours
Grounds open 10am-5pm (summer), 10am-4pm (winter)
Facilities
None at the tower. Use Castle Ward facilities before walking.
Time Needed
Allow 30-45 minutes including the walk from Castle Ward
Plan Your Game of Thrones® Adventure
Whether you prefer to explore independently or with expert guides, we have options for every type of fan.
Self-Guided Tours
Follow our free Game of Thrones® trail map to visit the key filming locations at your own pace.
Guided Experiences
Join expert-led tours with behind-the-scenes stories and access to otherwise restricted locations.
Doors of Thrones
Dine at The Cuan in Strangford, home to Door #1 carved from the famous Dark Hedges trees.
Game of Thrones® Studio Tour
For the ultimate fan experience, visit the official Game of Thrones® Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge. See authentic sets, costumes, and props from all eight seasons.
Visit official websiteVisit the Filming Locations
Plan Your Visit
Ready-made trip plans to make the most of your visit.
Ready to Enter the Seven Kingdoms?
Walk the Haunted Forest, stand where kings fell, and dine at the Doors of Thrones.
Game of Thrones® is a registered trademark of Home Box Office, Inc. Visit Mourne is not affiliated with or endorsed by HBO.