Photo by Zhifei Zhou on Unsplash
“Game of Thrones” filmed extensively in Ireland from 2011-2019, transforming Irish landscapes into the fictional realm of Westeros. While the show’s primary filming locations were Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland also featured prominently. The show’s success created unprecedented tourism interest in Irish filming locations, generating economic benefits while changing how Americans perceive Irish tourism.
For Game of Thrones fans visiting Ireland, retracing filming locations has become pilgrimage activity, combining entertainment fandom with Irish cultural tourism.
Irish Filming Locations
Northern Ireland (Primary Location)
Surprisingly, most Game of Thrones filming occurred in Northern Ireland (UK jurisdiction), not the Republic. Northern Ireland’s dramatic landscapes, medieval castles, and production incentives made it ideal.
Key Northern Ireland locations:
- Castle Ward (Winterfell exterior)
- Dunluce Castle (House Greyjoy stronghold)
- Dark Hedges (the Kingsroad)
For Americans visiting Ireland, accessing Northern Ireland locations requires coordination and travel planning.
Republic of Ireland Locations
Though less featured than Northern Ireland, the Republic hosted some filming:
These locations receive less tourist attention than Northern Ireland sites but are still accessible.
Tourism Impact
The Game of Thrones Effect
Game of Thrones generated unprecedented tourism interest in Ireland. Fans traveled specifically to visit filming locations. Tourism boards capitalized on this interest, creating guides and organized tours.
Economic benefits: tourism spending, employment in tour guiding, hotel accommodations, and local business revenue.
Organized Tours
Multiple tour companies offer Game of Thrones-themed tours, typically 8-10 hours, visiting multiple filming locations with guides explaining scenes filmed there.
Tours range from €50-€100 per person and operate regularly during tourist season.
Self-Guided Tourism
Fans can independently visit filming locations using online guides, maps, and GPS coordinates. This requires more effort but provides flexibility and lower cost.
Cultural Implications
Media Tourism
Game of Thrones demonstrated media’s power to drive tourism. Fans visiting filming locations spend money, stay in accommodations, and generate economic benefits beyond entertainment.
This success inspired other productions to film in Ireland, recognizing tourism potential.
Irish Landscape Marketing
Game of Thrones photography and cinematography showcased Irish landscapes to global audiences. This free marketing increased Ireland’s appeal as tourist destination.
Americans who watched Game of Thrones became interested in visiting Ireland specifically to see landscapes featured in the show.
Production Investment
The show’s success demonstrated film production’s economic value. This inspired Irish government to increase production incentives, attract more international productions, and invest in film infrastructure.
Planning Your Game of Thrones Tourism
Accessibility
Most key locations are on public roads or accessible through legitimate tourism channels. However, some locations are private property requiring explicit permission or paid tours.
Check current information before visiting—ownership and access change.
Best Locations for Americans
If visiting Republic of Ireland (not crossing into Northern Ireland):
Northern Ireland Access
If visiting Northern Ireland (recommended for serious Game of Thrones fans):
Travel from Republic to Northern Ireland requires awareness of border (Brexit-era changes apply; check current requirements).
Beyond Game of Thrones
Irish Scenery Independent of Show
Visiting Irish filming locations provides opportunity to experience Irish landscapes regardless of Game of Thrones interest.
The landscapes are beautiful, historically significant, and culturally meaningful independent of entertainment media.
Sustainable Tourism
Uncontrolled tourism at filming locations creates problems—environmental damage, privacy violations, overcrowding.
Responsible tourism—using designated paths, respecting private property, patronizing legitimate tours—ensures sustainable enjoyment.
Contemporary Production
Game of Thrones concluded in 2019. However, other productions continue filming in Ireland, suggesting sustained production industry.
Irish landscapes remain attractive to international productions, continuing tourism interest.
Conclusion
Game of Thrones demonstrated media’s power to drive tourism while generating economic benefits for Ireland. For Americans interested in visiting Irish filming locations, accessible options exist in both Republic and Northern Ireland.
However, appreciate Irish landscapes and culture independent of entertainment media. The real treasure is Ireland itself—Westeros is merely a backdrop for understanding remarkable place.
Welcome to the landscape where dragons once flew and winter threatened. Ireland’s beauty awaits.
Author: jonathan
Jonathan is the publisher of Irishtopia.net, Anglotopia.net, and Londontopia.net. He's passionate about travel and learning about other cultures. He's been to Ireland several times, and uses his travel expertise for Irishtopia!
