5 Places Featured In 'Game Of Thrones' You Should Visit

"Game of Thrones," a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences worldwide, brought to life a realm of fantasy and adventure. Beyond the screen, the show's exquisite filming locations offer a chance to enter the landscapes that defined Westeros. From ancient cities to breathtaking glaciers, these five remarkable places transport visitors into the realms of Kings and Queens. Join us as we journey through the real-life settings that made "Game of Thrones" an unforgettable saga.

Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland

Ballintoy Harbour, in Northern Ireland, served as the filming location for the Iron Islands, the ancestral seat of House Greyjoy at Pyke. This picturesque harbour is distinctive as it features a raised beach, where the water meets a chalky cliff face rather than a flat expanse of sand. The rugged beauty of the surroundings will be familiar to fans as the setting of Lordsport, the port town that Theon Greyjoy reluctantly returns to after departing Winterfell. While Theon may want to avoid revisiting this place, you may find yourself drawn to Ballintoy village for its breathtaking coastal vistas and relaxed atmosphere. For those venturing to the area to witness the renowned basalt columns of Giant's Causeway, a mere 12-minute drive away, a detour to Ballintoy is highly recommended as a captivating side trip.

Fort Manoel, Malta

Undoubtedly, one of the most heart-wrenching moments in "Game of Thrones" occurs when Ned Stark meets his tragic demise by the command of King Joffrey, right in the bustling square of the fictional King's Landing. In reality, this poignant scene was filmed at Fort Manoel, an impressive star-shaped fort constructed from limestone along Malta's shores. This fortification was built during the 18th century and remains on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list.

Kirkjufell, Iceland

The breathtaking landscapes beyond the Wall in "Game of Thrones" were brought to life through filming at various locations across Iceland. Among these locations, one scene that remains etched in memory is when Daenerys and her dragons come to the rescue (almost) of everyone from the clutches of the Night King, featured in Season Seven, Episode Six. This scene was filmed at Kirkjufell, a renowned hill that stands as one of Iceland's most iconic landmarks. Kirkjufell, adorned with waterfalls, exudes a vibrant green during warmer months and is draped in a snowy mantle during winter, making it an ideal setting for depicting the northern reaches beyond the Wall. Located approximately a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, Kirkjufell is easily accessible by car. Its accessibility has even earned it the distinction of being considered the most photographed mountain in Iceland.

Doune Castle, Scotland

The captivating pilot episode of "Game of Thrones" introduced the audience to the Stark family's ancestral home of Winterfell, which was filmed at Doune Castle, central Scotland. This historic castle has also appeared in famous productions such as "Outlander" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Doune Castle is conveniently situated approximately an hour and 15 minutes from Edinburgh and 45 minutes from Glasgow. Constructed during the 14th century, this medieval stronghold is notable for its remarkably tall gatehouse, soaring to a height of about 100 feet. It is important to note that while Doune Castle served as the initial depiction of Winterfell in the pilot episode, subsequent episodes featuring Winterfell were filmed at Castle Ward in Northern Ireland.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

While most of the King's Landing scenes were filmed in a studio, certain exterior shots were captured in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Trsteno Arboretum was selected to portray the majestic palace gardens. The Jesuit Staircase was transformed into the iconic steps of the Great Sept of Baelor, and bustling market scenes were filmed on St. Dominic Street. Not only this but the renowned MinÄÂÂÂÂÂÂ&Acirceta Tower, a 14th-century fortress often visited by tourists for its stunning views of the city and sea, was chosen to depict the House of the Undying.

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