Six Famous Filming Locations in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, and many TV series and movies have realised this and filmed some, if not all, of their scenes here. HBO's Game of Thrones is the most famous example, but it's not the only one.

Wouldn't it be awesome to visit a location from your favourite movie or series? Well, you can! Here are six famous filming locations in Northern Ireland that have been featured in TV series and films.

Game of Thrones Locations

Game of Thrones (2011–2019) was filmed in 25 locations across Northern Ireland. Four of them are within a 30-minute drive from each other and can be enjoyed as part of the many different Game of Thrones location tours offered by various travel companies.

1. The Dark Hedges

Fans of the series will instantly recognise the Dark Hedges. Located 20 minutes south of Giant's Causeway, it's worth taking the slight detour to see another wonder of nature. The Dark Hedges aren't hedges; they're beech trees planted in the 18th century that have grown and intertwined with each other, creating a tunnel experience over the road.

When Season 2 opens, Arya Stark, dressed as a boy, escapes King's Landing; she walks right under the Dark hedges on her way south.

The Dark Hedges recently underwent much-needed maintenance to remove trees that endangered visitors.

As the Dark Hedges covers a main road, it doesn't have any opening or closing hours, but be prepared for traffic congestion as people pull over to take selfies. Don't let that time go to waste; plan your next stop on your itinerary or browse through the best Irish casinos on your phone while you wait.

2. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Situated 30 metres above sea level, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge connects the mainland to the rocky island of Carrick-a-Rede. It was built by salmon fishermen in 1755 as the only way to cross the 20-metre-wide chasm. Today, it's a tourist attraction for the not-so-faint-hearted. Walking across the bridge is an exhilarating experience, followed by a more leisurely walk along the clifftop paths on the island.

Game of Thrones fans will surely recognise it as the backdrop for the epic battle between the King of the Iron Islands, Balon Greyjoy, and his younger brother Euron.

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was closed to visitors during the pandemic, as social distancing wasn't possible, but it has since reopened. Just keep in mind that bookings are essential because limited numbers of visitors are permitted.

Tourists can visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge daily between 9 am and 6 pm, with the final entry onto the bridge at 4.30 pm.

3. Downhill Strand Beach

Downhill Strand Beach, featured in Season 2 of Game of Thrones as Dragonstone, was also where Stannis Baratheon's rejection of the Seven Gods scene was filmed. The 18th Century Gothic Mussenden Temple and the ruins of the old bishop's lodging, known as Downhill House, are perched above the beach.

Game of Thrones camera crews situated themselves outside the temple and filmed the beach scenes from there.

Mussenden Temple is currently closed to visitors, but tourists can wander around the area and through the ruins of Downhill House. There is a car park fee for a full day, but no other charge for seeing the sites. The area is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

4. Giant's Causeway

While no filming was done at this site, it's believed to have inspired other sets and is included on most Game of Thrones tours. A UNESCO World Heritage site on the country's northern tip, Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's most well-known tourist attraction and believed to be over 60 million years old.

The site's most unique feature is the 40,000 perfectly formed interlocked stones that comprise a massive pavement. Local legends suggest that once upon a time, giants used this pavement to reach Scotland.

Several pathways easily access Giant's Causeway, and it's suitable for all ages. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, take the 5 km hike along the clifftop path.

The visitor centre and car park are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Exploring the area takes over an hour, so the last admission is at 4 pm.

Other Movie and TV Locations and Experiences

Game of Thrones is one of the most widely known programs filmed in Northern Ireland, but there are plenty more. Here are two other locations used in TV series and movies or that have a tourist attraction connected to them.

5. Titanic Belfast

Everyone knows the famous HMS Titanic departed from Southampton in the UK on its way to New York, but many don't realise it was built in Northern Ireland. The dock is still there in Belfast, as is an interactive museum that James Cameron (the iconic movie's director) claims is the most extensive Titanic exhibit in the world.

There are two experiences for visitors. The self-guided tour involves listening to an audio presentation. The Discovery Tour is a guided tour that provides guests with facts and stories about that fateful journey that haven't been told before.

The Titanic Belfast is a leisurely 30-minute stroll from the city centre. Opening times are seasonal; the last tour begins 1 hour and 40 minutes before closing. It's best to check the website before you depart to confirm its operating hours on the day you plan to visit.

6. Tollymore Forest Park

The popular series Derry's Girls was filmed in several locations in Northern Ireland, but the most recognisable is Tollymore Forest Park, which was used as Derry Girls' Wood.

The national park is at the base of the Mourne Mountain range, which was also featured in Derry Girls, crime series The Fall and the movie Dracula Untold.

Tollymore Forest Park is only a five-kilometre drive from Newcastle and is open year-round.

Conclusion

Northern Ireland is a TV and movie lover's paradise. Watch the shows or films mentioned above, then head out to see the locations for yourself — they're almost on your doorstep!