Game Of Thrones Filming Locations And Tours

The Paint Hall at Titanic Studios in Belfast is Europe's largest film studio and housed many interior sets, including the Iron Throne room. While the studios themselves are a working facility, fans can get close to the production story at the official Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, which preserves original sets. It is the only official studio tour connected to the series and makes an easy half-day trip from Belfast.

Location 02

Dark Hedges

County Antrim, Armoy / Stranocum, United Kingdom Free to see

Filmed here: Kingsroad in Season 2 Episode 1 (Arya Stark escape scene)

This avenue of beech trees in County Antrim appeared as the Kingsroad in Season 2 Episode 1, during Arya Stark's escape scene. Today it is one of Northern Ireland's most photographed spots, and the road has been closed to vehicles since 2017 to protect the tree roots from tourist traffic. Free parking is available nearby at the Hedges Hotel. Expect crowds at peak times, as the site is fully public and very popular.

Location 03

Dubrovnik Old Town

Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Dubrovnik, Croatia Free to see

Filmed here: King's Landing exteriors (seasons 2-8)

Dubrovnik's walled old town served as King's Landing for exterior scenes across seasons 2 through 8, taking over from Malta after season 1. The UNESCO-listed city needs no screen credit to justify a visit, but Game of Thrones walking tours are widely available and popular with fans. Because the old town is fully public, visitors can also explore the filming spots independently between the walls, stairways, and fortresses.

Location 04

Castle Ward

County Down, Strangford, United Kingdom Ticketed

Filmed here: Winterfell exteriors (pilot and season 1 primarily)

This National Trust property near Strangford in County Down provided Winterfell's exteriors for the pilot and season 1 primarily. The grounds also include Audley's Castle, which appeared in the series. Access is ticketed with standard National Trust admission, and the estate's wooded shores at the narrows of Strangford Lough make it a pleasant outing even for visitors with only casual interest in the show.

Location 05

Magheramorne Quarry

County Antrim, Larne, United Kingdom Private property

Filmed here: Castle Black set and Hardhome (season 5)

This quarry near Larne in County Antrim hosted constructed sets for Castle Black and the Hardhome battle in season 5. It remains private property and is not open to the public, so travellers should not plan a visit here. Fans hoping to see Castle Black up close should instead head to the official studio tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, where preserved sets from the production are on display.

Location 06

Ballintoy Harbour

County Antrim, Ballintoy, United Kingdom Free to see

Filmed here: Lordsport / Pyke (Iron Islands, season 2)

This small coastal fishing harbour in County Antrim stood in for Lordsport and Pyke in the Iron Islands storyline of season 2. Access is free and the harbour is public, though the access road is steep, so visitors with mobility concerns should take care. It sits conveniently along the Causeway Coastal Route, which makes it an easy stop on most Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway day tours from Belfast.

Location 07

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Basque Country, Bakio, Spain Free to see

Filmed here: Dragonstone (season 7)

This hermitage on a rocky islet near Bakio in Spain's Basque Country became Dragonstone in season 7. Visitors reach it by a dramatic bridge and stairway, and the site has become a major tourist attraction in its own right. It is publicly accessible, though the walk demands reasonable fitness. Combining it with the Basque Coast makes a rewarding day trip from Bilbao for fans and non-fans alike.

Location 08

Real Alcázar de Sevilla

Andalusia, Seville, Spain Ticketed

Filmed here: Dorne / Sunspear (seasons 5-6)

The UNESCO-listed palace in Seville served as Dorne, specifically Sunspear, during seasons 5 and 6. Both its gardens and interiors appeared on screen, and the palace's Moorish architecture draws visitors regardless of their interest in the show. Entry is ticketed and guided tours are available. Timed admission is standard for this popular attraction, so booking ahead is wise, particularly in the busy spring and summer months.

Location 09

Svínafellsjökull Glacier

Vatnajökull National Park, near Skaftafell, Iceland Free to see

Filmed here: Beyond the Wall scenes

This glacier tongue near Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park stood in for scenes beyond the Wall across multiple seasons. The site is public and part of the national park, with guided glacier tours available for those who want to walk on the ice. It is remote and very much weather-dependent, so visitors should build flexibility into any Iceland itinerary that includes it.

Location 10

Tollymore Forest Park

County Down, Newcastle, United Kingdom Free to see

Filmed here: Winterfell woods and various forest scenes

This forest park near Newcastle in County Down provided the Winterfell woods and various forest scenes across the series. Entry is free and the park is popular for hiking as well as filming pilgrimages, with multiple Game of Thrones moments shot among its trees and river gorges. Its location in the Mournes makes it a natural pairing with Castle Ward for a County Down Game of Thrones day.

Location 11

Klis Fortress

Split-Dalmatia County, Klis, Croatia Ticketed

Filmed here: Meereen city gates and exteriors

This historic fortress near Split in Croatia appeared as the city gates and exteriors of Meereen. Entry requires a ticket, and the fortress rewards the climb with panoramic views over Split and the surrounding countryside. It is easily reached from Split and pairs naturally with a Dubrovnik trip for a Croatia itinerary that covers both King's Landing and Meereen in a single region.