WITH stunning landscapes and authentic medieval buildings you don’t have to travel far to see why HBO film scouts chose Northern Ireland as the perfect place to film Game of Thrones.
But if simply visiting the film locations isn’t enough to satisfy your love for the show, we've put together our top suggestions of the best outdoor activities so you can bring the fantasy of the hit TV show life.
Get into character and transport yourself back into the world of Westeros with Clearsky Adventure Centre based in the National Trust Castle Ward Estate in Strangford. A key filming location for season one, their Game of Thrones Archery Experience allows you to get kitted out in Stark family costumes before entering Winterfell and experiencing the feeling of being on your very own movie set.
Receiving instruction from a fully qualified archery instructor, you will take aim with medieval arrows and bows in the very place where young Bran was taught by Jon Snow.
Then explore the grounds of the estate during the self-guided Game of Thrones Cycle Tour. Armed with a map, don’t forget your camera as the tour will take you to where many pivotal Game of Thrones scenes took place including ‘Winterfell’, ‘King Roberts Arrival’ and ‘The Twins’. With 20km of off-road trails to cycle, there will never be a dull moment.
Northern Ireland has some of GOT's most instantly recognised locations. Set sail for the Iron Islands on a high-speed voyage of discovery with Aquaholics on their Causeway Coast Sea Safari. Departing from Portstewart harbour, you’ll zoom across the sea on a speedboat while your skipper points out key locations including Cushendun Caves (The Stormlands), Ballintoy Harbour (Phyke, The Iron Islands), Carrick-a-Rede (The Stormlands, Larrybane), Downhill Beach (Dragonstone) and Murlough Bay (Storm’s End).
You can wrap up warm and join the Night’s Watch in Tollymore Forest Park in Co Down. Featured in the first episode of season one, you might recognise it from the scene in which a member of the Night’s Watch rides through the snowy forest and stumbles upon Wildling bodies. Tollymore is home to fantastic walking trails.
For more information on the above experiences or to purchase a Christmas gift for a Game of Thrones fan you know, visit www.OutdoorNI.com.
:: The tours and activities mentioned above are independently operated and are not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with HBO or anyone associated with Game of Thrones.
