If you’re one of the millions of fans of Game of Thrones then you already know the hit HBO series is filmed in Northern Ireland. The Dark Hedges in Co. Antrim is an iconic tree tunnel doubling as the King’s Road. Earlier this year, gusty storm Gertrude knocked two of these historical trees. Creatively carving the felled wood into 10 pub doors, featuring season six pivotal moments, Tourism Ireland in co-operation with HBO, installed these 10 iconic doors in specially selected pubs across Northern Ireland, close to filming locations. For more information on the Northern Ireland Game of Thrones door trail visit http://bit.ly/294F0Wq
Here, Tourism Ireland selects their top picks on what to visit while in their country:
GRACEHILL HOUSE, THE DARK HEDGES, CO. ANTRIM
The iconic beech trees in The Dark Hedges are one of the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland. Just minutes away is Gracehill House, a beautiful Georgian mansion and home to the seventh Game of Thrones inspired carved door, depicting the Targaryen Dragons. In season one, The Dark Hedges were transformed into the Kingsroad, where Arya Stark made her escape from King’s Landing.
BALLYGALLY CASTLE, BALLYGALLY, CO. ANTRIM The penultimate door can be found in the enchanting Ballygally Castle hotel, County Antrim. The door is being used as the entrance to the castles Garden Restaurant and depicts the famous battle between House Stark and House Bolton. The hotel is also offering mouthwatering Game of Thrones inspired dishes; guests can indulge in their Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea or try the new Westeros Tomahawk Steak Dish, served with Valyrian Steel Style Carving knife.
THE CUAN HOTEL, CASTLE WARD, CO. DOWN
The first door to be unveiled is displayed at The Cuan Hotel. The hotel is only one mile from Castle Ward in County Down, which was used as the home of House Stark in Winterfell. The 18th century guesthouse boasts classical and gothic architecture, sits on rolling hills overlooking a lough and is a National Trust property open all-year-round. The star-studded cast of Game of Thrones were also frequent visitors to The Cuan Hotel during the filming of season one and two.
SLIEVE DONARD RESORT AND SPA, TOLLYMORE FOREST PARK, CO. DOWN
The beautiful Tollymore Forest Park, bursting with lush green trees, bridges and caves is the setting for the Haunted Forest. This filming location is where fans first see the White Walkers as well as Theon being hunted by villain, Ramsay Bolton. From there, spot one of the ten carved doors at the luxurious Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in nearby town Newcastle, nestled at the foot of the majestic Mourne Mountains.
FULLERTON ARMS, BALLINTOY HARBOUR, CO. ANTRIM
On a winding road on the Antrim Coast is the calm and peaceful Ballintoy Harbour. This location was the setting for the series’ rugged Iron Islands, used for Theon Greyjoy’s homecoming scene. The neighbouring Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy is home to the yet another door. Visitors can make a night of it and book a room at the traditional pub and hotel.
THE DARK HORSE, BELFAST. CO ANTRIM
To see the last and final door installation head to The Dark Horse in Belfast, a European style coffee house and pub nestled along a narrow cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area of the Cathedral Quarter. From there, head to Titanic Studios, one of Europe’s largest film studios and used to create countless interiors for Game of Thrones, such as The Throne Room and the recently pulverized Sept of Baelor.
For more information on the Northern Ireland Game of Thrones door trail visit http://bit.ly/294F0Wq
For more information on Ireland visit www.ireland.com
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