April 14, 2019, marked the highly anticipated return of Game of Thrones. Now in its eighth and final season, the last series of the ever-popular fantasy drama promises to be the best yet.
Northern Ireland serves as the filming destination for the HBO hit on account of its breathtaking expanses, historic castles and awe-inspiring mountainous areas. And fortunately, The Bushmills Inn is located just a stone’s throw away from many of the most recognisable GoT locations, making it the most ideal base from which to explore.
Listed below are just some of the magical Northern Ireland locations that appear in the Game of Thrones series:
Dark Hedges Experience
Undoubtedly, The Dark Hedges is one of the most recognisable GoT locations, appearing in Season 2 Episode 1 when Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing disguised as a boy. On the lookout for a filming destination for the Kingsroad, HBO location scouts came across the impressive the 18th Century arched serpentine beech trees in Country Antrim and their minds were instantly made up.
Doors of Thrones
Due to the gale-force winds of Storm Gertrude back in 2016, multiple trees making up The Dark Hedges were blown over. To salvage their history, individuals took it upon themselves to carve the felled wood into a collection of 10 intricate doors, hung across a variety of locations in Northern Ireland. The doors tell the story of Season 6 in Game of Thrones, many of which are located in close vicinity to The Bushmills Inn.
Ballintoy
Remember when Theon Greyjoy arrived back to Lordsport Harbour on Pyke, the Iron Islands? Or when Davos Seaworth was shipwrecked after the Battle of Blackwater Bay? In fact, the majestic coastline that you saw on your TV was actually the stunning Ballintoy Harbour, located just 15 minutes away from The Bushmills Inn and 10 minutes from the Giant’s Causeway - one of our favourite attractions on the Causeway Coast.
Portstewart Strand
Stretching along the edge of the North Coast, the Portstewart Strand is one of Northern Ireland’s most loved beaches. The Strand featured as the coast of Dorne in Season 5 when Cersei Lannister tasked her brother Jamie to fetch her daughter Myceralla and bring her back to King’s Landing.
Downhill Beach
Serving as the filming location for Dragonstone where Lady Melisandre sacrificed the Gods of Westeros, Downhill Beach is instantly recognisable to GoT fanatics. It also overlooked by the famous Mussenden Temple.
Book a break to explore
To experience Game of Thrones like you never have before, why not book a break at The Bushmills Inn? Not only is it the most ideal location from which to visit the local GoT attractions, but there also are a variety of special offers available such as weekend retreats, bed and breakfast stays and so much more. During your stay, you can delight in our fine dining Restaurant or relax while you sip Cocktails and nibble on Bar Bites in our famous Gas Bar - the choice is up to you.
To book a Game of Thrones break online, visit our Offers page.
For more information, contact us on +44 (0)28 2073 3000 or email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
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