Game of Thrones, a kind of medieval fantasy
adventure for adults (it has an 18 certificate), is based on the novel A Song
of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin about the fight for control of the
fictional land of Westeros involving several noble families. The TV adaptation of Martin's work, made by
HBO and launched in 2011, is being screened by Sky Atlantic in this country,
and is currently on season 4, although at least two more are planned. The show's visual impact owes much to the
wild beauty of Northern Ireland,
particularly County
Down and the Antrim
coast. This piece will cover the
main locations used for the series in County
Down; the Antrim
coast will have to wait for another time. Watch
this space.
Anyone visiting the low-lying areas of County Down
cannot fail to notice the Mountains of Mourne, which dominate the horizon
hereabouts. The mountains form the
backdrop to many of the scenes in Game of Thrones, often decked out in snow for
added effect. The bleak, windswept
conditions on the mountains must have been an endurance test for the cast and
crew, but as one of the team remarked in an interview, this adds to the
authenticity of the proceedings. This,
after all, is the northern edge of civilization for the peoples of Game of
Thrones. The scenes depicting the Stark family
seat, Winterfell, make use of the estate of Castle Ward on Strangford Loch (Doune Castle
in Scotland
was used in the pilot series for the external shots). King Robert is seen arriving at Winterfell
with his entourage in season one; this scene was shot at Old Castle Ward, a
16th century ruin in the lower part of the estate. Near Castle Ward is Audley's Field and Castle,
the scene of Robb's camp, where viewers witness the capture and release of the
Kingslayer and Talisa tending to the wounded.
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| A southerly view of Audley's Castle, County Down - geograph.org.uk - 1659939. Photo by Des Colhoun, via Wikimedia Commons. |
In the foothills of the Mourne Mountains
lies Tollymore Forest Park, where Theon is stalked by Ramsay Snow. This area is used to depict the snow-covered
lands between Winterfell and the Wall.
Meanwhile, the monastic ruins of Inch Abbey on the River Quoile outside
Downpatrick also feature heavily in the series.
The river itself is used as the Riverlands, home of the Tullys, and the area
around the abbey features in Hoster Tully's funeral as well as the journey
undertaken by The Hound and Arya towards the Red Fork.
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| Newcastle Co, Down - geograph.org.uk - 97011. Photo by Patrick Haughian, via Wikimedia Commons. |
Tourism providers in Northern Ireland
have been quick to cater for visiting Game of Thrones fans. In particular the National Trust owned Castle
Ward, where Clear Sky Adventure offers a range of activities including the
chance to dress up in character costumes and indulge in a spot of archery. There are also boat tours and self-guided
cycle trails taking in some of the locations used in the filming of the show
such as Winterfell, Robb's Camp and Dreadfort.
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| Old Castle Ward. Photo by Irishdeltaforce, via Wikimedia Commons. |
The County Down locations are easily
accessible from Belfast, which has an International Airport
as well as ferry links to Liverpool, the Isle of Man and Cairnryan (Stranraer) in Scotland.
Map of County Down.
