Whether you're a hardcore Game of Thrones fan or a novice who has fallen a few series behind, there is something for everyone in Northern Ireland's HBO worthy landscape.
From its imposing castles to its breathtaking views, Northern Ireland truly is a land fit for lords, ladies and the odd low-flying dragon. It's little wonder, therefore, that HBO has chosen a number of locations on its landscape to stage George R. R. Martin's fantastical world of Westeros.
We've compiled a list of legendary locations that are a must-see equally for their link to the series and sheer beauty alike.
The King's Road
Perhaps the most photographed of all of the sets is the dark hedges, the site of the king's road in the series in which Arya travels disguised as a boy as she flees. When the hedges were damaged in a storm, the felled wood was used to create a series of doors decorated with scenes from the series. They now hang in pubs and restaurants across the region, offering visitors yet another adventure trail linked to the series.
Dothraki grasslands
The Shillanavogy Valley by Slemish Mountain in County Antrim was the site of the Dothraki grasslands camp, through which Daenerys travelled towards her new husband's homeland.This is also the area that St. Patrick is said to have tended to the pigs when he first arrived in Ireland.
Vaes Dothrak
The county features the Mourne Mountains which played host to the entrance of Vaes Dothrak. At the mountain's feet lies Leitrim lodge which was the site of the woods where Bran met Jojen and Meera.
Dragon spotting
In Derry lies Binevenagh Mountain. With its vast and stunning views, it takes little to imagine yourself at the heart of the scene as Daenerys is rescued by her dragon.
A trip to Meereen
The largest lake in the British Isles, Lough Neagh hosted the Summer Sea of Westeros. It was across this fresh water that Jorah sails with the kidnapped Tyrion to Meereen.
Winterfell
In Co. Down lies Castle Ward which acted as the Stark homestead of Winterfell. A trip to the estate offers fans the opportunity to try their hand at archery like Bran or envelope themselves in a cape worthy of John Snow.
Starks and Freys
Also located in County Down are the ruins used to create the towers known as the Twins, where the Starks entered talks with the Freys to cross the Green Fork.
Iron Island
Ballintoy Harbour in County Antrim set the stage for the arrival of Theon Greyjoy onto the Iron Islands. The nearby village of Ballintoy is picturesque while the beach is just the spot to stretch your legs after a long drive.
Storms and shadows
Also in Antrim are Cushendun Caves. This is where Melisandre gave birth to the sinister shadow, while the exterior featured as the backdrop of the Stormlands. The caves were burrowed by harsh weather conditions over the course of 400 million years.
The whole story
Another recent addition to the Game of Thrones scene in Ireland is a large tapestry. Hanging in the Ulster museum, the tapestry depicts the progression of the series throughout the first six seasons.The linen used is from one of the last surviving mills in Northern Ireland.
