I’m going to be honest; if you haven’t seen Game of Thrones, you are missing out. Not only is the blood-soaked, saucy drama compulsive viewing, it is also filmed in some of the world’s most stunning scenery which satisfies the wanderlust for at least an hour. 

Ireland is to Game of Thrones as New Zealand is to Lord of the Rings. And it can all be seen in a three-day self-drive itinerary along the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland. 

“I remember when we were scouting other countries, they just didn’t look right, there is something, it’s hard to put your finger on, but they felt a little too new,” Game of Thrones executive producer and writer David Benioff said.

Ireland is a haunting country, and with its moody skies, barren stretches of green and scattered ruins you feel as if you are breathing in history. There is a reason why the legend of faeries and leprechauns exists here – when lost on the country’s moors, it seems entirely plausible. Thus it is the perfect setting for a suspension of disbelief for a fantasy loosely based on the trials and travails of European history.

“You really need to believe you’re in a space that has been there for thousands of years and you get that in the Irish forests,” Benioff said.

Atmospheric Northern Ireland was used as the setting for Westeros in the HBO series. “The Causeway Coast and Glens looked amazing on film and suited Game of Thrones with the rugged, barren and at times, wild backdrops,” Michelle Fairley, who plays Lady Catelyn Stark, said. 

The spiritual landscape translates well to the drama which began as a book series and has become one of the most popular television shows of our time.

“Coming back to film Game Of Thrones was meant to feel like home, and it did. It’s an area I love and you can never tire of looking at the stunning scenery,” Fairley said.

Aside from the self drive, there is also an option to tour the film sets along the route with an extra who has insider knowledge of the filming. The tourism board has helpfully aided the journey with signs to lead you on your way. 

“Northern Ireland is a superb place to film because you find spectacular beauty within a very quick car drive from Belfast,” Game of Thrones season two location manager Robert Boake said. 

Belfast also boasts the Titanic Studios, where the interior scenes and special effects are created for the show.

Tourism Ireland has reported a distinct increase in visitation figures and credits the boost to Game of Thrones fans. 

“We are thrilled Game of Thrones is able to expose the beauty and history of Northern Island to a global audience, giving so many people the chance to see the region in a fresh light,” Tourism Ireland Australia and New Zealand manager Diane Butler said. 

The television show is estimated to have created $123 million for the local economy at the end of season three. “Game of Thrones fans search out their very own land of fire and ice beyond the screens,” Butler said.  

SETJETTER HOTSPOTS

Real: Cushendun Caves in County Antrim are found by walking down a stretch of beach with large pebble flecked boulders that lie in the shallow water. The caves are open to be explored and the walls are lumpy with stones and rocks smoothed by weather.

Fantasy: This is the place where the sorceress Melisandre, full title being the Red Priestess of the Lord of Light, reaches a beach and takes shelter in a cave where she gives birth to a phantom spirit that takes the form of smoke. If you haven’t seen this episode yet, lower those eyebrows. You’ll believe it when you watch it. 

Real: The Dark Hedges near Armoy are an avenue of trees that reel you in with their seductive twisted and gnarled bare branches. They are more than 200 year old beech trees, and have enough history to work as an alluring and mysterious setting for the show.

Fantasy: This is where Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing and this avenue provided shelter as a cart procession led her flight from danger. The trees are a tunnel and as it’s Ireland, there’s a superstition attached. This legend pertains to a grey lady who appears at dusk. 

Real: Castle Ward in County Down which overlooks Strangford Lough. It is an 18th century mansion surrounded by overgrown woodland, the lakeshore and a characteristically Georgian farmyard. You can even take archery lessons and act out the fantasy.

Fantasy: This is Winterfell – the spiritual home of Game of Thrones and where all the epic drama begins to unravel. This is the northern territory of the seven kingdoms on the show, and the seat of power for key character and the King’s Hand, Ned Stark. This scenery will remind you of the season one scene when King Robert Baratheon visits Winterfell.

Real: Shane’s Castle in County Antrim is a location that seems haunted and is backed up by local legends of a banshee called the White Lady of Sorrow. Built in 1345, it is a blank canvas of bricks and bare windows due to a destructive fire in 1816. There is an impressive fort that remains intact, with gaps for canons.

Fantasy: This castle is used as one of the sets for King’s Landing, the capital of the seven kingdoms and the place where the Machiavellian battles for power occur. It was also used as the backdrop for the Hand’s Tournament, a horse jousting competition that is yet another excuse for the gory scenes Game of Thrones is renowned for.  

Real: Murlough Bay is a precious sand dune that dates back six millennia. It is sandwiched between Dundrum Bay and the mysterious Mourne mountains. It is reached via a narrow and steep road. But don’t give up, it will be worth it when you arrive.

Fantasy: This is the Iron Islands, the place where Theon Greyjoy and his sister ride on horseback. A hard land, it takes on a lighter tone in the series as the setting where Lady Stark swims as a young girl. For more Iron Islands, Ballintoy Harbour is where Theon Greyjoy arrives and assesses his ship and crew for voyage.