I put off watching Game of Thrones for as long as I possibly could.
My brother and his wife are such big fans that they had a Game of Thrones themed wedding, and even called their daughter Arya, so it was inevitable that I’d end up watching it someday. The reason I put it off was that I knew I would love it, and I’ve been so busy lately, that the last thing I wanted was to get hooked on a damn TV show!
However, a few weeks ago, when a friend suggested we watch it, I agreed, but inside I was like ‘Here we go…’ I was instantly hooked, and watched the first three seasons in three weeks.
The storylines are like a roller coaster ride… but that’s all I’ll say about that (I’m no spoiler), and once you get past all the sex, drama, blood and gore, you’ll be wowed by the amazing filming locations they’ve chosen around the world. Some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Places that would make great holiday destinations…
Northern Ireland
The majority of Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland, a country that has a special place in my heart, because I used to live there back in the early 2000’s, long before the Lannisters and the Starks! My job required me to do a fair bit of exploring to many of the Game of Thrones locations (of course they weren’t so famous back then). But, still to this day, Northern Ireland (and the Republic of Ireland) is one of my absolute favorite places in the world.
Dark Hedges, County Antrim
These spectacular trees, known as The Dark Hedges, are over 200 years old. The hauntingly beautiful setting has attracted artists and tourists for some time, even moreso since it was used in Game of Thrones. Legend has it that the ‘Grey Lady’ appears at dusk to briefly scare the living daylights out of unsuspecting wanderers before vanishing through the trees. Spooky! Mind you, I’d fancy meeting a ghost a lot more than some of the Game of Thrones characters, wouldn’t you? Unless it was Tyrion. I love Tyrion.
Murlough Bay, County Antrim
Murlough Bay is one of my favorite places in Northern Ireland, and it doubles as Storm’s End. They also did some filming a few miles down the road at the Cushenun Caves. Murlough Nature Reserve is famous for the ancient sand dunes that line the coast. Visitors can navigate the dunes on purpose built paths and look out for the many varieties of flowers, birds, and butterflies that call it home.
Other places to visitin Northern Ireland include Strangford Lough/Castle Ward (Winterfell), the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park, the River Quoile in County Down, Marble Arch Caves and Geopark in County Fermanagh, Ballintoy Caves in County Antrim, and Downhill Beach in County Londonderry.
I’m thinking it may be time to cross the water once again, as this would make a great road trip. Who’s coming?
Malta
Gozo
The island of Gozo is known for its natural beauty and magical landscapes, so it’s no surprise they chose it for Game of Thrones. The Azure Window, a naturally formed limestone arch, made the perfect back drop for the wedding of Daenerys Targaryen to Khal Drogo in episode one. It’s thought that the arch might collapse within a few years, so go sooner rather than later if you want to see it in all its glory.
Mdina
The ancient walled city of Medina, known as the ‘Silent City’, has a history that is as interesting as it is long. It’s been home to a Saint (St Paul), and survived earthquakes, wars, and conquests. As such, it made a wonderful setting for King’s Landing, the capital of Westeros, in Season 1. One of the most notable scenes was filmed at the city gate: the arrival of Ned Stark.
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Croatia
Dubrovnik
From Season 2 onwards, filming of King’s Landing moved to the beautiful city of Dubrovnik in Croatia. It’s not hard to see why many people fall in love with the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, each year. You can spend hours walking the city walls, admiring the architecture, riding a cable car or eating in of the many harbour restaurants.
Split
It may have a slightly odd name, but Split is an old, but super cool city, with mountains on one side and spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea on the other. If it’s good enough for the Mother of Dragons, it’s good enough for me!
Iceland
Grjótagjá Caves
This small geothermal cave has water so toasty you can bathe in it, even when it’s freezing outside. In the late ’70s and early ’80s the water was too hot, but the temperature is dropping again so get your swimsuits ready. I wouldn’t mind taking a little swim with Jon Snow in here. I’m sure many of the ladies would agree?
Vatnajökul National Park
Iceland is arguably one of the most beautiful countries in the world with landscapes like this. It just screams epic and mystical adventures. The original home of fire and ice, you can feast your eyes on geysers and waterfalls ‘north of the wall’. It’s rumored that Neil Armstrong said ‘the moon was a bit of a let down after Iceland.’ Just sayin’.
Morocco
Essaouira
Essaouira in Morocco is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the fictional Game of Thrones slave hub of Astapor. It’s a Moroccan city with a French vibe, and its position on the coast has given it the nickname the ‘Wind City of Africa’. It probably comes as no surprise that Essaouira was also used for location shoots in both Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
Aït Benhaddou
This city is the type of place that will make you feel like you’re on a film set. It’s the Morocco of your imagination, almost Biblical in appearance. It becomes Yunkai in Game Thrones, but it’s also been used for Gladiator, The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Alexander, Kingdom of Heaven, Prince of Persia, The Last Temptation of Christ and Jesus of Nazareth – I think you get the picture!
There are all kinds of Game of Thrones tours popping up these days, and they do look pretty amazing. History, adventure, stunning landscapes… I think I have my 2015 year travel plans sorted.
Northern Ireland, Croatia, and Iceland have been on my bucket list since before Game of Thrones began airing. Why have I not been to these places yet?! Also, Jon Snow and geothermal cave? Yes, please.
Ha ha, Jon Snow is a hottie! If he turns evil in a future series I’m giving up on the world!
They’re all beautiful places aren’t they? Get those flights booked Melissa! 🙂
The variety of places they have chosen is amazing. They must have a huge budget.
I know, huuuuge budget! My sister in laws friend works on the show, bet it’s amazing being on the sets! But yes, agreed, amazing locations!
I love the show for two reasons only: mother of dragons and the gorgeous locations!
Daenerys is very cool! I also watch it for the gorgeous locations. And my favourite characters… Tyrion and Jon Snow!
Great post! All the pics are great. I’ve been to Dubrovnik and Split and both were places I’ll never forget. I linked to this post from my blog. Hope that’s ok.
https://lettersfromtheline.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/traveling-with-baggage-3/
I compared Dubrovnik to a one-night-stand!
Hey Rick, absolutely fine to link through to the post, thanks!
Thank you for the compliment on the post, it was fun t write! 🙂
Awesome locations.
And, yep, like you were I’m still putting it off 🙂 Have read all the books several times but am wary about the TV series as I hate to have my idea of that world spoiled. Will get to it someday. Just not now 🙂
Thanks for the photos though.
Thanks Michelle! Reading the books, then watching it on TV/film, is always a tough one. If you’e anything like me, I often forget I’m reading a book. I don’t even see the words, I’m there. My imagination is always so much better. There’s only been a few books I’ve read that have translated well to screen… The Godfather and Green Mile being two that were really true to them. However, my brother is a massive fan of the books and he seems to enjoy the TV series too… 🙂
This post was literally MADE for me. My whole purpose in life is to visit places based on my geeky pop-culture interests, and Game of Thrones is totally my jam right now. I am putting every single location on my bucket list. Thank you so much sharing this!
You’re welcome Candice! I am a massive pop culture geek too! Have fun on your travels through Westeros!
The locations are stunning and so interesting! Ireland has always been on my bucket list. Now I will add Croatia and Malta. 🙂
Ahhh I really want to goto some of these! My partner was recently in Croatia and I was so jealous. I sort of pretended I was on a Game of Thrones set in Rome…totally not the same…