Game of Thrones Filming Locations in the UK, Croatia and Spain
The Game of Thrones was a very successful television series that was released on HBO. The first episode was in April 2011. It ran for 73 episodes (8 seasons) before concluding in May 2019. This show had a very loyal domestic and international fan base. But where was Game of Thrones filmed? Turns out it was filmed in a number of different countries but one main country. So let’s discover the film locations!
Where Was The Game Of Thrones Filmed?
Many of the show’s iconic scenes were shot in Northern Ireland, with locations including Belfast, Castle Ward and Tollymore Forest Park. Filming also took place in Iceland, Malta, Spain and Croatia for some of the scenes set further afield. In addition to these countries, Game of Thrones filmed in various locations around the United States such as Los Angeles, California and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The production team also used some of the world’s most famous landmarks within filming locations, such as the Tower of Joy in Spain’s Castillo de Zafra and a part of Dubrovnik’s city walls to represent King’s Landing. Wherever Game of Thrones was filmed, it provided stunning visuals that enhanced the show’s captivating story.
Full List of Game of Thrones Filming Locations
According to IMDb, here is a list of all the Game of Thrones film locations:
- Split, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia
- Vrsno, Sibenik, Croatia
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Ouarzazate, Morocco
- Atlas Corporation Studios, Ouarzazate, Morocco
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Klis Fortress, Klis, Croatia
- Harland and Wolff Paint Hall, Titanic-Quarter, Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK
- Magheramorne Quarry, Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Mdina, Malta
- Gerona, Catalonia, Spain (City of Braavos)
- Seville, Andalucia, Spain
- Real Alcázar, Seville, Andalucia, Spain (Water Gardens of Dorne)
- Valletta, Malta
- Shane’s Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK
- Doune Castle, Doune, Stirling, Scotland, UK
- Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Dwejra, Gozo Island, Malta
- Ballymoney, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Volcano, Skaftafell National Park, Iceland
- Ramparts, Essaouira, Morocco (ramparts of Astapor)
- Castle of Zafra, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (Tower of Joy)
- El Chorrillo, Pechina, Almeria, Andalucia, Spain (Vaes Dothrak)
- Carncastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Tower of Mesa Roldan, Carboneras, Almeria, Spain (Peak of Meereen)
- Sierra de la Alhamilla, Almeria, Andalucia, Spain
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Vizcaya, País Vasco, Spain
- Trujillo, Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
- Cordoba, Andalucía, Spain
- Svínafellsjökull Glacier, Iceland
- Cáceres, Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
- Zumaia, Guipúzcoa, País Vasco, Spain
- Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Canet de Mar, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Osuna, Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain
- Barrika, Vizcaya, País Vasco, Spain
- Malpartida de Cáceres, Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
- Wolf Hill Quarry, Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
- Itálica, Santiponce, Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain
- Los Angeles, California, USA
- Reales Atarazanas de Sevilla, Sevilla, Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain
- Almodóvar del Río, Córdoba, Andalucía, Spain
- Kastilac Fort, Kastel Gomilica, Kastela, Croatia
- La Alcazaba, Almería, Almería, Andalucía, Spain
- Sierra de Caldereros, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
- Klis, Croatia
- Downhill Strand, Ireland, UK
- Portstewart Strand, Ireland, UK
The Game of Thrones Story
The Game of Thrones was created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. It is based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling book series “A Song of Ice and Fire.” It’s a story about nine noble families fighting for control of Westeros. The time period is set in 298 AC.
The world of Westeros has its share of knights, queens, castles, and other medieval characters. It should be noted that there are gory and brutal battle scenes and graphic acts of violence including women and children. It’s not a program for children under the age of 14.
Game of Thrones Cast
The Game of Thrones cast has been one of the largest in television–50+. The cast included:
- Emilia Clarke
- Peter Dinklage
- Kit Harington
- Sophia Turner
- Lena Headey
- Jason Momoa
- Maisie Williams
- Natalie Dormer
- Rose Leslie
- Nathalie Emmanuel
- Hanna Waddingham
- Pedro Pascal
- Richard Madden
- Jack Gleeson
- Esme Bianco
- Sean Bean
- Thomas Brodie-Sangster
- Joseph Quin
- Tom Hopper
- and a whole host of others!
The Game of Thrones Director
Game of Thrones had many directors. Tim Van Patten directed the first two episodes, and other key directors included Alan Taylor, David Nutter, Miguel Sapochnik, Neil Marshall and Jeremy Podeswa.
Can You Visit the Game of Thrones Filming Locations?
Yes, you can! Take the studio tour of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. The studio is located about 24 miles from Belfast. There are plenty of package deals to choose from. Be sure to book in advance so you are not disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is King’s Landing in real life
Dubrovnik, Croatia, was the main filming location for King’s Landing which is a fictional city.
Where is the wall filmed in Game of Thrones?
Castle Black and the Wall were built as sets at Magheramorne Quarry in Northern Ireland. The icy lands north of the Wall were filmed in Iceland, including at Svínafellsjökull glacier.
Final Thoughts
As someone who has explored many parts of Ireland, I can attest to the fact that it’s a pretty cool place to visit. There’s plenty to do and see and the people are very friendly. It would be very hard to have a bad time in Northern Ireland. If you haven’t already experienced it, I hope you consider it.
More Film Locations to Explore
If you are looking for more Ireland film locations similar to The Game of Thrones, insider information and behind the scenes footage of your favorite movies – here are some additional posts for you to check out:
Alanna Birmingham
Alanna Birmingham is a professional freelance writer and a Film Aficionado who adores watching, writing, and being involved in all elements of filmmaking.