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
The primary director for Game of Thrones was Alan Taylor, who helmed the show’s first two seasons. After this, several different directors stepped in to work on various episodes throughout the series, including David Nutter and Miguel Sapochnik. Other notable directors that worked on the show include Neil Marshall and Jeremy Podeswa.
Fun Facts and Trivia About the Game of Thrones
In the final season, five of the main actors renegotiated their contracts and were paid $1 million per episode. This made them some of the highest paid actors.
After the show first aired, George R.R. Martin sent a letter to Jack Gleeson stating, “congratulations on your marvelous performance. Everyone hates you!”
Jason Momoa performed the Haka dance of the Maori people from New Zealand in his audition tape.
Did Game of Thrones Receive Any Awards?
Yes, Game of Thrones was nominated for 59 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 38. The show also won 4 Creative Arts Emmys, 2 Golden Globe awards and 1 Peabody award. It was even included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most-awarded television series in history. Additionally, over its 8 season run, the show received a total of 189 nominations and won 129 awards, making it one of the most successful television series ever.
What is Northern Ireland Famous For?
Northern Ireland is an area of the United Kingdom located in the north-east of the island of Ireland. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique heritage.
Ireland is known for its celtic folklore so don’t be surprised if you hear talk about fairies. Many people of the older generation will still claim that they’ve seen fairies in their lifetime.
There are a few places that it’s famous for. The Giant’s Causeway is known as the 8th Wonder of the World to the Irish. The hexagonal rocks were created six million years ago by basaltic lava. Legend has it that it was really the work of the Irish giant Finn McCool so he could cross over to Scotland and go into battle against his enemy Benandonner.
Another cool attraction is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Ballintoy. You can walk across the rope bridge for free. If it’s anyway windy, it can be a scary experience. Take it from me. I crossed it when it was windy. Let’s just say I did my share of swaying. If it’s very windy the bridge is closed down. You won’t be allowed to walk the bridge if it’s too windy because it’s too dangerous.
A more recent attraction is the Titanic Exhibition in Belfast. This attraction was opened in 2012 and is a monument to Belfast’s maritime heritage. It tells the history of the Titanic and its voyage.
Unique Places in Northern Ireland
If you really want to see some unusual places, here are a few to keep in mind:
- The Dark Hedges
- Tepee Valley Campsite
- The Headhunters Barber Shop (get a haircut with your tour!)
- Llama trekking
- Cliff jumping in Ballintoy
These are just a few but certainly worth checking out.
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. Guest parking is available at the dedicated cr park located at The Boulevard, Banbridge. It is not possible to park onsite. There are plenty of package deals to choose from. Be sure to book in advance so you are not disappointed.
Things to Do in Northern Ireland
There’s plenty to do in Northern Ireland. Personally, I enjoy going up there whenever I can. I just need to remember to bring pound currency with me. They don’t take euros up there. Here’s a few more things to add to your list of places to visit:
- St. George’s Market, Belfast
- Climb Slieve Binnian in County Down
- The Derry Walls, Derry
- Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim
- Ulster American Folk Park,County Tyrone
- Rathlin Island, County Antrim*
*I’ve actually been to Rathlin Island and can confirm that it’s a beautiful place and well worth a visit.
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?
The wall is located at the Svinafellsjokull Glacier, Iceland
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.
What Else Was Filmed in Ireland?
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:
