NORTHERN IRELAND
Ward Castle (Invernalia)
Ward's majestic castle dominates Strangford Lake and with its 820 acres of land, it was used as a courtyard for Invernalia. The elegant house features details of Gothic and classical architecture, and the property includes an exotic garden, quiet paths and Woods, which will make you believe you are truly in the North.
Meanwhile, on Game Of Thrones Ward's castle grounds also appear in the first season and it is here that Robert Baratheon and his court arrive in Invernalia, and also where he and Ned Stark converse during a hunt. The castle is used as a courtyard in Invernalia.
Mussenden Temple, Downhill Beach (pygmy beach of the Seven Gods)
This beautiful golden sand beach of 11 kilometers is very well known for being where the Mussenden Temple is located. This classic circular temple was designed as a library. Standing still today, it stands on top of a cliff and provides spectacular views of the Northern Ireland Coast.
The Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Beach were used in Game Of Thrones in the outer footage of the Dragon Rock. Remember when Melisandre burns the ancient gods on the beach? Well, this scene was shot here. Here is also where Stannis Baratheon grabs the sword of the flaming fire, “bearer of light”. It is a beautiful place, but it is better that you do not burn anything, nor that you try to find out if you are the reincarnation of Azhor Ahai.
The Dark Hedges (the way to King's landing)
The Dark Hedges (”The Dark Hedges") are probably the most beautiful avenues in the world. The trees were planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century, to impress visitors as they approached their Georgian dwelling (Gracehill House)... and they succeeded perfectly. It has spectacular highlights, which make it one of the most photographed places in the country.
Back in Westeros, The Dark Hedges are the King's Road, which is the road leading to King's landing. As a boy, Arya escapes from the city with Yoren, Gendry, Pastel and all the other people who will join the night's watch.
Port of Ballintoy (Porto Nobile)
The Port of Ballintoy is the location in the real world of Porto Nobile (the Port of Pyke, in the Iron Islands). This fishing village, with its port, represents one of the most beautiful areas on the coast of Antrim.
The group that deals with the production of Game Of Thrones has chosen this place to be the Port of Pyke, where Theon Greyjoy lands for the first time in years, on Iron Island, admires his ship and has some problems with his crew.
Cushendun caves (the Land of the storm)
Cushendun's beautiful quarries were formed about 400 million years ago and present the extreme climatic conditions typical of Northern Ireland.
[SPOILER] This is where Davos Seaworth (following the orders of Stannis Baratheon) will land the Red Priestess Melisandre... for later to see them give birth, the dark creaura that will later kill Renly.
Larrybane (the Land of the storm)
Off the beautiful northern coast of Ireland, the Larrybane area also forms part of the Storm Lands in Game Of Thrones. The place is amazing and is connected to the islet of Sheep Island by one of the two most famous rope bridges in the world: Carrick-a-Rede. The island also has a quarry with beautiful views.
In Game Of Thrones, Larrybane transforms into the Lands of the storm, and it is here that King Renly mounts his camp and where the tournament in which Brienne de Tarth beats Ser Loras Tyrell is celebrated. This is also where he meets his brother Stannis. Why not imitate them and feel the feeling of being a knight for a day?
Murlough Bay (The Iron Islands)
Murlough Bay is a remote and beautiful place on the coast of Northern Ireland, with views to the island of Rathlin, the Kintyre Promontory and other Scottish islands. Beaches, cliffs and green landscapes will leave you speechless.
[SPOILER] in the third season, Murlough Bay was used as a backdrop of the Iron Islands and it is here that Theon rides with his sister Yara (Asha Greyjoy in the books), and also where Davos Seaworth shipwrecked after the Battle of black waters (which curiously is not found in the Iron Islands).
Magheramorne Quarry (Austara House and Black Castle)
This limestone quarry in Northern Ireland hosted two different sets of shooting from the fifth series of Game Of Thrones. The first place was used to recreate Black Castle, The Black Castle where Jon Snow and part of the night's watch live. But it is certain that another part of this place, near the lake, also served as a base for austere House, where one of the important events of the fifth season of Game Of Thrones will take place.