Although 2017 was a year of the Rooster according to Zodiac, it was the year of Dragons and white walkers for us Game of Thrones fans! Apart from the nail biting action and the immense suspense the show builds up, it is also known for the picturesque locations it’s been shot at. Set in places like Northern Islands, Croatia, Iceland and Spain, the show gave us some amazing destinations to add to our bucket list. Walk in the footsteps of he who knows nothing! Visit the medieval banquets, travel across the battle fields and the 7 kingdoms.
NORTHERN IRELAND
TOLLYMORE FOREST PARK- WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!
This can be called the “mother” of all the locations. With more than half the series spanning throughout the country, it’s the homeland for Game of Thrones. Tollymore Forest Park, covering over 600 hectares, at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, is a great area for outdoor activities such as hiking, not to mention a bit of a looker in terms of sea views. Not surprisingly, it has been featured several times in Game of Thrones. Right from the opening scene where Ned Stark and his sons find the dire wolves, this place starts to paint the story. Theon Greyjoy is chased on horseback by Ramsay Snow, the Bastard of Bolton, here. This is also where a member of the Night’s Watch sees a family of Wildlings dead on the snow and then encounters a White Walker.
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MUSSENDEN TEMPLE AND DOWNHILL BEACH – DRAGONSTONE
The golden sand and the turf run along the temple that was built to be a summer library, near the coastal town of Castlerock. Today it stands dramatically on the top of a cliff, gazing down the Northern Irish coast. You might recognise the beach and the clifftops as the Dragonstone exterior. Remember Melisandre burning the old gods by night? Or the scene where Stannis Baratheon draws a flaming sword from the flames? All that happened right here.
THE LARRYBANE AREA- THE STORMLANDS
Like that of built – sets, this place is perfect for the show. The neighbouring island- sheep island,is connected by a dramatic rope bridge called Carrick-a-rede. Spy the place where King Renly sets camp and where Brienne of Tarth beats Ser Loras Tyrell in the tournament. Don’t forget to set off on your own adventure along the old fishermen’s route across the bridge and over the crashing surf.
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MALTA
FORT RICASOLI – RED KEEP GATE IN KING’S LANDING
Fort Ricasoli is a large seventeenth century majestic structure built by the Knights of Malta. It is one of the first things you see if you visit the picturesque village of Kalkara. Back in Westeros, Fort Ricasoli has been used to represent the Red Keep in King’s Landing. Apart from hosting G.O.T, it’s been used as a location for films and TV series like Agora, Troy, Gladiator, Helen of Troy and Julius Caesar. This fort has hosted a lot of drama and action!
AZURE WINDOW – DANERYS MARRIES DROGO
This incredible 50-metre high limestone rock arch known as the “Azure Window” formed the backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo’s Wedding. Were you invited? 😛 Located on the Maltese island of Gozo, it’s very popular with scuba divers, and also among anyone who wants to explore the dazzling blue waters around this natural attraction. Apart from Game of Thrones, it has also found fame in films such as Clash of the Titans and The Count of Monte Cristo, as well as the television mini-series The Odyssey
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FORT MANOEL (GREAT SEPT OF BAELOR)
This is another one of the great fortifications of Malta, once a hugely important military stronghold. Fort Manoel stands on Manoel Island in will now be remembered forever as the Great Sept of Baelor, the infamous place where King Joffrey executes Ned Stark after his confession, at the end of season one. How can anyone forget that death in G.O.T! :'(
CROATIA
TRSTENO ARBORETUM- VISITS THE HIGH GARDENS!
If you want to wander around the lush gardens of King’s Landing, visit Trsteno Arboretum located in Trsteno. Pretend you’re exchanging a gossip with Varys, as you weave your way between the fountains, pavilions and rich flora in his footsteps.
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THE JESUIT STAIRCASE- SHAME! SHAME!
The Jesuit Staircase doubles as the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing. Cersei’s infamous Walk of Shame stretches across four locations in the Old Town: the Jesuit Staircase, Od Margarite Street, and St. Dominik Street and Ploce gate. It is the Jesuit Stairs that are perhaps the most famous setting from where Cercei must start upon her walk of atonement to return home. With ‘shame,shame!’ echoing in the steps, this is one sought out destination in Croatia for Game of Thrones fans.
KLISS FROTRESS- THE DRAGON BAY
The medieval Kliss Fortress is located in the village of Kliss and overlooks the city of Split. The fortress represents the city of Meereen and it first makes an appearance when Daenarys and her army conquer the city of Meereen. The location features prominently when Tyrion and Varys make the long walk through the streets of Meereen dressed as peasants.
Like the show we too don’t want to give away all the stories at once! So, we got a lot more exciting places that is awaiting to get on your list. Check out PART-2 of this and “know everything” about Westeros!
