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Game of Thrones lives on through laterooms.com

20th June 2015 Print
The Fitzwilliam Hotel

Following the final episode of Games of Thrones, millions of viewers will be at a loss when it comes to a mystical fix of battle scenes, dragons and jaw dropping backdrops. To tide you over until Season 6, LateRooms.com has sourced the top filming locations in all five seasons of the show so you can experience the real Game of Thrones.

Thanks to its stunning natural beauty with dramatic headlands, crumbling castles and eerie forests, Northern Ireland is now famed for hosting some of the show’s most captivating scenes. So if you’re a GoT fanatic looking to keep the magic alive, head to Northern Ireland for your very own pilgrimage, visiting the filming locations at the heart of the enthralling battle for that infamous throne.

Learn Archery at Winterfell

The iconic towers of Winterfell are down to the 16th century Castle Ward, just 40 minutes from Belfast. Set foot on the same soil as Jon, Bran and Rickon and step into their shoes at the archery range. Kit yourself out in authentic Stark attire from cloaks to gambesons and learn from none other than Jon Snow himself (well an instructor dress as him…) and give the characters a run for their money with your archery skills at Winterfell Castle Archery Range.

Trek from Winterfell to the Riverlands

A day trip of walking, this tour (like the show) isn’t for the faint hearted. Starting in Belfast where you meet your fellow GoT fans and embark on your first trek from Winterfell to one of Walder Frey’s Twins, past Robb’s Camp and into the Riverlands to the very spot where Brienne annihilates three soldiers. Once you’ve taken in the impressive view and done the obligatory recreation of that scene, you’ll embark on your next journey through Tollymore Forest where the Stark children found their direwolves.

Stay: The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast 

Located in the centre of Belfast beside the glorious Grand Opera House, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is luxurious yet traditional from serving local produce with a contemporary twist, to the modern décor with nods to the city’s heritage; this hotel guarantees a true taste of Belfast and is the perfect base camp after a day out in the wars.

Take the ultimate Game of Thrones road trip

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast makes for an out of this world GoT road trip. Start from Belfast and make your way down the coastline, finishing in the beautiful seaside town of Portstewart for an absolutely jam-packed day of fantasy and dream fulfilling.

First stop is the cave where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow assassin which is nestled in the caves of the quaint little village of Cushendun. And if that wasn’t enough, just a few miles down the coast lies the stunning Murlough Bay, perhaps better known as the Iron Islands and Storm’s End. This beautiful beach is also where Davos was shipwrecked and Theon and his sister Yara enjoyed that cringe-inducing ride along the shores.

Next up are the white cliffs of Larrybane Headland, where Brienne won her place in Renly’s Kingsguard, then just a mile away is Ballintoy Harbour which houses the pretty fishing port Theon returns home to.

On your way to Portstewart, make sure to take a detour through the Dark Hedges, its spectacular beauty is guaranteed to take your breath away and will transport you to a world even more magical than the fantasy series can create – take a selfie here and the ‘likes’ will come flooding in.

Finish off your day of on the shores of Portstewart Strand where Jamie Lannister and Bronn are found by Donish Guards whilst on their rescue mission to retrieve the princess. The stillness of the beach might be a world away from the intensity of the fight scene but as you run through the dunes you can almost feel the presence of something magical.

Stay: Cul Erg House, Portstewart

Having begun your journey in the extravagant Fitzwilliam Hotel, it’s time to taste the quaint side of Northern Ireland. Run by a family who keep Irish traditions at the heart of their B&B, Cul Erg House sits on the sea front in Atlantic Circle, just a two minute walk from the promenade and fifteen minutes from Portstewart Strand. Serving first class traditional Ulster Frys and boasting sea views with the famous set in sight, any GoT fan will be unable to contain their excitement in Cul Erg.

Explore Tollymore Forest, North of Winterfell

The atmospheric Tollymore Forest is where the White Walkers first did their dastardly deeds and is a wonderland of crumbling stonework, grottos, caves and ancient bridges with a beautiful river running frantically through the trees and spectacular sea views. This adventure will see you lose yourself in the forest’s contagious enchantment and you’ll soon discover the why it’s the perfect fit for Game of Thrones.

Stay: Slieve Donard Resort Spa, Newcastle

Magnificent and breathtakingly beautiful, Slieve Donard Resort and Spa has the Mourne Mountains and coastline as a backdrop and countless luxurious facilities to hand, both Irish culture and indulgence are at the heart of this hotel. After a long day of exploring Tollymore you’ll want nothing more than to curl up by the log fire at the Percy French bar with a pint of Irish stout…and maybe start planning your next Game of Thrones pilgrimage!

For more information, visit laterooms.com.

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The Fitzwilliam Hotel