28 NORTHERN IRELAND
now visit film sets... Game of Thrones close to your own front door
Seen the TV series -
BO’s Game of Thrones® is one of the most popular and successful fantasy TV series ever made - and it is filmed right here in Northern Ireland!
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The magical atmosphere captured on film is in no small way due to the stunning filming locations chosen by HBO® to feature in the show and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board is eager for people to get out and explore them.
NITB’s PR Officer Marie-Therese O’Neill said: “Part of the shows appeal and what has made it so popular with millions of fans are the mesmerising fantasy lands of Westeros which of course have been brought to life using Northern Ireland’s rugged coastlines, historic castles and breathtaking countryside and forests. “Some of the dramatic scenery which forms the backdrop to much of the show’s action can be found right here in Northern Ireland in various locations including Causeway Coast and Glens, County Down and County Fermanagh. Fans can easily visit many of the locations where a favourite scene was filmed or walk in the footsteps of a much-loved character.
“There are also some wonderful Game of
Thrones® inspired tours and family themed activities that have been created due to the popularity of the show, so you don’t have to be a fan to join in the fun. You can dress up in costume and enjoy a day of archery with Clearsky Adventure or take a self-guided cycle tour of some of the shows film locations – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
NITB has identified some of the stunning filming locations not to be missed; Castle Ward which may be more familiar as Winterfell, Tollymore Forest Park which will be recognisable as North of Winterfell, Downhill Beach familiar as the Dragonstone exterior and Murlough Bay in County Antrim aka Stormlands – but there are many more to discover.
Some of the fun Game of Thrones® tours and activities include;
Causeway Coast and Glens Game of Thrones Tour is a great way to discover some key filming locations along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route with their self drive 1-day, 2-day or 3-day itinerary. Clearsky Adventure Game of Thrones Filming Locations Cycling Tour & Archery Experience - there are two self guided cycle
tour options: Robb's Trail and Tywin's Trail which take in some of the familiar sights in the series. Also visit the Winterfell archery.
McComb’s Game of Thrones Tour - McComb's Travel offer a private Game of Thrones® Tour where the drivers have first- hand experience and a wealth of knowledge about where and when filming was done. Game of Thrones® Tours – Offer coach tours from both Belfast and Dublin to Winterfell and other key locations from seasons 1, 2 and 3.
Quinn's Coach Hire - coach tour includes Castle Ward, Downpatrick and Tollymore Forest, amongst others, with the latter being the place where the very first scenes of Game Of Thrones® were filmed. For further information on Games of Thrones® including filming locations click on
www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre. * Can you name the four Game of Thrones locations pictured on the right? They are from top: Inch Abbey near Downpatrick, Cushendun caves, Tollymore Forest Park near Newcastrle and Ballintoy Harbour on the Causeway coast.
Seascapes, seals and shipwrecks on Rathlin
THE Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging everyone to explore the natural beauty and stunning scenery of Rathlin Island.
Rathlin Island lies just off the famous Causeway Coastal Route and offers a unique island experience where visitors can take a ferry from the seaside town of Ballycastle to visit this idyllic destination. The island is known for its rich history and traditional culture, as well as its stunning landscapes, seascapes and diverse wildlife. These qualities make it an inspirational retreat for walkers, bird enthusiasts, divers and photographers and for those who just want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of island-life.
NITB’s PR Officer Marie-Therese O’Neill is encouraging people to discover the island for themselves: “Although the RSPB Seabird Visitor Centre is closed for renovations in the 2014 season Rathlin Island is still very much open for business. Rathlin is the perfect day out for friends, families and couples who would like to experience
something a little different. There is accommodation to suit all needs, a new art studio, a great pub and restaurant to while away a few hours in the evening and a gift shop to pick up that special souvenir. In the harbour is a museum Boathouse, where visitors can discover some of the exciting island history, learn about present day island life and see artefacts from 40 shipwrecks around the island. There is still time to catch the wealth of things to see and do with the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival running until June 1. There will be something for both land and sea lovers with sailing, historic and modern craft, exhibitions and guided walks, seafood themed markets as well as, traditional music and entertainment. Rathlin also boasts four new walks which join the already existing Rathlin Trail and Roonivoolin Walk to provide just under 20 miles of walking trails, right around the island. For more information on the Ballycastle to Rathlin ferry timetable go to:
www.rathlinballycastleferry.com
Latest exhibition brings together Ireland’s leading sculptors...
THE latest exhibition at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge brings together three of Ireland’s leading female sculptors, Ursula Burke, Emma Donaldson and Deirdre McKenna. Entitled ‘The Past is Unpredictable’.
This visually intriguing show explores themes of temporality, identity and authenticity in both personal and communal ways. All three artists have exhibited in solo and group shows in Ireland and internationally in New York, the
United Arab Emirates and Taiwan, among others, and are renowned for playing with assumptions about what their materials can say and do. The Past is Unpredictable runs until August 17, 2014. Admission is free.
June 2014 Travel News
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