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Film locations

  • Strangford Castle and Audley’s Field are both used as film locations in Game of Thrones.

    © Peter Morrison/AP Photo/NTB scanpix

    Photo of Strangford Castle and Audley’s Field which are used as film locations in Game of Thrones

  • Alnwick Castle is the location of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

    © Lingbeek/iStockphotos

    Photo of Alnwick Castle which is the location of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films

  • Matamba in New Zealand is a must-see for Hobbit fans.

    © 988d3f0b_70/iStockphotos

    Photo of Matamba in New Zealand – a must-see for Hobbit fans

  • The Titanic Studios in Belfast is one of the filming sites for Game of Thrones.

    © Radharc Images/Alamy

    Photo of the Titanic Studios in Belfast which is one of the filming sites for Game of Thrones

  • The Dark Hedges was used as “The Kings Road” in Game of Thrones.

    © David Hare/Alamy

    Photo of the Dark Hedges which was used as “The Kings Road” in Game of Thrones

  • The village of Ballintoy Harbour is Lordsport in Game of Thrones.

    © Gerard O’Connor/Alamy

    Photo of the village of Ballintoy Harbour which is Lordsport in Game of Thrones

Film locations

Film locations

Many English-speaking countries are used for film locations, and Northern Ireland is no exception. Maybe you’ve heard of Game of Thrones, a popular TV series. It’s a story of feuding families and seven kingdoms, set in a fantasy medieval time. As well as clever plots, interesting characters and exciting duels, the series features the ancient castles and impressive scenery of Northern Ireland.

The popularity of a number of films and TV series has led to the development of a new industry – location tourism, otherwise known as location vacations. People travel to see where films and TV series have been made and sometimes they can take part in activities that are featured in the film. Perhaps you know someone who has been to Matamata in New Zealand (Lord of the Rings), Alnwick Castle in England (Hogwarts in Harry Potter) or Vernonia in the USA (Forks in the Twilight series)?

There are several websites featuring Game of Thrones locations. Many have atmospheric descriptions of the real places the fantasy scenes were shot. As well as visiting these locations, tourists can also learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, fight with swords or learn how to train a falcon. Elsewhere you can dress up in medieval costumes and eat the food that they did in the TV series. Many people want to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters, following their routes in the seven kingdoms. There is also the option of overnighting in the forests featured in the story or sailing along the dramatic coastline just like the characters do. All of this helps the series come alive for people who visit the film locations. And that is what location vacations are all about.

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