🎬Insider Niche News: Northern Ireland-Game of Thrones Territory
What is West of Westeros? A studio of dreams and dragons!
If you love to travel and have a nerd like fantasy to explore the worlds of film and mega series, then start planning and packing for your next niche adventure! In 2019 I traveled for the first time to Northern Ireland with my family. The 6 counties of Northern Ireland are filled with multiple film sites and if you’re able, take a Day Tour with an official GOT tour group.
The 2022 GOT convention held in December reignited my passion for the fantasy series. Fans got to hear from the actors in live Q & A sessions over 3 days. I even won a cosplay costume prize! If you have yet to step inside the immersive experience of the world created by George R.R. Martin., indulge yourself. The wise Tyrion Lannister would say…
In June of 2023 I travel back to Northern Ireland ready to claim my winnings. Visiting Belfast gave me the opportunity to explore the capital city again. I stayed at the Titanic Hotel located in the Maritime Mile along the Lagan riverwalk. This region is THE dockyard where the famous Titanic ship was built. Bonus Tip: There is a shuttle bus from Belfast and Dublin directly to the Linen Mill Studios, home to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour.
I was gifted with the best tour experience hosted by the executive director David Browne. I shared with David at the GOT LAX convention that I had previously visited the TEC Belfast GOT Touring Exhibition in 2019. I loved every minute of that experience. David exclaimed” OH! Just wait till you see the newly expanded studio!” He was 100% correct. The new studio tour is a grandiose and thrilling experience and if I may speak so boldly… I was blown away. “How did I get so lucky?!” I thought to myself as we walked through the corridors of the various recreated sets in the 110,000 sq. ft visitor experience. Take a peek inside!
The V.I.P hands on tour was absolutely my favorite! Insider sneak peeks of the various swords, steel armor, and the infamous Daenerys Targaryen white fur coat. I even got to have a lengthy chat with Donna the Costume Design Archiver. She shared stories of her own experience working on set in multiple locations around the globe. She inspired me so much, that this summer I am visiting Iceland to explore more of GOT locations. I’ve been a fan of costume design, and special effects make up ever since I was a wee child. This tour experience is still in my top 3 travel experiences (and I’ve had a lot over the last 30 years).
The tour experience inside may take anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on how long you explore the lands of Westeros. I highly recommend stopping in for a bite to eat at the cafe before heading back on the shuttle bus back to Dublin or Belfast. In January 2024, the studio was awarded for UK Inbound Sustainable Tourism Provider of the Year. The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is an amazing experience for all Thronies. Whether you are a fan of HOTD or GOT, raise your banners, hop on your dragon and visit the World of Westeros.