New Game Of Thrones Legacy Attractions Announced, Filming Locations From The Hit HBO Series Are To Open As Tourist Attractions In Northern Ireland In 2020

As Game of Thrones finishes filming after a decade in Northern Ireland, TV network HBO has revealed that it will create a major boost to the show’s legacy by converting several filming locations into tourist attractions in the region.

For the first time, fans of the Emmy®- and Golden Globe-winning series will have the unique opportunity to visit iconic sets from the show and immerse themselves in the world of Westeros.

Building on the success of past Game of Thrones live branded experiences, including the Touring Exhibition and Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, HBO will open up the archives and share them with the series’ loyal fans.

In true Game of Thrones fashion, the attractions will be on a scale and scope bigger than anything the public has ever seen, offering the first opportunity for fans to set foot inside some of the most iconic locations from the series and see how the world’s biggest TV show was made.

Each site will feature not only the breathtaking sets, but will also exhibit displays of costumes, props, weapons, set decorations, art files, models, and other production materials. The visitor experience will be enhanced by state-of-the-art digital content and interactive materials which will showcase some of the digital wizardry the series is known for.

“HBO is thrilled to celebrate the work of the Game of Thrones creative team and crew by preserving these locations and inviting fans to visit Northern Ireland and explore Westeros in person,” said Jeff Peters, Vice President, Licensing and Retail, HBO.

“We look forward to opening the gates and sharing the excitement of stepping inside these amazing sets with Game of Thrones fans from around the world. The opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland’s pivotal role in the life and legacy of the show and share its culture, beauty and warmth is also a huge inspiration behind these legacy projects.”

Given the unique and impressive nature of the production work in Northern Ireland, HBO is 

 considering including the standing sets for iconic locations such as Winterfell, Castle Black, and Kings Landing alongside a formal studio tour of Linen Mill Studios, which will showcase a wide array of subject matter from the series and span all seasons and settings. 

While fans have already come to Northern Ireland in their thousands to experience the stunning landscapes, coastlines and mountains in the series, they will now be able to immerse themselves more fully in the world of Westeros through the new attractions.

A description of the full scope of the Game of Thrones Legacy project will be revealed at a later date after an exploratory process is completed.

www.ireland.com

10 Castles In Britain Where You Can Spend The Night And Be Treated Like Royalty

Historic castles are scattered all over Britain: from fortalices in the Scottish Highlands to battle-beaten castles in Northern Ireland, these regal bolt-holes were built over hundreds of years to defend borders and manage vast estates.

Today, visitors can enjoy a luxurious window into Britain’s past by sleeping amid romantic ruins and historic hallways like a Lord or Lady for the night.

Ruthin Castle, Denbighshire, North Wales

Originally known as The Red Castle in the Great Marsh, Ruthin was constructed in the late 13th century by Dafydd, the brother of Prince Llywelyn. Its gory history means the castle has its own dungeon, whipping pit and drowning pool. Luckily those days are long gone, and the castle is now a romantic hotel that holds medieval banquets where you can feast like Henry VIII, who once called this castle his own. Located in acres of parkland near the medieval town of Ruthin, approx an hour via train from Manchester in the North West of England, rooms start from £65 a night.

Chateau Rhianfa, Anglesey, North Wales

Built in 1849 by the Baronet of Bodelwyddan and his wife, Chateau Rhianfa was inspired by Loire Valley French Chateaus and retains the style today. Now a grade II listed luxury 21-bedroom masterpiece, the chateau has turrets, wine caves and a grand banqueting hall as well as stunning views over the Menai Strait. One night exclusive use of The Château (sleeps 32) starts at £7,000. The castle is 3.5 hours via train from London, or arrive in style via helicopter, which can land in the castle grounds.

The Fortalice, Blairgowrie, Scotland

Originally built in 1560 as a fortified house to protect the Ogilvys of Airlie from marauders fighting religious battles, today The Fortalice offers luxury rooms complete with four-poster beds, and a ‘Great Hall’, which is dominated by a vast log fire and exquisite hand painted ceiling. With six bedrooms, the castle sleeps 12 with prices starting from £3950 per week. Set against a stunning backdrop of rugged Perthshire countryside, it is 2.5 hours via car from Edinburgh airport.

Aldourie Castle, Inverness, Scotland

The historic Aldourie Castle is of Scottish Baronial style and the only habitable castle on the southern shores of the famous Loch Ness. With turrets and towers, hidden doors, old family portraits and vast fireplaces, Aldourie is a medieval castle to the core. Impressively, the Estate belonged to the same family for 250 years and is now available to rent, with guests taking exclusive use of the 15-bed castle. Set within a 500 acre private estate, Aldourie is five miles from the city of Inverness and 30 minutes via car from Inverness airport.

Tulloch Castle Hotel, Ross-shire, Scotland

Dating from the 12th century, when only the Laird or Chief of the Clan could enjoy a stay in a Scottish highland castle, Tulloch retains many of its period features, including a 250-year old panelled Great Hall, restored original fireplaces and ceilings, and even a friendly ghost! A beautiful hotel with 20 en-suite bedrooms, Tulloch offers an affordable option for those without a King’s budget, with rooms from approx £65 per night. 45 minutes via car from Inverness Airport in the Scottish Highlands.

Crom Castle, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Set in rolling parkland where Jacobite battles once raged, the Crom Estate in County Fermanagh enjoys an unrivaled location in Northern Ireland’s Lake District. The historic seat of the Earls of Erne for over 350 years, the castle was designed by the English architect who was responsible for sections of Buckingham Palace. Today, up to 12 guests can stay in the 6-bedroomed West Wing of the castle and dine in the utmost splendour beneath the spectacular barrel-vaulted ceiling in the former Billiard room. Exclusive rental is from £4000 per week and the castle is approx 2 hours via car from Dublin and Belfast Airports.

Dungiven Castle, Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Once the ancestral home of the O’Cahan clan, who ruled the area between the 12th and 17th Century, Dungiven Castle is steeped in history. The world famous song ‘Danny Boy’ is taken from a melody lamenting the passing of the last in the long line of O’Cahan chiefs; Chief Cooey-na-Gall, who is buried in the Old Priory just a few minutes’ walk from the castle. Today it is a family-run 4-star guest house and considered one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems. Dungiven is 1 hour from Belfast and 20 minutes from Londonderry via car.

Thornbury Castle, Cotswolds, West-Central England

Enjoy regal dreams in the widest four-poster bed in England or spend the night in the Duke’s Bedchamber where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept 500 years ago. Ornate Tudor architecture, sumptuous bedchambers with hanging tapestries, and historic walled gardens complete the majesty of Thornbury Castle, where rooms start at £175 per night. The castle sits at the edge of the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, approx 1.5 hours via car from London Heathrow airport.

Amberley Castle, West Sussex, Southern England

Hidden away for 900 years in the South Downs, Amberley Castle began life as a hunting lodge for the Bishops of Chichester. Today guests can follow in the footsteps of royalty beneath the original portcullis and 18-meter walls, the same walked by one-time owner Queen Elizabeth I, who held the lease from 1588 to 1603. With its stunning medieval architecture, the castle is steeped in history, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the 19 luxurious rooms, many with four-poster beds and whirlpool bathrooms. Be cosseted like royalty with rooms from £230 a night. 1.5 hours via train from London.

Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland, North East England

Since its construction in 1350, during the reign of Edward III, Langley Castle has been associated with the turbulent history of the Kingdom. During the 17th century the estate became the property of the Earls of Derwentwater, who took part in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and were executed at the Tower of London. Now a luxurious hotel nestled in its own ten acre woodland estate, the castle has retained its architectural integrity while allowing guests to enjoy four-poster beds and window seats set in the 7ft thick castle walls. The castle is approx 3.5 hours via train from London and rooms start from £77.50 per night.

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