GoT SPECIAL........ AN IRISH AFFAIR - WINTER IS COMING

AN IRISH AFFAIR - WINTER IS COMING





Here's a sneak-peak into the Irish filming locations of `GoT' series

Apart from the gripping storyline and the many theories, the Game of Thrones series have been shot in various iconic locations of the world but Northern Ireland's sweeping landscapes are exemplary (providing the backdrop to Westeros). Since it is going to be a while before Game Of Thrones comes back with its next season, we've packed in a few worthy filming locations that won our heart.

CAIRNCASTLE

The green pasture of Cairncastle is the first stop on any GoT tour as this is where opening sequence of the saga was shot. It was here that Ned Stark carried out the infamous execution of the Night's Watch deserter. The sheep peacefully gazing, the distressed ruins along with the cold wild rustling by, the beauty of the Cairncastle draws one and all.

BELFAST

At a distance of 40 minutes from Belfast, you have a chance to explore 20 key GoT filming locations. You can walk through the Old Castle Ward and the 1000 acre sprawling demesne that served as the Starks' residence in the series. A drive through the dramatic County Down countryside allows a glimpse into the beautiful wild landscapes in the Kingdom of Mourne Mountains and Ireland's oldest Scots Pine Forest that was also used as a backdrop for filming.

DARK HEDGES ROAD

Dark Hedges Road, not far from the Old Castle Ward, is another noteworthy highlight. A fan or not, the archway passage created by intertwining trees makes for an enchanting drive. It is also Northern Ireland's most photographed loca tions. The avid followers of the show will instantly recall the phenomena as the Kingsroad, the road that connects King's Landing to The Wall.

GLENARM

While Glenarm wasn't a shoot location per say, a family owned jewellery store crafted most of pieces used by the characters. You can take home a little something from the Game of Thrones inspired line-up. Besides, the 13th century Glenarm Castle, St. Patrick's Church and many other picturesque sights await you at Glenarm.

CUSHENDUN CAVES

If the dramatic scene of the giant waves hammering the rugged-rocks just wasn't enough, the Cushendun Caves bore witness to one of the most spectacular scenes in series; it was here that Davos Seaworth takes Melisandre into a cave to birth a shadow baby, which eventually killed Renly.

LARRYBANE

Larrybane's towering white-limestone hedge along the ocean played host to many scenes across seasons.

There is a good reason why the backdrop has reappeared consistently; the stark contrast of the ocean and land makes Larrybane a unique attraction in all of Ireland. One can be sure that Larrybane is far better than what it appears in the series.

POLLNAGOLLUM CAVE

The highlight of the lot is Pollnagollum Cave situated in the Belmore Forest, part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark.The waterfall toppling down from the top of a limestone cliff further heightens the splendour of the cave. In the fourth episode, the hideout behind a waterfall served as a backdrop when Arya Stark and Gendry meet Beric Dondarrion.

When opting for a themed tour, you can also enjoy a chance to get up close and personal with the dire wolves that form a vital part of the GoT series.Paper

Shireen Kanchwala

Nov 02 2017 : The Economic Times (Mumbai