Tollymore Forest Park in County Down, Northern Ireland, served as the Haunted Forest in Game of Thrones and as a filming location for the new spin-off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The park's dramatic landscape, featuring gnarly trees, rushing water, and stone bridges, provides a naturally cinematic backdrop that has captivated filmmakers and fans alike.
Location Manager Praises the Forest
Location manager Naomi Liston, who has used Tollymore on multiple productions, described it as 'really beautiful'. She noted that the forest 'hasn't been commercially planted' and that 'the height of the pine trees is something that you don't normally find,' making it a hit with filmmakers.
Tourism Impact and Challenges
Around 80% of Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland, triggering a tourism boom. However, the influx of visitors has caused issues at fragile sites like the Dark Hedges, where coaches parking on tree roots have 'completely destabilised them,' according to Liston. She noted that many locations lack infrastructure, such as toilets, and that the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, opened in 2022, is 'where people should be going.'
VisitBritain research indicates that seven in 10 visitors to the UK are screen tourists. Tourism NI recognises film and television as key drivers of international arrivals. Richard Williams, head of NI Screen, told the BBC they were 'absolutely delighted' when A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms returned to Northern Ireland, stating it reaffirms 'that we are the home of Thrones.'
Studio Tour and Other Attractions
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour, located at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, is the only officially licensed Game of Thrones experience in the world. Funded by £40 million in private investment, it employs over 120 people and features original sets, props, and costumes. Interactive exhibits showcase craftsmanship, from armour to digital effects, with items like Arya Stark's needle and the Night King's costume on display.
Other attractions include the 'Glass of Thrones' trail in Belfast, consisting of six stained glass windows depicting iconic scenes, and the Journey of Doors, ten carved doors made from trees felled by Storm Gertrude in 2016.
Key Filming Locations
The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, used as the King's Road, remains a popular but fragile site. Ballintoy Harbour doubles as the Iron Islands, while Castle Ward Estate provides Winterfell, including the archery range. The Cushendun Caves, 400-million-year-old formations, serve as the Storm's End setting where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow baby.
Martin McMullan from Life's Adventure, an outdoor company, noted that while Game of Thrones draws visitors, they often find the entire area 'like a film set' but natural and real.
