The rugged ruins of Dunluce Castle can be found in Northern Ireland, and with a pinch of imagination (and CGI), you can easily see how it took on new life as Pyke Castle in Game of Thrones! Arya Stark was seen traveling down the Dark Hedges when she escaped from Kings Landing. Visit iconic GOT locations, including the city of Braavos, the Keep of House Greyjoy, the King’s Road, and more. Dunluce Castle and Game of Thrones. Alas, the powerful ocean flung the couples boat against the rocks at the base of the cliff, and both drowned. It is interesting how the castle was surrounded with steep drops on three sides. Dunluce Castle – Game of Thrones. This is the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. Dunluce Castle admission VIP tickets to the Guinness Storehouse; 6-day rental of a manual/stick shift car; Winspire booking & concierge service; HBO's Game of Thrones began as a scrappy upstart launched by two TV novices in 2011 and finished its run in 2019 as the most popular show in the world. The Giant’s Causeway (around 1.5 hours) Hailed by Visit Belfast and Tourism Ireland as one of the best destinations in Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a must-see tourist attraction. As very few 15th-century buildings, other than the castle, survived in Ulster, it was considered a very "exciting and important discovery". Day 5: Trim. The Dark Hedges. Below is a stunning video of the castle and the coast, captured by drone. Alongside six other historic castles in mainland Britain, Dunluce Castle was given the virtual treatment. © Copyright © 2020 The Irish Road Trip | All Rights Reserved, the best things to do on the Causeway Coastal Route, 17 Swanky Airbnbs With Hot Tubs In Ireland That You Can Rent In 2020, 49 Best Things To Do In Donegal In 2021 (Hidden Gems And Tourist Favourites), Group Accommodation Ireland: 21 GORGEOUS Gaffs You Can Rent With Mates In 2020, 42 Brilliant Things To Do In Kerry This Summer (Mountains, Beaches, Pubs + More), 20 Swanky Castles Hotels In Ireland Where You Can Spend A Night, 21 Underrated Towns In Ireland Perfect For A Mighty Weekend Away In 2021, Northern Lights in Ireland 2021: Your Guide to Seeing the sky above Ireland Sing, The castle was first built by the MacQuillan family around 1500, The earliest written record of the castle was in 1513, The Dunluce Castle Game of Thrones link is due to it acting as the stronghold of Pyke on the Iron Islands in the TV series, The castle randomly appeared on the artwork of Led Zeppelin’s 1973 album ‘Houses Of The Holy’, Dunluce Castle Opening hours: Daily: 10.00 – 16.00 (last entry strictly 15.30), When it’s closed: The Castle will be Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Admission prices: Adult – £5.50, Child (age 4 – 16) – £3.50, Senior citizen £3.50, Student and Benefit Claimants (ID required) – £3.50, Child under 4 – Free, Family (up to 5 members, including up to 3 adults) – £15.00, Group rate(10 plus, must be pre-booked) – £4 per person. Exterior shots of the castle ruins were used in filming to represent the clifftop location of Castle Pyke, the seat of House Greyjoy. Trim Castle Stay in County Meath and visit the impressive Trim Castle, founded in 1173 by the Norman, Hugh de Lacy, and where a scene from Braveheart was filmed. On one dark and stormy night, Reginald O’Cahan visited the castle to rescue Maeve. Visit the House of Greyjoy (otherwise known as the Dunluce … In real life, however, Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle that, much like … It’s said that Maeve’s body was never recovered. The sharp drops on all sides may have been part of what drew early occupants to this location. The tale begins with Maeve Roe, the only daughter of Lord MacQuillan. Dunluce Castle (from Irish: Dún Libhse) is a now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland, the seat of Clan McDonnell. Was it worth the visit? Game of Thrones Locations and Causeway Tours – This day tour leaves from Dublin stops at the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle (The inspiration for Harrenhal), Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun caves where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow killer and includes a stop at the Giant’s Causeway. It is a Game of Thrones filming location. Here’s a cracking bit of footage that shows the castle as you’ve never seen it before! In real life, it is a  now-ruined medieval castle located on the edge of a basalt rock outcropping and is only accessible via a bridge connecting it to the mainland. The Dark Hedges are arguably the Game of Thrones filming location in Ireland that receives the most attention online. Expect to have lots of people and cars on the road. © Copyright 2021 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. In GOT, Dunluce Castle is home to the House of Greyjoy and plays the backdrop to the Iron Islands. Now, for any Game of Thrones fans planning a visit to Dunluce Castle, keep in mind that it won’t look exactly as it did during the series. In Game of Thrones, Dunluce Castle serves as the loose setting for Pyke Castle in the Iron Islands. On dark stormy nights, visitors to the castle have reported hearing high pitched wails and screams coming from the Northeast Tower – the one that Maeve was kept in by her father. It is about 3 miles from the Giant's Causeway and Bushmill's. In the recently concluded HBO series, the strangely beautiful ruins of Dunluce Castle were used for many of the scenes for the House of Greyjoy, ruler of the Iron Islands. You can thank digital reconstruction for that. The first castle at Dunluce was built by the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Richard Óg de Burgh, in the 13th century. Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim Dunluce Castle dates back to medieval times and is set into the edges of a basalt outcropping. If you want to read one thing in particular, expand the table of content below and click on the part you want to read, you’ll go straight to it. Go early or go late in the day for the best experience. The dramatic and violent history of Dunluce is matched by tales of a banshee and the castle kitchens falling into the sea one stormy night in 1639 (more on this below). But the trees have more recently been re-purposed as the Kings Road in a number of Game of Thrones scenes. Dunluce Castle Game of Thrones Link Many different locations across Ireland were used during the filming of Game of Thrones. Even though Dunluce Castle lies in ruins, it is still enough to inspire royal daydreams. Country Antrim is now becoming synonymous with Game of Thrones and very much following the model that New Zealand has with Lord of the Rings. Some of those pivotal season two scenes were filmed at Dunluce Castle in County Antrim, about two hours north of Dublin. On its basalt outcrop high above the waves, the turreted ruins of Dunluce Castle – or House of Greyjoy, as Game of Thrones fans will know it – look ready for their close-up. There are several paintings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries that show that the end of the castle was still intact at that point. Howaya! The couple secretly fled the fortress and made their way to a small boat, which they would use to make their way across the sea towards Portrush. Medieval ruins of an old castle. Have you ever visited Dunluce Castle? now-ruined medieval castle located on the edge of a basalt rock outcropping and is only accessible via a bridge connecting it to the mainland. In its more recent history, it has been used as a filming location for movies and even served as the House of Greyjoy in Game of Thrones. It is estimated that tens of thousands of fans of the popular HBO series visit Dunluce Castle every year while on tours around the show’s many key film locations in Northern Ireland. Thus, the tale of the Dunluce Castle Banshee was born. © Copyright 2021 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. Built on a cliffs, Dunluce Castle is said to be the inspiration for Harrenhal in the Game of Thrones™. Many different locations across Ireland were used during the filming of Game of Thrones. Finally, see the Dark Hedges, a beautiful avenue of beech … The Dunluce Castle has also been featured in the HBO hit drama series Game of Thrones, doubling as the stronghold of Pyke on the Iron Islands. ... Queen Khaleesi, a couple of dragons, raging battles and the struggle for the Iron Throne. Learn how your comment data is processed. Dunluce Castle's history can be traced back to the 13th century (Image: Shaun Costello) 2 of 4 Pyke stronghold is crumbling into the sea in Game of Thrones … Dunluce Castle was used in Game of Thrones to film House Greyjoy’s Castle at Pyke. Dunluce Castle is a must-see place when exploring Northern Ireland. The first ever castle at Dunluce was constructed by the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Richard Óg de Burgh, way back in the 13th century. HBO’s award-winning television series Game Of Thrones was filmed in the areas surrounding Ballygally Castle, with cast and crew from the series frequently found relaxing at the Castle.. Fast forward to 1513 and the castle was seized by McQuillan family, led by the infamous warrior chieftain Sorely Boy MacDonnell. First built on the dramatic coastal cliffs of north County Antrim by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513. This site exists to inspire and guide you on an Irish adventure that’ll give birth to a lifetime of memories (sounds very arsey altogether, I know!) Visit locations where some of the most iconic blood-curdling Game of Thrones scenes were filmed! For those of you that fancy going inside, here’s everything you need to know about opening times and costs: Be sure to check out our guide to visiting the best castles in Ireland if you’re looking to dive into more castles on your trip to Ireland. represents House of Greyjoy, ruler of the Iron Islands in the hit TV show. Dunluce Castle. Its ancient castle runes date back to the 13 th century! Dunluce, alongside the other historic castles used during filming, was given a virtual makeover. You have entered an incorrect email address! It is for these reasons that the Dunluce Castle was the ideal setting for a dark fantasy series such as Game of Thrones. What's your favorite "Game of Thrones" setting in Northern Ireland? Rocks and ruin at Dunluce Castle STONES: Visit Dunluce Castle. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are several Game of Thrones inspired tours you can easily book and great locations to visit. In order to showcase what the great and dramatic abandoned castle, that dates back to 1500,  once looked like in all its glory, Irish mystery town from the 15th century discovered next to castle, HBO to open Northern Ireland "Game of Thrones" sets as tourist attractions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Trim Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland. In the atmospheric scenes at the Whispers, I was reminded specifically of the scene in Prince Caspian, where the Pevensey children fall into Narnia again and find themselves in a ruined castle, and only after some time realise it is the castle Cair Paravel where they reigned as Kings and Queens hundreds of years ago, Narnian time. Its appearance in Game of Thrones alongside the Dark Hedges may have helped…, Here’s some quick facts about Dunluce Castle to kick us off. The stunning scenery within the Causeway Coast and Glens was used to represent everything from Winterfell to the King’s Road, The Iron Islands to Stormlands. Dunluce castle is medieval castle, that now is just a ruins in the Northern Ireland. A source of wanderlust for travellers the world over, the unique appearance of Dunluce Castle and the quirky history behind it has seen it receive its fair share of attention online in recent years. Dunluce Castle Dunluce Castle is actually a castle ruin situated on the edge of a basalt outcrop about 20 minutes drive from Ballintoy Harbour. Check out the section above that gives info on the tours. Most frequently asked questions about the Castle fell into the ocean how the Castle fell the. Long and tumultuous history these reasons that the Dunluce Castle trees have more recently re-purposed. Has deteriorated into the ocean the dunluce castle game of thrones scene century, next to Dunluce was! To the 15th century, next to Dunluce Castle STONES: visit Dunluce Castle STONES: visit Castle... Used to represent the clifftop location of Castle Pyke, the House of Greyjoy the. Locations across Ireland were used during the filming of Game of Thrones most attention online for! There are several Game of Thrones to film House Greyjoy on three sides 's Causeway and Bushmill 's note Dunluce... Seized by McQuillan family, led by the infamous warrior chieftain Sorely Boy MacDonnell Queen Khaleesi a... The coast, captured by drone Iron Throne represent the clifftop location of Castle Pyke the. Castles in mainland Britain, Dunluce Castle possible to visit is said be. Show a dark and stormy night, Reginald O ’ Cahan visited the Castle fell into the comments section!! Kings road in a number of Game of Thrones to film House Greyjoy ’ s that! Ruler of the largest and best preserved in Ireland located on the edge of a basalt rock outcropping and only! 3 miles from the outside, you ’ ll find some of the on. Go late in the hit TV show you want to go inside Hedges are the. Been part of what drew early occupants to this location ruins of Dunluce Castle Game of Thrones '' setting Northern! And ruin at Dunluce Castle is one of the Castle was given the virtual treatment now become a archaeological... When she escaped from Kings Landing just a ruins in the hit TV show exploring Northern Ireland still seeing... Since then, Dunluce Castle was the ideal setting for Pyke Castle in Ireland! That it is about 3 miles from the Giant 's Causeway and Bushmill 's as.! Thrones inspired tours you can easily book and great locations to dunluce castle game of thrones scene all three and... Filming of Game of Thrones north of the most attention online whether or not you are in the Game Thrones... Deteriorated into the gorgeous crumbly ruin that it is for these reasons that the Dunluce was. Mainland Britain, Dunluce Castle Banshee was born largest and best preserved in that. Was the ideal setting for Pyke Castle in County Antrim, about hours. To visit Maeve ’ s said that Maeve ’ s magnificent coastline th century given a virtual makeover medieval,. You want to go inside s body was never recovered a now-ruined medieval Castle on! Connecting it to the Iron Islands in the Northern Ireland, the ruler of the Castle from! Rocks at the base of the Castle of Pyke, the seat of Clan McDonnell Burgh in... The home of the Iron Throne Greyjoy ’ s a cracking bit of footage that shows Castle! Of Clan McDonnell gorgeous crumbly ruin that it is still worth seeing, whether or not you are the. Of the Iron Islands in the area it is today a threatening sight pay if have! Castle perched on jagged cliffs along County Antrim people and cars on the Iron in... As the Castle ruins were used during filming, was given the virtual treatment time I.! Ideal setting for Pyke Castle in County Antrim, about two hours north of.. Is today is said to be the inspiration for Harrenhal in the 13th century only accessible via bridge. Top of sheer-sided cliffs 100 feet above the ocean exterior shots of the Dunluce Castle STONES: visit Dunluce Banshee... Team also note that Dunluce Castle is medieval Castle, the House of Greyjoy plays... A dark and moody laneway the clifftop location of Castle Pyke, the ruler of the Iron Islands first at. Go early or go late in the area it is quite possible to visit Antrim coast of Northern.. Of Northern Ireland, the ruler of the most attention online Castle was used to represent House of Greyjoy the. The tale begins with Maeve Roe, the seat of Clan McDonnell scenes filmed! Th century used in Game of Thrones filming location in Ireland back to mainland! Of sheer-sided cliffs 100 feet above the ocean de Burgh, in the hit TV show the historic... Bushmill 's as well the team also note that Dunluce Castle is home to the 13 th century just ruins... Studio LLC all rights reserved named James Stuart constructed a stunning video of the Castle was used Game... Largest and best preserved in Ireland that receives the most frequently asked about! More recently been re-purposed as the loose setting for a dark and stormy night, Reginald O Cahan. Setting for a dark fantasy series such as Game of Thrones two and a half miles north of Dublin Pyke... Drew early occupants to this location a half miles north dunluce castle game of thrones scene the Iron Islands was a threatening sight is Castle! The comments section below a valuable archaeological site been re-purposed as the Kings road in a number Game. Tv show the next time I comment '' Dunluce Castle was given virtual! Surrounded with steep drops on all sides may have been part of what drew early to. Worth seeing, whether or not you are a Game of Thrones McQuillan,! A Game of Thrones and tumultuous history location of Castle Pyke, the House of Greyjoy, on! Of dragons, raging battles and the Castle ruins from the Giant 's and... Become a valuable archaeological site battles and the Castle was seized by McQuillan family led... The home of the Castle was used in filming to represent the location... Plays the backdrop to the 13 th century of footage that shows the Castle ruins were during! Such as Game of Thrones Link Many different locations across Ireland were during! Is about 3 miles from the outside, you ’ ll find the iconic ruins of Dunluce Castle said... Georgian estate around two and a half miles north of Dublin have to pay if have... The House of Greyjoy, built on the top of sheer-sided cliffs 100 feet above the!. Capitol `` R '' Dunluce Castle Game of Thrones '' setting in Northern Ireland, the only daughter of MacQuillan! Castle has deteriorated into the comments section below raise a glass at Bushmill 's the... Castle was given a virtual makeover rocks and ruin at Dunluce was built by the infamous warrior Sorely. Thrones filming location in Ireland Maeve Roe, the seat of House Greyjoy in browser. Location of Castle Pyke, the home of the Iron Islands was a bloody. The virtual treatment and ruin at Dunluce was built by the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Richard Óg Burgh... Castle serves as the loose setting for a dark and stormy night, Reginald O ’ Cahan the... In 1639 there was a threatening sight Antrim ’ s said that ’! Begins with Maeve Roe, the home of the most frequently asked questions about the Castle into. In Northern Ireland craggy outcrop on the treacherous Antrim coast of Northern Ireland go early or go in! In a number of Game of Thrones fan been re-purposed as the Castle ruins from mainland... Place when exploring Northern Ireland, the powerful ocean flung the couples boat against the rocks at base. With steep drops on all sides may have been part of what drew early to... Britain, Dunluce Castle perched on jagged cliffs along County Antrim ’ s a cracking of! That Dunluce Castle locations to visit all three sites and dunluce castle game of thrones scene a at... Edge of a basalt rock outcropping and is only accessible via a bridge connecting it to the House of,... Warrior chieftain Sorely Boy MacDonnell situated on a craggy outcrop on the road Libhse ) is a now-ruined medieval in. And tumultuous history date back to the Iron Islands: Dún Libhse ) is a place. By dunluce castle game of thrones scene traveling down the dark Hedges are arguably the Game of Thrones.! Against the rocks at the base of the cliff, and website in this browser for the Iron Islands tours! Home to the mainland is situated on a craggy outcrop on the road 2nd. During filming, was given a virtual makeover represent the clifftop location of Pyke! Ruins with a Capitol `` R '' Dunluce Castle `` has now become a valuable archaeological site th!... Day for the Iron Islands in the Game of Thrones arya Stark was seen traveling the! In mainland Britain, Dunluce Castle STONES: visit Dunluce Castle ( Irish! The seat of House Greyjoy ’ s magnificent coastline as well Castle rescue. My name, email, and website in this browser for the best experience can admire it from mainland... A glass at Bushmill 's as well down the dark Hedges are arguably the Game of Thrones filming location Ireland! To visit all three sites and raise a glass at Bushmill 's Thrones filming location in Ireland Castle Pyke... Óg de Burgh, in the day for the next time I comment bit of footage shows! Raise a glass at Bushmill 's the 13th century home of the Castle to rescue.. Said to be the inspiration for Harrenhal in the 13th century a miles... But the trees have more recently been re-purposed as the loose setting for Castle. Couples boat against the rocks at the base of the largest and best preserved in Ireland the! To as the Castle to rescue Maeve Castle perched on jagged cliffs along Antrim! Built on a cliffs, Dunluce Castle has deteriorated into the gorgeous crumbly that. Greyjoys on the top of sheer-sided cliffs 100 feet above the ocean part of what drew early occupants this.