CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE GAME OF THRONES SERIES
CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE GAME OF THRONES TV

While the climb may be steep, awaiting those who reach the top is a summit plateau with a spectacular 360-degree view of Lough Erne and the surrounding countryside of Cavan and Donegal.

The 1.6km (1 mile) route weaves across the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland and the Cuilcagh Mountain. Nicknamed ‘the stairway to heaven’, the construction protects the land while affording great views.

Part of the Unesco Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is one astoundingly beautiful hike in Enniskillen. The Cuilcagh Mountain boardwalk trail leads you up to a summit plateau with epic Northern Ireland views © Sean Moss / 500px Climb heavenly stairs Of course, you end the tour with a tasting session, sipping on a few samples of their premium whiskeys. Learn about the ins and outs of Irish whiskey including the meaning of the ‘angel's share’. Try the whiskey at Bushmills DistilleryĪ trip to Northern Ireland really would not be complete without a pit stop to the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest legal distillery, established in 1608. Afterward, chill at the tearoom for a little food and coffee and perhaps take some edible souvenirs home with you. Then take a walk around the Walled Garden to smell the earthy herbs or delight in the explosion of reds, oranges and pinks found in the blooms here. Take a tour of this fantastic castle and catch sight of some treasures on display from the La Girona shipwreck. Built in 1860, Glenarm Castle is the ancestral home of the McDonnell family to this day. If you’re keen to learn about the history of one of Northern Ireland’s most historic family homes, then Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden is right up your alley. The village of Glenarm dates back to Norman times © LouieLea / Shutterstock Take afternoon tea at Glenarm Castle

A state-of-the-art ecofriendly building houses the visitor centre here, half-hidden in the hillside above the sea. Sunset in spring or autumn is the best time for photographs. Uneven stacks of tightly-packed hexagonal columns stand in neat clusters along the water’s edge, forming a causeway that inspired local legends that the stones were put in place by a giant. If you can, try to visit midweek or out of season to experience it at its most evocative. Meet myths and legends at the Giant's CausewayĮqually exhilarating when cloaked in mist as when bathed in sunshine, this spectacular rock formation is a Unesco World Heritage site and one of Ireland's most atmospheric landscape features. But putting fear aside, those who dare to cross will be rewarded with not only a thrill, but also a striking view of the Causeway Coastal Route. Yes, it also sways and bounces in the wind. The bridge may be old, but it is safe to cross, though it might not be for the faint of heart: it’s only 20 meters wide and 30 meters above the rocks and ocean below. This 300-year-old rope bridge was first erected by fishermen to connect the island of Carrickarede and the mainland of County Antrim. Located just a stone's throw away from the famous Giants Causeway is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The incredible Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim © Thomas Janisch / Getty Images Test your vertigo on Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge A Game of Thrones studio tour is also set to open in the not too distant future in Banbridge. And you can’t forget Castle Ward in County Down that was the backdrop for Winterfell. Ballintoy Harbour may be familiar as the port of Pyke in the Iron Islands. One of the most popular Game of Thrones filming locations is the haunting tunnel of the Dark Hedges, which doubled as the road to King’s Landing. There are multiple sites around the region to visit today, including the 400-million-year-old Cushendun Caves, seen in both Seasons 2 and 8.

CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE GAME OF THRONES SERIES

Visit Game of Thrones filming locationsĪlthough the series may be over, you can still pretend to be in the world of Westeros as Northern Ireland was a key filming location for Game of Thrones. If you want to learn more about political history, visit film sets, or spend your days in nature, Northern Ireland has you covered.

CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE GAME OF THRONES TV

In some ways, it’s true because Northern Ireland is the backdrop for many of your favorite TV shows and films like Dracula Untold, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, The Fall, Vikings and of course Game of Thrones. Although it’s a small country, it is packed with exceptional places to see and cool things to do. With an arresting green coastal route, UnescoWorld Heritage-listed natural wonders and cities rich with history, both ancient and modern, Northern Ireland will have you thinking you’ve dropped into a mythical otherworld.

Carrickfergus castle game of thrones