Game of Thrones Tapestry returns to Belfast

The hand-embroidered tapestry, telling the full story of the Game of Thrones® TV series, returns to the museum in the leafy Queen's Quarter of Belfast from 24 June.

Measuring over 90 metres, the Bayeux-style tapestry is one of the longest in the world and one of the largest textile objects ever displayed at the Ulster Museum.

It celebrates the epic story of Game of Thrones® and the filming of the series in what is now regarded as the ‘real Westeros’ or the ‘Home of Thrones’. And it nods to the legacy of Northern Ireland’s linen and textile industry, historically one of the largest in the world.

Made from linen supplied by Thomas Ferguson's in Banbridge in County Down, one of the last surviving linen mills in Northern Ireland, the tapestry includes an incredible level of hand embellished detail.

Thanks to a small army of enthusiastic stitchers who worked tirelessly on the tapestry, thread by thread visitors can relive the trials and tribulations of the show’s characters and its most prominent scenes, including the infamous Red Wedding. The tapestry also contains embroidered highlights such as golden Lannister hair, emerald green wildfire, cold blue White Walkers and jet black crows.

Originally commissioned in partnership with HBO and Tourism Ireland in 2017 to depict the first six seasons of the show, the events of Season 7 and Season 8 were added as the ‘Thrones’ storyline played out on the world’s TV screens.

The Game of Thrones® Tapestry drew record crowds when it previously hung in the Ulster Museum, before it was transported to Bayeux in France, where it was displayed within walking distance of the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry.

In addition to seeing the tapestry at the Ulster Museum, there is extensive range of Game of Thrones® experiences to be enjoyed in Northern Ireland.

Top of the must-do list has got to be the world’s only official Game of Thrones® Studio Tour at the acclaimed series’ original filming location – Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down. The huge 100,000 sq ft interactive experience opened earlier this year and is earning rave reviews from fans who have visited from around the world.

Revealing the world of Westeros like never before, the tour lets you explore the famous sets of King’s Landing, Winterfell, Dragonstone, The Wall and beyond and get up close to the original costumes, weapons and props used in the filming of the groundbreaking series.

There are also multiple Game of Thrones® tours and experiences exploring the 26 spectacular filming locations in Northern Ireland that formed the dramatic backdrop for the world’s biggest TV show. Many of the tours are led by locals who have worked as actors, extras and crew on the show and who can share great behind-the-scenes stories.

Back in Belfast, you can also grab a selfie at the giant stained-glass windows on the Glass of Thrones Walking Trail, challenge yourself at a Game of Thrones® themed escape room or see one of the 10 Doors of Thrones in The Dark Horse pub in the buzzing Cathedral Quarter.

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