Happy anniversary Game of Thrones

On 20 May 2019 the world’s most successful TV series came to a heart-stopping end but its legions of fans around the world continue to enjoy its legacy and even in the current #StayHome environment are getting together to mark the anniversary virtually.

A great way to revisit the series is by viewing The Last Watch, a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the final season of Game of Thrones®, which gave fans exclusive fly-on-the-wall access to cast meetings, scene shoots, and interviews with actors, extras and crew. 

The fascinating insight into the blood, sweat and tears that created the blockbuster series was largely shot in Titanic Studios Belfast and around Northern Ireland at a number of dramatic locations that created the world of Westeros.

The documentary can be streamed from a number of platforms and by creating a virtual get-together fans can share their passion for the ground-breaking show.

Others are marking the occasion by diving into the Game of Thrones® boxset to relive every exciting moment of the epic story or visiting the Game of Thrones Tapestry online to view the key moments of the series captured in the unique Bayeux style embroidery. 

Still others may be making plans to visit Northern Ireland, when travel is possible, to view the wide range of unforgettable locations that were used as the backdrop to the series. 

These include the historic farmyard of Castle Ward, County Down, which doubled as Winterfell and now boasts a replica of the archery range where Bran learned to shoot arrows.

Ballintoy Harbour, on the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim, became the Iron Islands, while the lush green Glens of Antrim featured as multiple sets including the Dothraki Great Grass Sea.

Tollymore Forest Park was where the direwolves were found, while the picturesque Dark Hedges, lined with twisting beech trees, became famous as the Kingsroad.

Other recognisable locations include the gorgeous Downhill Strand, an 11km stretch of golden sand which stood for Dragonstone, and the ruins of the twelfth-century Inch Abbey, which were used as Robb Stark's camp, Riverrun.

Northern Ireland has many Game of Thrones® experiences, including the Glass of Thrones tour in Belfast, and is looking forward to the time when it can again welcome fans to the ‘Home of Thrones’.  

www.ireland.com