'Game of Thrones': Magical film locations in Northern Ireland

In "Game of Thrones," it's the Winterfell Fortress of the Stark family. Unless filming for the series is taking place, Ward Castle on the east coast of Northern Ireland is accessible to tourist groups. Visitors can compete in archery or sword fighting in an authentic setting — and in appropriate costume, of course — afterwards they can dine royally.

From Castle Ward you can discover another filming location just a short walk away. On his campaign against the Lannisters, Robb Stark sets up camp at Audley's Field. After the battle in the Whispering Wood he even captures Jaime Lannister here. A little later Robb falls victim to a conspiracy and is murdered at the "Red Wedding."

A good hour's drive away is the enchanted Tollymore Forest. This is where a large part of the scenes set in the surroundings of Winterfell are filmed. In the Tollymore park, the Stark children find their shadow wolf puppies and the Wildlings also live here. For "Game of Thrones" fans, the picturesque national park is an absolute must.

The road between the Dark Hedges is rarely seen this empty. During the day, cars and tourist buses pile up here. Because in "Game of Thrones," the majestic beech avenue is part of the King's Road that leads from King's Landing to the north. After the murder of her father, Arya flees from the city of the Iron Throne via it and at the start of her long and arduous journey.

The extreme weather of the Irish north coast has shaped them over 400 million years: The Caves of Cushendun. For the second season of "Game of Thrones" they were used as a film location. Here the Red Priestess Melisandre gives birth to the dark shadow creature that finally kills Renly Baratheon.

About 30 kilometers north of Belfast is the home of the Dothraki. Many scenes about the powerful equestrian people were created in the valley at the foot of the mountain Slemish (picture). In "Game of Thrones" the Dothraki Sea is located to the east of Essos, a vast continent east of Westeros.

The beach at Portstewart is considered one of the most beautiful in Northern Ireland. Jaime Lannister and Ser Bronn engage in a battle with Martell guards on the coast of Dorne. The two are supposed to bring the kidnapped Myrcella back to King's Landing. For the desert city itself the Andalusian town of Seville served as a backdrop.

It is possible to visit the Iron Islands to the west of Westeros. The harbor of Ballintoy in "Game of Thrones" serves as the stronghold of Pyke on the main island of the Iron Islands. Here the House of Greyjoy rules over the people of the Ironborn, who are known for their seafaring skills and their strong fleet. Shooting also took place on the nearby beach and in the surrounding villages.

Renly Baratheon set up camp in the Stormlands. In a tournament, Brienne of Tarth defeats Loras Tyrell here and is named Renly's Kingsguard. After that the powerful knight becomes one of the main characters of the series. She will also be starring in season 8.

Dragonstone is located on the steep cliffs on the north side of the island. After a successful rebellion, the former ancestral seat of House of Targaryen became the property of the Baratheons for a short time. Now Daenerys is back in Westeros with her army and dragons and is getting ready for the recapture of the Iron Throne from Dragonstone.