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. Game of Thrones fans will recognise Dunluce Castle as the location of The House of Greyjoy in the Iron Islands, otherwise known as the home of Theon and Yara Greyjoy. Dunluce Castle and Game of Thrones. It’s said that Maeve’s body was never recovered. It is about 3 miles from the Giant's Causeway and Bushmill's. Built on a cliffs, Dunluce Castle is said to be the inspiration for Harrenhal in the Game of Thrones™. 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. The shots on HBO show a dark and moody laneway. Howaya! It is a Game of Thrones filming location. While you can admire it from the outside, you’ll have to pay if you want to go inside. Referred to as the Castle of Pyke, the home of the Greyjoys on the Iron Islands was a threatening sight. © Copyright 2021 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. If you're short on time, these are the best half-day Dunluce Castle tickets and tours: Giants causeway and Glens of Antrim day trip (From $557.55) Giants causeway Game of thrones (From $669.06) Giants causeway, Game of thrones (From $557.55) See all Dunluce Castle experiences on Tripadvisor 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. 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. Check out the section above that gives info on the tours. Trim Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland. Below, you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions about the castle. 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). Many different locations across Ireland were used during the filming of Game of Thrones. If you follow our 2-day road trip that takes in the best things to do on the Causeway Coastal Route, you’ll end up here on day 1. It served as the seat of the Earl of Antrim until the impoverishment of the MacDonnells in 1690, following the Battle of the Boyne. In this Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland Guide, we will go over everything you need to know about Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland.Where was the series filmed, which episodes, which scenes, Game of Thrones activities and more. Dunluce Castle, a place that really does look like something from a land that time forgot, was chosen to represent House of Greyjoy, the ruler of the Iron Islands in the show. 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. Its ancient castle runes date back to the 13 th century! "We’ve digitally reconstructed [the castles] to show the true splendor enjoyed and defended by yesteryear’s barons, queens, and kings," Onward writes on their website. The tale begins with Maeve Roe, the only daughter of Lord MacQuillan. Go early or go late in the day for the best experience. 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. The sharp drops on all sides may have been part of what drew early occupants to this location. 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. Dunluce Castle – Game of Thrones. 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. Around 1775 a man named James Stuart constructed a stunning Georgian estate around two and a half miles north of the village of Stranocum. Alas, the powerful ocean flung the couples boat against the rocks at the base of the cliff, and both drowned. Here’s a cracking bit of footage that shows the castle as you’ve never seen it before! 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. According to legend, Lord MacQuillan wanted his daughter to become engaged to a man name Richard Oge, but she had already fallen for someone else – Reginald O’Cahan. In Game of Thrones, Dunluce Castle serves as the loose setting for Pyke Castle in the Iron Islands. Visit the House of Greyjoy (otherwise known as the Dunluce … There are several Game of Thrones inspired tours you can easily book and great locations to visit. Have you ever visited Dunluce Castle? The first castle at Dunluce was built by the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Richard Óg de Burgh, in the 13th century. In 1639 there was a big bloody battle and apparently the whole kitchen of the castle fell into the ocean! 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! Dunluce Castle Game of Thrones Link Many different locations across Ireland were used during the filming of Game of Thrones. Dunluce Castle is a beautiful and impressive fortress that has dominated the Antrim coastline of Northern Ireland since about 1500. 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!) According to legend, on a particularly stormy night in 1639, part of the kitchen next to the cliff face collapsed into the icy waters below. 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. Was it worth the visit? 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. If you are in the area it is quite possible to visit all three sites and raise a glass at Bushmill's as well. Expect to have lots of people and cars on the road. The resulting GIF, below, showcases it in its heyday before it was abandoned by  the 2nd Earl of Antrim as early as 1639. Arya Stark was seen traveling down the Dark Hedges when she escaped from Kings Landing. 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. The famous Dunluce Castle in Antrim, Northern Ireland, represents House of Greyjoy, ruler of the Iron Islands in the hit TV show. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Day 5: Trim. Fast forward to 1513 and the castle was seized by McQuillan family, led by the infamous warrior chieftain Sorely Boy MacDonnell. Thanks for visiting the Irish road trip! © Copyright 2021 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. It is for these reasons that the Dunluce Castle was the ideal setting for a dark fantasy series such as Game of Thrones. This is the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. The Dark Hedges. Dunluce Castle was used in Game of Thrones to film House Greyjoy’s Castle at Pyke. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. About The iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle bears witness to a long and tumultuous history. 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. 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. Legend tells that when the kitchen dropped into the sea, only a kitchen boy survived, as he was sat in the corner of the kitchen which remained intact. 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. 34 The castle doubles as the looming reaver stronghold of Pyke on the Iron Islands in TV series Game Of Thrones 35 Dunluce also featured in the film Your Highness. See Dunluce Castle, the House of Greyjoy, built on the top of sheer-sided cliffs 100 feet above the ocean. Image by Greg Clarke via Flickr Downhill Strand, Northern Ireland (Burning of the Seven Gods scene) There’s nothing like a dollop of drone footage to get a unique perspective of what a place looks like from every angle imaginable. 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. Some of those pivotal season two scenes were filmed at Dunluce Castle in County Antrim, about two hours north of Dublin. Visitors need to cross a bridge to get to the castle ruins from the mainland. Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim Dunluce Castle dates back to medieval times and is set into the edges of a basalt outcropping. If you have any others, pop them into the comments section below! Dunluce, alongside the other historic castles used during filming, was given a virtual makeover. 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. ... Queen Khaleesi, a couple of dragons, raging battles and the struggle for the Iron Throne. Dunluce castle is medieval castle, that now is just a ruins in the Northern Ireland. Let me know in the comments below! Dunluce Castle Dunluce Castle is actually a castle ruin situated on the edge of a basalt outcrop about 20 minutes drive from Ballintoy Harbour. Ruins with a Capitol "R" Dunluce castle is situated on a craggy outcrop on the treacherous Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. Dunluce Castle (from Irish: Dún Libhse) is a now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland, the seat of Clan McDonnell. Thus, the tale of the Dunluce Castle Banshee was born. The first ever castle at Dunluce was constructed by the 2nd Earl of Ulster, Richard Óg de Burgh, way back in the 13th century. In real life, however, Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle that, much like … Since then, Dunluce Castle has deteriorated into the gorgeous crumbly ruin that it is today. 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. Day 6: Depart . Very cool to see. Visit locations where some of the most iconic blood-curdling Game of Thrones scenes were filmed! The famous Dunluce Castle in Antrim, Northern Ireland, represents House of Greyjoy, ruler of the Iron Islands in the hit TV show. In GOT, Dunluce Castle is home to the House of Greyjoy and plays the backdrop to the Iron Islands. The team also note that Dunluce Castle "has now become a valuable archaeological site. Medieval ruins of an old castle. Exterior shots of the castle ruins were used in filming to represent the clifftop location of Castle Pyke, the seat of House Greyjoy. 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. ", "The historic footprint of this short-lived settlement is a haunting destination for visitors to the northern tip of Northern Ireland.". 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. You'll find everything from. 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. 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. Dunluce Castle is a must-see place when exploring Northern Ireland. © 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. For a behind-the-scenes look, head to Belfast City, to the Titanic Quarter, where many of Game of Thrones®’ interior scenes and special effects were filmed over the last 10 years. Dunluce Castle, a place that really does look like something from a land that time forgot, was chosen to represent House of … Let us know in the comments below. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The castle is also the subject of a 1990s song named “Dunluce Castle” written by George Millar and sung by the Irish Rovers. 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.. The castle is one of the largest and best preserved in Ireland. But the trees have more recently been re-purposed as the Kings Road in a number of Game of Thrones scenes. The Dark Hedges are arguably the Game of Thrones filming location in Ireland that receives the most attention online. Rocks and ruin at Dunluce Castle STONES: Visit Dunluce Castle. represents House of Greyjoy, ruler of the Iron Islands in the hit TV show. Finally, see the Dark Hedges, a beautiful avenue of beech … So, her lovely aul lad decided to lock her up in one of the castles turrets as punishment… a right aul boll*x. You’ll find the iconic ruins of Dunluce Castle perched on jagged cliffs along County Antrim’s magnificent coastline. 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. 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Even though Dunluce Castle lies in ruins, it is still enough to inspire royal daydreams. Alongside six other historic castles in mainland Britain, Dunluce Castle was given the virtual treatment. It is interesting how the castle was surrounded with steep drops on three sides. An excavation in 2015 uncovered a mysterious stone settlement, dating back to the 15th century, next to Dunluce Castle. 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 … The castle was used to represent House of Greyjoy, the ruler of the Iron Islands in the show. 36 A … Visit iconic GOT locations, including the city of Braavos, the Keep of House Greyjoy, the King’s Road, and more. As very few 15th-century buildings, other than the castle, survived in Ulster, it was considered a very "exciting and important discovery". Welcome to the awe-inspiring Dunluce Castle in County Antrim. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. You can thank digital reconstruction for that. What's your favorite "Game of Thrones" setting in Northern Ireland? It is still worth seeing, whether or not you are a Game of Thrones fan. On one dark and stormy night, Reginald O’Cahan visited the castle to rescue Maeve. And Bushmill 's ) is a now-ruined medieval Castle in County Antrim, about hours. Thrones, Dunluce Castle perched on jagged cliffs along County Antrim, about two hours north of the and! Of Stranocum Castle perched on jagged cliffs along County Antrim the 13 century! Cliffs along County Antrim in GOT, Dunluce Castle Banshee was born kitchen of the of. Best preserved in Ireland that receives the most frequently asked questions about the iconic ruin Dunluce. 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Name, email, and both drowned Britain, Dunluce Castle was the ideal setting for Pyke in... © Copyright 2021 Irish Studio LLC all rights reserved Thrones fan virtual makeover dating back to House... The trees have more recently been re-purposed as the Kings road in a number Game... Miles from the mainland its ancient Castle runes date back to the House of Greyjoy plays...