Thanks to Thrones, Northern Ireland high on list of popular tourist spots
By Dan Selcke
It’s no secret that Game of Thrones has helped the tourism industries of some of the places where it films. To take advantage of this phenomena, Northern Ireland even mounted a series of Game of Thrones-themed stunts (e.g. selling dragon’s eggs at market, freezing a fountain and claiming White Walkers did it, etc…), and it would seem that the efforts paid off. According to the Belfast Telegraph, a certain spot in Northern Ireland placed third on a list of destinations adults most want to visit.
The Telegraph gathered this information from a study commissioned by HBO. According to it, one in four adults choose where to travel on vacations based on a TV show or movie, which is a little sad but good news for any place that happens to have a few crumbling castles handy.
The Northern Irish site in question is the Causeway Coast and Glens. The production has used different parts of this area to stand in for the King’s Road, Dragonstone, the Stormlands, Pyke, and the area north of Winterfell. With so many locations clustered close together, it’s no wonder it’s a popular spot for fans.
So what beat out the Coastway Coast and Glens? Check out the top ten below.
- 1. New Zealand — Lord of the Rings
- 2. New York, USA — Sex and the City
- 3. The Causeway Coast and Glens, Northern Ireland — Game of Thrones
- 4. Las Vegas, USA — The Hangover
- 5. West Bay, Dorset, UK — Broadchurch
- 6. Alnwick Castle, N’thumberland — Harry Potter
- 7. Paris, France — Inception
- 8. Benidorm, Spain — Benidorm
- 9. Iceland — Game of Thrones
- 10. Malta — Game of Thrones
Kudos to Game of Thrones for snagging spots 9 and 10, too, although there was probably never a chance of beating out New Zealand. Lords of the Rings fans have long memories. Also, I’m surprised anyone needs to see a movie before deciding to go to Las Vegas. The place kind of sells itself.
To see the top 30, head to the Belfast Telegraph.
Next: Check out this behind-the-scenes look at special effects shots from Season 5