THE GAME OF THRONES STUDIO TOUR
Journey to Westeros in Northern Ireland
I have to admit I’m a Game of Thrones fan. I’ve binged the HBO series more that a few times now. On a recent trip to Northern Ireland, I made a point to visit the Games of Thrones Studio Tour at the Linen Mills Studio in Banbridge, near Armagh, 40 minutes from Belfast and about an hour and forty minutes from Dublin. I was lucky that one of the cast members, Ian Beattie, who played the villainous Ser Meryn Trant on five seasons of the show, was there signing pictures and meeting fans. He kindly consented to do a stand-up ad-libbed intro for my YouTube video, and was marvelous. A charming fellow in comparison to his character on the show.
While The Game of Thrones series began shooting in Northern Ireland and eventually saw production in locations around the world, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour is exclusive to this out-of-way corner of the Ireland isle, just across the border which separates the two familial nations. And after a self-guided exploration of the former production stages turned to exhibit space, I was not disappointed. Probably one of the best film studio tour experiences I’ve had, and I live in Hollywood. Other tours have made up exhibits and a few artifacts for entertainments long gone, but this studio tour is wall-to-wall original sets, costumes, props and other materials from the series, presented in a tone which is literally like stepping into a scene from the show.
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour offers an opportunity to delve into the fantasy world of Westeros and experience the magic that went into bringing the show to life. Immerse yourself in Westeros, explore Winterfell, King's Landing, Dragonstone, and the Wall, get up close with the stunning costumes and props that defined the characters and their stories. Gain insight into the intricate set design and construction, and discover the groundbreaking special effects and makeup that brought the show's supernatural elements to life.
The tour starts with a short intro film in the dark, then the doors open into the world of Westeros. Since, the tour exhibits were created after the show completed ten seasons, many are noticeable from the later episodes, Hoder holding the door and the army of the dead. The map room of Dragonstone, and Tomen’s chamber, great Dragon skulls and collections of weapons and helmets. Some immersive interactive stations allow a closer look at the techniques of production and segments of a documentary created for HBO play throughout the tour, illustrating the departments.
The final exhibit is to walk into the great hall of the Red Keep of King’s Landing, and stand before the iconic Iron Throne, but the hall is in the state as it was after being destroyed by dragon fire, with John Snow and Daenerys figures amid snow covered rubble. Familiar theme music plays among the exhibits creating a comfortable memory connection making it all come back.
Visiting The Game of Thrones Studio Tour
With no parking space at the studio itself, the tour begins at a nearby shopping mall parking lot with tour visitors taken by bus to the location. Timed tickets for the tour, which start every 15 minutes, are recommended to be purchased in advance through the website. There are also bus tours available, departing from Belfast or Dublin, to save the car trip or car hire. A casual café restaurant is on-site for pre or post tour sustenance. But no matter how you get there, whether a fan of the show or not, it’s well worth a trip to Northern Ireland just for the experience. And if you have the time, you can travel on to visit some of the actual locations. © Bargain
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Game of Thrones Studio Tour
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GAME OF THRONES LOCATIONS TOUR
