‘Game of Thrones’, it’s fair to say, has done wonders for the Northern Irish tourism industry. According to recent figures, nearly one sixth of the country’s tourists now come primarily to visit sights, like the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbour, that feature in the hit HBO series.
Though the Emmy award-winning show may have reached its finale more a few years ago, this will likely continue for many years to come – not least because the world’s first Game of Thrones Studio Tour is going open early next year at Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge, just south of Belfast.
The 10,000-square-metre film studio is home to iconic sets from the series including the Starks’ Winterfell Castle, the Greyjoys’ Pyke and the Tullys’ Riverrun. ‘Game of Thrones’ fans from around the world to explore those original sets, along with recreations of Braavos, Dorne, Dragonfly and King’s Landing. It has now announced its official opening date: February 4 2022.
As well as the fully-dressed sets, the HBO-backed attraction will also bring together original costumes and props from across the series’ eight seasons. Drawing on the success of Warner Bros’ similar Harry Potter studio tour near London, Linen Mill says it hopes to welcome up to 600,000 visitors a year.
With original sets for Castle Black and King’s Landing in Belfast also set to welcome the public over the coming years, we can all be sure Northern Ireland’s time in the tourism spotlight won’t be coming to an end any time soon. Find out how to book here.
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