Fans of the HBO show Game of Thrones will want to see the Game of Thrones tapestry at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
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The 90-meter (295 feet) Bayeux-style Game of Thrones tapestry is one of the longest in the world and the largest textile object to be displayed at the popular museum located in the Queen’s Quarter section of the city.
The hand-embroidered tapestry, which was originally commissioned in partnership with HBO and Tourism Ireland in 2017 to depict the first six seasons of the show, now tells the full story of the series, including scenes from seasons 7 and 8.
During its previous run at the Ulster Museum, the tapestry drew record crowds but was then transported to Bayeux, France, where it was displayed within walking distance of the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry.
The tapestry, with its incredible hand-embellished details, was made from linen supplied by Thomas Ferguson's in Banbridge, County Down, one of the last surviving linen mills in Northern Ireland.
As visitors examine the tapestry thread by thread, they will relive the trials and tribulations of the show’s characters and one of its most prominent scenes, the infamous Red Wedding.
The tapestry also contains embroidered highlights such as the golden Lannister hair, the emerald and green wildfire, the White Walkers, and the jet black crows that were prominent in many episodes of the series.
Other Game of Thrones Attractions in Northern Ireland
There are other Game of Thrones experiences for visitors to enjoy while traveling around Northern Ireland.
They include the newly opened Game of Thrones Studio Tour at the Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down.
The interactive attraction reveals the world of Westeros like never before, allowing visitors to explore the famous King’s Landing, Winterfell, Dragonstone, and The Wall sets and get up close to the original costumes, weapons, and props used in the filming of the ground-breaking series.
There are also several tours and experiences that will take you to some of the 26 filming locations in Northern Ireland that formed the backdrop for the world’s biggest TV show.
Many of the tours are led by locals who worked on the set as actors, extras, and crew members, enabling them to share unique behind-the-scenes stories with visitors.
You could also do your own self-guided tour.
In Belfast, grab a selfie at the giant stained-glass windows on the Glass of Thrones walking trail, and then challenge yourself in a Game of Thrones-inspired escape room.
Save King’s Landing is available in three escape rooms and is suitable for 2-6 people.
The game, which is located at GoT to Escape in Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter, asks players to “step back in time and into the boots of Westeros’ bravest.”
The aim is to save the city in 60 minutes by finding the hidden wildfire that is needed to defend the city against the enemy fleet.
Journey of Doors Trail
Other Game of Thrones experiences in Northern Ireland include the Journey of Doors trail, a route that stretches from Belfast all the way up the Antrim coast.
The stops along the way, in various restaurants and bars, feature spectacular wooden doors that came from trees that fell during Storm Gertrude in 2016. They had once lined the famous Dark Hedges (known in the series as Kingsroad).
Each of the wooden doors is located near a film location from the show and features scenes from each episode of Season 6.
Door 1 is located at The Cuan House in Strangford, Co. Down.
Door 2 is located at the Fiddler’s Green in Portaferry, Co. Down.
Door 3 located at the Percy French Inn in the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa depicts a ship’s departure from the Greyjoy-controlled Iron Islands as well as a lone dire wolf above Winterfell.
Door 4 can be found at Blakes of the Hollow in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, one of Ireland’s most popular Victorian-style pubs.
The Night King and his followers are featured on Door 5, which you’ll find at Frank Owens’ Bar in Limavady.
Door 6 located at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy seems to be a favorite for Game of Thrones fans. This door features Daenerys’ most fearsome dragon, Drogon, as well as the Dothraki stallions.
At Door 7 in the Gracehill Estate at the Dark Hedges Estate in Ballymoney, expect to see a three-eyed raven as well as a beech leaf within a crown to signify the trees from the nearby Dark Hedges.
Mary McBride’s of Cushendun is the setting for Door 8, which chronicles Arya Stark’s journey in the free city of Braavos, among other notable moments from Season 6.
The Games of Thrones Door 9 can be found at Ballygally Castle in Larne.
This door depicts the famous battle between House Stark and House Bolton in Season 6, with carvings of the crests of House Bolton and House Stark, Ramsey Bolton’s hungry dogs, and Winterfell Castle.
The final Game of Thrones Door 10 can be found at The Dark Horse bar in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. The door depicts the state of Westeros at the end of Season 6, as well as clues to the parentage of Jon Snow.
A Journey of Doors passport is available at each location.