UK Media Agents Tour Game Of Thrones Sites In NI

Over one million in GB to read all about Northern Ireland.

GB journalists and bloggers check out Game of Thrones filming locations.

Top travel journalists and bloggers from GB are taking part in a Game of Thrones themed tour of Northern Ireland, this week. The group – whose publications and blogs have a combined audience of more than 1 million readers, or potential holidaymakers for Northern Ireland – was invited here by Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism NI.

Des Burke, Tourism Ireland (centre back) with the journalists and bloggers ‘acting the part’ during a Game of Thrones tour at the caves near Cushendun (Stormlands).

In Co Down, the group explored Tollymore Forest, where the opening scene of series one of Game of Thrones was filmed, as well as the Cistercian ruins at Inch Abbey (Robb Stark’s Camp). They also discovered ‘Winterfell’ at Castle Ward near Strangford and Audley’s Castle and took part in a special Game of Thrones banquet at The Cuan Restuarant in Strangford.

The journalists and bloggers also enjoyed a trip along the Causeway Coastal Route, stopping off at variousfilming locations – including the caves at Cushendun (known as Stormlands in the TV series), the harbour at Ballintoy (Lordsport) and the Dark Hedges near Ballymoney (The Kingsroad).

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “With the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones set to air over the coming days, Tourism Ireland is taking every opportunity to remind fans about the show’s connection to Northern Ireland.

“These GB journalists and influencers have a strong following, so their visit is a really good opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to a wide audience of prospective holidaymakers. Their articles, posts and photos will be seen and shared by their readers and followers – inspiring them to come and explore the destination for themselves.

“Tourism Ireland undertakes a busy publicity programme in GB each year to raise the profile of Northern Ireland – and visits by journalists and influencers are a key element of that programme.”

Game of Thrones ‘fever’ is on the rise once again, with anticipation mounting among fans everywhere about the long-awaited eighth and final season, which is set to premiere over the coming days. Tourism Ireland will roll out a brand new campaign, showcasing Northern Ireland once again to millions of Game of Thrones fans worldwide.F Notes to Editors:

***

  • Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for promoting Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination.
  • Tourism is responsible for in excess of 5.2% of GDP in Northern Ireland and supports approximately 65,000 jobs.
  • In 2018, around 2.23 million overseas visitors were welcomed to Northern Ireland, delivering revenue of £589 million.
  • Tourism Ireland’s international website is: www.ireland.com, with 29 market sites available in 11 language versions.