Game of Thrones exhibition | Belfast | June 2014

I know, I know! … This is supposed to be an archaeology blog, so what am I doing taking a tangent off into the world of Game of Thrones? Well … everything and nothing, I suppose.

The obligatory 'Iron Throne' photo
On one level, the books and TV show are a remarkably successful reworking of various Medievally and Renaissancey vibes. On another, the costumes and props are testament to vast skill by a huge variety of amazing craftspeople. Both of these are wonderful and laudable, but it’s not why I wanted to share some images from the exhibition at the Waterfront Hall (which closed today, Sunday June 15th … sorry). Beyond the actors, the CGI and all these fine costumes, sets, and props, quite a bit of the TV show is filmed here in Northern Ireland, my adopted home. So many of the landscapes of Westeros (and some of Essos), so familiar on our screens, are all within driving distance of Belfast. Similarly, quite a few Northern Irish heritage sites also appear in supporting roles, helping bring this entire world to life. So, if you’re a fan, or even if you’ve never heard of the show (where have you been for the last four+ years?), – enjoy the photos and, perhaps, think about coming here to see the real locations for yourself. [Click on any image for larger versions]

Costumes for Daenerys Targaryen
Necklace worn by Daenerys Targaryen at the taking of Yunkai
Dragon eggs
Story boards from Season 3
L: Jaime Lannister
R: Brienne of Tarth
Chapple minor surveys a severed hand
By season 7 this wall will be huge ...
Chapple minor surveys a severed wolf head
L: Arya Stark
R: Gregor 'The Hound' Clegane
Stick 'em with the pointy end ...
L: Jon Snow
R: Ygritte
Jon Snow's sword, 'Longclaw'
'Longclaw': Detail of pommel
Ygritte's bow
Overview of the exhibition
L: Melisandre
M: Stannis Baratheon
R: Davos Seaworth
Melisandre's choker with red stone
The Occulus Rift trip to the top of the wall!
(Not for the faint of heart!)
Tyrion Lannister
L: Sansa Stark
R: Oberyn Martell
Cersei Lannister
L: Margaery Tyrell
R: Joffrey Baratheon
Selection of weapons
Eddard Stark's sword 'Ice'
L: 'Oathkeeper'
R: Sword of Gregor 'The mountain' Clegane
Inside the exhibition
Sansa Stark's necklace from the Purple Wedding
Petyr_Baelish's mockingbird
Crowns:
Top: Margaery Tyrell
Bottom: Joffrey Baratheon
L: Loras Tyrell's Rose
R: Hand of the King
Model of the top of the wall
Collection of Wildling artefacts
L: Bran Stark
R: Hodor
Check these out:
Discover Northern Ireland’s map of GoT locations.
Discover Northern Ireland’s post covering much the same territory.
Causeway Coast & Glens page on GoT locations.
      And their downloadable driving tours of the filming locations.
Ireland.com video interviews with cast & crew on why they chose Northern Ireland.
IMDB’s full list of filming locations.
Location: Belfast, UK

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