Game of Thrones Studio Tour is giving tourists arriving in Northern Ireland a giant welcome with the world famous ‘Willow Throne’, which has gone on display at Belfast International Airport.

A Lannister guard and Unsullied soldier welcome the giant Willow Throne (Credit: Matt Makey/Presseye.com)

The Willow Throne was created by expert weaver Bob Johnston for the Game of Thrones Season 8 premiere in Belfast before residing in The Ulster Museum. Built using thousands of willow rods, there are also around 200 individually woven swords incorporated into the Throne. 30% bigger than the actual Iron Throne from the hit series, the Willow Throne offers a giant welcome to visitors and will invite fans to experience the Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge.
 
The studio tour opened earlier this year (read more here) and brings together authentic sets including Winterfell, Dragonstone and Kings Landing, costumes and props from the show to offer a world-class experience.

Winterfell Great Hall at Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Visitors to Game of Thrones Studio Tour can learn the secrets behind the making of one of the world’s most iconic TV series, much of which was filmed at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, where Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located.

Brad Kelly, Game of Thrones Studio Tour’s General Manager, said: “The eye-catching Willow Throne will invite visitors to discover more about Game of Thrones Studio Tour and the epic experience that awaits them. This is the only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in the world and the only place where a visitor can genuinely journey through Westeros.”

Costume gallery at Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Naomi Waite, Director of Marketing at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “The Willow Throne display is a fantastic opportunity to give visitors from near and far a giant welcome to the land of Game of Thrones.

“Data from OAG paints a positive picture of a bounce back in access to Northern Ireland this summer, with air seat capacity to Northern Ireland expected to be at 89% of the level seen in the same period in 2019. As consumer sentiment shows a strong pent-up demand to travel, we look forward to seeing the smiles and sharing the social media posts from visitors coming through Belfast International Airport.”

Brian Carlin, Director of Commercial Development at Belfast International Airport said: “The Willow Throne display is situated in our arrivals area, and we are delighted that Ulster Museum has donated this signature piece to the Airport.

This is a real focal point for visitors and gives them a taste of what they can do on their trip to Northern Ireland. We are proud to be the first part of that experience at Belfast International Airport.”

The Dark Hedges, a Game of Thrones filming location © Tourism Northern Ireland

There are locations associated with the filming of Game of Thrones all over Northern Ireland, including The Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbour, which are well worth a visit on a tour of Northern Ireland.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Northern Ireland including a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, as well as some of the incredible filming locations, please do contact our friendly team today and we will put together the perfect itinerary for you!