There's a Game of Thrones festival coming to Co.Down next month

Winter is coming!

National Trust
Author: Paulo RossPublished 29th Aug 2018
Last updated 29th Aug 2018

Game of Thrones fans won't have to wait until next year for the TV show's eighth and final series, there's a way to get your fix in the meantime!

Fans of the popular fantasy drama series will have the opportunity to party like the Starks when the 2018 Winterfell Festival returns to Castle Ward on September 16.

The one day event promises to fully immerse Game of Thrones fans into George R. R. Martin’s mythical world of Westeros - set within an 820 acre historic demesne on the shores of Strangford Lough.

Fans will have the chance to stand in the very courtyard where Jon Snow taught his brother Bran to shoot a bow and arrow and take a tour of the castle grounds, including a visit to the clock tower where Jaime Lannister pushed Bran out a window.

Meet Direwolves Odin and Thor, who played Grey Wind and Summer in the show. Apparently they are very friendly chaps and are well used to being on camera and having their photo taken.

Follow the trail to Audley’s Castle and see if you can avoid crossing the path of the most feared creatures in Westeros, the White Walkers.

A full festival programme is still to be released, but fans of the show are advised to book early as the event sold out last year.

Additional guests will be announced at a later date.

Tickets start from £10 for kids and £25 adults with entry for under 5's free and and can be purchased from by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winterfell

Getting to Castle Ward

For those not travelling to Winterfell by carriage - Translink is the next best thing. Get the bus from Belfast City Centre and back for a day trip to Westeros in style.

Access to the Castle Ward on the day will be via the main gates only.