Game of Thrones is one of the most popular and widely acclaimed series on television. Now in its eighth season, its ratings have grown over the years with audience numbers topping over 10 million per episode in the US alone.
Much of the series is filmed in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland. Game of Thrones tourism has become a big feature of life in Northern Ireland with many businesses taking advantage of the immense popularity of the show.
Tours, exhibitions, locations,memorabilia and souvenirs are everywhere Anyone interested in visiting locations will find all the information at Discover Northern Ireland website.
There are now 26 locations which can be visited. One of the best known is Dark Hedges on the approach to Gracehill House County Antrim.
The Game of Thrones Tapestry
Everyone has heard of The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th century 70 metre long tapestry depicting the norman conquest of England.
The Game of Thrones Tapestry in Belfast was commissioned by Tourism Ireland and HBO, the creators of Game of Thrones.
It consists of seven panels of hand-woven fabric, each panel depicting scenes from each episode of the show. The embroidery has been done by some of the last workers of Northern Ireland’s linen mills and now stands at 66metres.
At the end of season eight the tapestry is expected to exceed the Bayeux Tapestry in length.
Artists, digital illustrators and weavers using a Jacquard Loom are used in the intricate process which combines modern computer technology with age old hand weaving techniques.
The Tapestry was opened to the public at July 2017 at the Ulster Museum in Belfast and has generated huge interest.
Game of Thrones Tapestry going to Bayeux
The importance of the Belfast tapestry will be well advertised when it makes its journey to France in September of this year to be exhibited in the cathedral in Bayeux near its 11th century ancestor.
