Confirmed · Antrim coast and glens · Landscape

Glenariff

The Vale of Arryn, around Runestone in Game of Thrones. Open to visitors; allow 1–2 hours.

On screen as: The Vale of Arryn, around Runestone
Access: Open to visitors
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Where: Glenariff, County Antrim

On screen

How Glenariff appears

Glenariff's broad, steep-sided valley stood in for the Vale of Arryn, the mountain-ringed region in the east of Westeros ruled from the Eyrie. Its sweeping green slopes give the Vale its sense of space, with the castle of Runestone and its lands set into this landscape. The story puts the Vale high in the Mountains of the Moon; the real glen runs down from the Antrim plateau to the sea at Waterfoot. The production used broad views of the glen rather than a single built set, so there is no one spot to match. Go for the valley itself, and for the waterfalls in the forest park at its head.

The real place

What you can visit

Glenariff is known as the Queen of the Glens: a U-shaped valley with farms on its lower slopes and cliffs and waterfalls at its head. Glenariff Forest Park, at the top of the glen, has waymarked trails including a boardwalk Waterfall Walkway through a wooded gorge, a café and toilets. There is a charge for cars entering the forest park; check current prices on the NI Direct site. The farmland in the glen is private, so view it from the A43 and public paths.

Boardwalks and steps on the waterfall trail are slippery when wet. Wear good shoes and allow extra time for the climb back up.

Discover Northern Ireland: Game of Thrones filming locations ↗

Getting there.

Glenariff Forest Park is on the A43 Ballymena to Waterfoot road, about 50 minutes from Belfast and 20 minutes from Cushendun. Park in the forest park car park. The Waterfall Walkway has many steps and steep sections and is not suitable for wheelchairs; shorter, gentler viewpoint paths start near the car park.

Official visitor information ↗Open in Google Maps ↗Read the visiting guide →

Common questions

Planning a responsible visit

What was filmed at Glenariff?

Glenariff supplied valley scenery for the Vale of Arryn, the region around Runestone. The production used broad landscape views rather than a built set, so there is no single scene spot to find.

Is there a charge at Glenariff Forest Park?

Yes, for cars. Check current prices on the NI Direct forest park pages. The scenic drive through the glen itself is free.

How long is the Glenariff waterfall walk?

The Waterfall Walkway loop takes around an hour at a steady pace, with many steps. Shorter viewpoint walks start near the car park.

Plan your visit