Tourism Ireland's latest '˜Door of Thrones' in Gracehill House

Episode seven of season six of Game of ThronesÂ® aired last night (Monday, 6 June) and Tourism Ireland unveiled its latest '˜Door of Thrones' '“ in Gracehill House near Ballymoney, just metres from perhaps the most iconic filming location in HBO's fantasy drama, the Dark Hedges, known to fans as the Kingsroad.

Kathleen McBride, Tourism NI; Shannon Gough, Gracehill House; and Elaine Moore, Tourism Ireland, beside the intricately carved door which depicts scenes from episode seven of series six - a feature of Tourism Irelands 2016 Game of ThronesAE campaign - which is hanging in Gracehill House.

The material used to make Tourism Ireland’s ‘Doors of Thrones’ is literally a part of Game of Thrones® history – it comes from two of the 200-year old trees at the Dark Hedges, which were destroyed during Storm Gertrude this winter.

With the help of some artistic carpentry, the wood is being used to create a a series of ten carved doors, each one telling the story of an episode from season six. At the end of each episode, the location of the latest door is revealed by Tourism Ireland to Game of Thrones® fans around the world.

The doors can be admired in pubs, restaurants and other venues across Northern Ireland. It’s all part of Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Game of Thrones® campaign – which is being rolled out around the world until the end of June (when season six ends), showcasing Northern Ireland to millions of GoT fans worldwide.

Given that Gracehill house is the home of the royal descendant who planted the Dark Hedges trees over 200 years ago, it is particularly fitting then that this week’s door is now hanging there. Echoing scenes from last night’s episode, it features striking designs and depicts three-eyed ravens.

Tourism Ireland has also unveiled its seventh – limited edition – Game of Thrones® stamp, another element of its campaign, produced in conjunction with the Royal Mail.