Tucked away on the rugged coast of County Antrim lies one of Northern Ireland’s most fascinating hidden gems, Cushendun Caves.
Formed naturally over 400 million years ago, these caves became a household name after appearing in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
But their real-life history is every bit as compelling as their screen time.
Filming @ Cushendun Caves
In Season 2, Cushendun Caves served as the eerie backdrop where Melisandre gave birth to the infamous shadow assassin, one of the series’ most haunting moments.
The caves reappeared in Season 8 during the confrontation between Jaime Lannister and Euron Greyjoy.
Their raw, otherworldly feel made them the perfect stand-in for the Stormlands.
These caves are now a key stop on the daily Game of Thrones tour from Belfast, attracting fans from across the world to walk in the footsteps of Westeros legends.
The Village of Cushendun
Cushendun (Irish: Cois Abhann Duinne, meaning "foot of the River Dun") sits between Ballycastle and Cushendall along the scenic A2 Coast Road.
With its whitewashed cottages and peaceful harbour, the village feels like a step back in time.
In the early 1900s, local landowner Ronald John McNeill commissioned architect Clough Williams-Ellis to design the village in the style of a Cornish hamlet — a nod to McNeill’s wife, Maud, who was born in Penzance.
The result is a place so charming it was designated a Conservation Area in 1980.
History and Hauntings
Cushendun’s story goes far deeper than dragons and fantasy. In 1567, Irish chieftain Shane O’Neill was murdered by the MacDonnells after taking refuge nearby.
His head was severed and sent to Dublin Castle as a grim trophy for the English crown. Legend has it that his headless ghost still haunts the caves.
Ruins of Carra Castle, his former stronghold, can still be seen above the village — a reminder of Cushendun’s darker past.
Modern-Day Cushendun
Today, Cushendun remains peaceful, with a population of under 200. It's managed by the National Trust, preserving its natural beauty and village charm. A life-size goat statue greets visitors in the cave car park, a quirky mascot that’s become a local legend.
Whether you're a Game of Thrones fan, a history buff, or just love a scenic coastal stroll, Cushendun offers a rare mix of cinematic drama and genuine Irish heritage.
Discover Cushendun
The daily Giant's Causeway tour passes through Cushendun as part of its scenic route, before continuing on to iconic landmarks like Dunluce Castle along the world-famous Causeway Coast.
- Cushendun FAQS -
These rocks were laid down by flash floods in a desert environment, and contain clasts with a huge range of sizes
They were used as a filming location in Season 2, where Melisandre gives birth to the shadow assassin beneath Storm’s End — one of the most unforgettable (and unsettling) scenes in the series
This dreamy location is flanked by rolling fields of green grass and endless sea views - to have your ceremony there, you simply park up, walk out, and say your vows
