PRESS RELEASE: The Willow Throne welcomes tourists to Northern Ireland at Belfast International Airport

August 10, 2022

The world-famous Willow Throne has gone on display at Belfast International Airport, greeting tourists coming to Northern Ireland.

The Willow Throne was created by expert weaver Bob Johnston for the Game of Thrones Season 8 launch party before residing in The Ulster Museum. Built 30% bigger than the actual Iron Throne from the hit HBO TV series, the Willow Throne will offer a giant welcome to visitors and will promote the new Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge.

The immersive, family-friendly Game of Thrones Studio Tour confirmed Northern Ireland as the Home of Thrones when it opened earlier this year, bringing authentic sets including Winterfell, Dragonstone and Kings Landing,  costumes, and props from the show together to offer a world-class experience.

Visitors to Game of Thrones Studio Tour can learn the secrets behind the making of the world’s most famous TV series, much of which was filmed at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, where Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located.

Brad Kelly, Game of Thrones Studio Tour’s General Manager, said: “The eye-catching Willow Throne will invite visitors to discover more about Game of Thrones Studio Tour and the epic experience that awaits them. This is the only Game of Thrones Studio Tour in the world and the only place where a visitor can genuinely journey through Westeros.”

Naomi Waite, Director of Marketing at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “The Willow Throne display is a fantastic opportunity to give visitors from near and far a giant welcome to the land of Game of Thrones.

“Data from OAG paints a positive picture of a bounce back in access to Northern Ireland this summer, with air seat capacity to Northern Ireland expected to be at 89% of the level seen in the same period in 2019. As consumer sentiment shows a strong pent-up demand to travel, we look forward to seeing the smiles and sharing the social media posts from visitors coming through Belfast International Airport.”

Brian Carlin, Director of Commercial Development at Belfast International Airport said:  “The Willow Throne display is situated in our arrivals area, and we are delighted that Ulster Museum have donated this signature piece to the Airport. This is a real focal point for visitors and gives them a taste of what they can do on their trip to Northern Ireland. We are proud to be the first part of that experience at Belfast International Airport.”

To book tickets for Game of Thrones Studio Tour, click here.