The development will make the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour directly accessible to visitors for the first time, ending reliance on an off-site park and ride service.
Construction has officially begun on a new 150-space on-site car park at Game of Thrones Studio Tour, a major infrastructure investment that will significantly improve accessibility to one of Northern Ireland’s leading visitor attractions.
Previously, many visitors could only access the attraction via a shuttle service from The Boulevard in Banbridge. The introduction of on-site parking will significantly improve accessibility and convenience for both domestic and international visitors, including the growing number of tour groups and coach operators travelling from Belfast, Dublin and beyond. It will also support future growth and strengthen the attraction’s position within Northern Ireland’s tourism offering.
The project, being delivered by Banbridge-based contractor Gibson Bros, is expected to take approximately three months to complete and represents a significant investment. It is scheduled to be operational from October 2026.
Located adjacent to the Studio Tour, the new car park will enable visitors to drive directly to the attraction and park on site for the first time, streamlining the visitor experience and supporting the attraction’s continued growth.
Since opening in February 2022, the privately funded attraction has established itself as the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour, preserving the original filming location where much of the global HBO phenomenon was brought to life.
Andrew Webb, Chair of the Board of Game of Thrones Studio Tour, said:
“The commencement of construction marks a hugely significant milestone for the business and for tourism in Northern Ireland.
“Since opening, we have welcomed visitors from across the globe who have travelled here specifically to experience the world of Game of Thrones. While the attraction has grown year after year, the absence of on-site parking has remained one of the biggest challenges for both visitors and the business. This investment will remove that barrier, improve accessibility, enhance the visitor experience and help us realise the full potential of the attraction for years to come.”
The attraction has experienced sustained growth since opening. Visitor numbers increased by more than 30 per cent in 2023, 35 per cent in 2024 and 28 per cent in 2025. More recently, the first quarter of 2026 delivered the strongest year-on-year performance to date, with visitor numbers rising by 82 per cent. Growth has continued into the current quarter, with bookings and visitor numbers increasing further and expected to accelerate following the addition of the new parking facilities.
Almost half of all visitors now travel from overseas, highlighting the attraction’s growing international appeal and its importance within Northern Ireland’s tourism economy.
Sam Harding, Managing Director of Game of Thrones Studio Tour, said: “This project is about much more than parking spaces. It is about creating a seamless visitor experience from arrival to departure.
“We have seen exceptional growth over the past year, fuelled by international demand, strong partnerships and the enduring popularity of the Game of Thrones franchise. The new car park will make it easier for visitors to access the attraction, support future growth and open up new opportunities across group travel, self-drive tourism and corporate events.”
Welcoming the announcement, Laura McCorry, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said:
“As a flagship screen tourism attraction, Game of Thrones Studio Tour plays an important role in showcasing Northern Ireland’s increasing global appeal to visitors seeking to discover the real places behind their favourite TV Show or movie.
“The new visitor parking facility is a key investment, enabling the attraction to welcome more guests while continuing to deliver a more seamless visitor experience. Developments like this strengthen tourism infrastructure, support local jobs and businesses, and drive economic growth.
“We look forward to seeing the lasting benefits this will bring to the attraction, local community and wider tourism sector.”
Etta Austin, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Northern Ireland, said:
“The introduction of on-site car parking at Game of Thrones Studio Tour will significantly enhance the visitor experience, making it even easier for overseas visitors to include the attraction as part of their holiday plans. Screen tourism is hugely important for Northern Ireland, with the Game of Thrones franchise continuing to be a powerful draw for fans from around the world. Tourism Ireland will continue to support the attraction through our overseas partnerships and publicity activity, showcasing Northern Ireland as a must-visit destination.”
The investment comes at a time of renewed global interest in the Game of Thrones franchise, with HBO continuing to expand the universe through productions including A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and future seasons of House of the Dragon.
