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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
Belfast, renowned for its rich history, industrial heritage, and vibrant cultural scene, has added another feather to its cap with a unique and captivating attraction: Glass of Thrones. This stunning series of stained glass windows scattered along Belfast’s maritime pathways celebrates the global phenomenon of Game of Thrones. The show, filmed mainly in Northern Ireland, has left an indelible mark on the region, turning it into a pilgrimage site for fans of the Seven Kingdoms. The Glass of Thrones installation is a tribute to the show and a symbol of Belfast’s creative energy and connection to one of the most epic TV series of our time.
In this article, we’ll explore the significance of the Glass of Thrones, examine each window, and discuss how the attraction enhances Belfast’s position as a must-visit destination for Game of Thrones fans and culture seekers alike.
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Glass of Thrones
Just recently the phenomenal HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ ended, after eight seasons that has captivated fans all around the world. Game of Thrones has been a huge tourism drive for Northern Ireland, as many of the filming locations have taken place in County Antrim, County Down and County Derry/Londonderry.
The show has helped to transform Northern Ireland into a top tourism destination. There are many attractions around the country dedicated to GOT. You can check out guided tours of filming locations, which take you to famous sites such as the Dark Hedges. You can see the fantastic Game of Thrones Tapestry at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
The Origins of Glass of Thrones
The Glass of Thrones installation was unveiled in April 2019, coinciding with the final season of Game of Thrones airing. Created by Tourism Ireland in partnership with HBO, the project aimed to celebrate the show’s immense popularity and its ties to Northern Ireland, where much of the series was filmed. The installation comprises six intricate stained glass windows, each representing iconic moments, characters, and themes from the series.
The windows were strategically placed along Belfast’s Maritime Mile, starting at the AC Hotel Belfast and stretching to the Titanic Studios, where a significant portion of Game of Thrones was filmed. The series of windows was designed to resemble the ancient art of stained glass, paying homage to Europe’s rich artistic heritage and the Gothic style often associated with the medieval fantasy of Game of Thrones.
As visitors make their way along this scenic walk, they can immerse themselves in both the world of Westeros and the industrial beauty of Belfast’s docklands, a fitting tribute to the city’s dual identity as both a historic industrial powerhouse and a modern centre of culture and entertainment.
Incredible Stained Glass Windows Attraction
And now a new Game of Thrones attraction has been unveiled in Belfast by Tourism Ireland. Stunning giant stained glass windows have been created around famous locations in Belfast as a dedication to the show and the tourism it has brought to the city.
The colorful glass windows trail is a beautiful tribute to say goodbye to the show that has been loved by many for so long. Although the show ended a few weeks ago, a new stained glass window or ‘Glass of Thrones’ was officially unveiled as each final series episode aired on TV.
There are six incredible crafted stained glass windows altogether, located in Belfast for fans to check out and appreciate. Created to help ensure the legacy of the show isn’t forgotten. Each of the ‘Glass of Thrones’ showcase important houses from GOT and some of its famous moment over its eight years. These stained glass windows have been created by artists from Bangor, Northern Ireland.
The Game of Thrones trail will lead visitors around the city and eventually make their way to the final window at the Titanic studios, a place that has played a massive importance in GOT as much of the series was produced there.
A Closer Look at the Six Windows
Each of the six windows in the Glass of Thrones installation represents a different key house or event from the show, encapsulating pivotal moments from the series. The artistic craftsmanship involved in these windows is remarkable, with every detail painstakingly designed to reflect the complex and intertwined narratives of the characters and their houses.
1. House Stark
The first window, located near the AC Hotel Belfast, is dedicated to House Stark, one of the most iconic and beloved families in the Game of Thrones universe. The Stark family, whose motto is “Winter is Coming,” are central to the story, with characters like Eddard (Ned) Stark, Jon Snow, Arya Stark, and Sansa Stark playing significant roles throughout the series.
This window captures the essence of House Stark, featuring symbols such as the dire wolf and key scenes from the family’s tragic journey, including the devastating Red Wedding. The solemn tone of this window reflects the hardships the Starks endured while also celebrating their resilience and honour. Visitors will find themselves drawn into the stark beauty of the window, with its icy tones and detailed imagery.
2. House Lannister
The second window, dedicated to House Lannister, is a short distance along the Maritime Mile. Known for their wealth, power, and ruthless ambition, the Lannisters are one of the most formidable families in Westeros. Their motto, “Hear Me Roar,” captures their ferocious nature, while their unofficial saying, “A Lannister always pays his debts,” speaks to their cunning and calculating approach to politics and war.
The window prominently features the golden lion of House Lannister, along with key moments from the Lannisters’ story, such as Cersei Lannister’s rise to power and the infamous Battle of Blackwater. This window is a striking visual representation of the Lannisters’ dominance, with bold red and gold tones symbolising their regal status and fiery temperaments.
3. House Baratheon
The third window is dedicated to House Baratheon, the family of the once-king Robert Baratheon and his brothers Stannis and Renly. The Baratheon window is positioned along the Maritime Mile near Clarendon Dock. It captures the explosive nature of the family, whose sigil is the crowned stag and whose motto is “Ours is the Fury.”
This window focuses on the Baratheon family’s tumultuous claim to the Iron Throne, with scenes depicting Robert’s Rebellion, Stannis Baratheon’s military campaigns, and the dramatic rivalry between the brothers. The window’s dark, stormy tones, combined with the powerful imagery of battles and betrayals, reflect the chaos and violence surrounding the Baratheons’ pursuit of power.
4. House Targaryen
The fourth window, dedicated to House Targaryen, celebrates Daenerys Targaryen’s legacy and her quest to reclaim the Iron Throne. The Targaryens, whose motto is “Fire and Blood,” are known for their connection to dragons and fiery descent from the ancient Valyrian Freehold. This window near the Big Fish sculpture showcases Daenerys’ journey from an exiled princess to the powerful “Mother of Dragons.”
The window features the three-headed dragon sigil of House Targaryen and iconic scenes such as the birth of Daenerys’ dragons, the liberation of Slaver’s Bay, and the dramatic destruction of King’s Landing. This window’s rich reds, oranges, and gold evoke the fiery nature of Daenerys’ rise to power, symbolising the ultimate cost of her ambition.
5. White Walkers
One of the most visually striking windows is the fifth in the series, dedicated to the White Walkers and the terrifying supernatural force threatening all of Westeros. Located near the SS Nomadic, this window captures the cold, eerie presence of the Night King and his undead army. The White Walkers, with their icy blue eyes and cold, emotionless nature, represent the ultimate threat to humanity in the Game of Thrones universe.
This window showcases the Night King’s march south, the fall of the Wall, and the climactic Battle of Winterfell. The frosty tones of the glass, combined with the menacing figures of the White Walkers, create an otherworldly atmosphere, drawing visitors into the chilling power of this supernatural threat.
6. The Iron Throne
The final window in the series is located near Titanic Studios, where much of Game of Thrones was filmed. Fittingly, this window is dedicated to the Iron Throne, Westeros’s central symbol of power. It encapsulates the various battles, betrayals, and political manoeuvring that surrounded the fight for the throne, which ultimately shaped the destiny of the Seven Kingdoms.
The window features images of the Iron Throne itself, along with key moments from the series finale, including Bran Stark’s rise to the throne and Daenerys Targaryen’s final fate. The dark, brooding tones of this window, combined with the intricate design of the Iron Throne, serve as a reminder of the show’s ultimate theme: power and its corrupting influence.
In the video below, you can see the amazing process behind the stained glass windows and how they were brought to life.
Conclusion
The Glass of Thrones attraction in Belfast is more than just a tribute to a television show; it’s a celebration of the city’s role in bringing the world of Westeros to life. From the haunting beauty of the Stark window to the fiery intensity of the Targaryen glass, each installation tells a story, weaving together the fate of the Seven Kingdoms with the history and culture of Belfast.
For fans of the series and visitors to Northern Ireland alike, the Glass of Thrones offers an immersive, artistic journey through the realms of Game of Thrones while highlighting the creativity and innovation that have made Belfast a global cultural destination.
Locations of the ‘Glass of Thrones’
The first ‘Glass of Thrones’ is located opposite Belfast City Hill, paying tribute to the House Stark—one of the famous GOT dynasties that fans will know all too well. It was elected just hours before UK fans got to see the first episode of the final season.
Check out the glass window below as Tourism Ireland officially unveils it to the public in Belfast:
Yay! The big reveal of our #GlassofThrones campaign in Belfast today pic.twitter.com/1q5xU7FUnT
— Tourism Ireland (@TourismIreland) 15 April 2019
Week two of the ‘Glass of Thrones’ campaign revealed a second window at The Waterfront Hall. On this window, the design represents the trails and tribulations of House Lannister from GOT. We are showcasing some personal fan favourite moments.
Tourism Ireland unveils second stained glass installation in Belfast … read our latest ezine here: https://t.co/niI6bbJrwa #GlassofThrones #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/xrcMwNW2nf
— Tourism Ireland (@TourismIreland) 26 April 2019
The third GOT glass window was brought to life at Lagon Weir, near the popular ‘Big Fish‘ sculpture. This colorful design was all about House Baratheon – showcasing again some of the fans most loved moments from Baratheon House. Check out the stunning window design below.
How beautiful is our third #GlassofThrones at the Lagan Weir in Belfast. This week’s glass is all about the House Baratheon #GoT pic.twitter.com/z4SitERLnL
— Tourism Ireland (@TourismIreland) 30 April 2019
Week four of ‘Glass of Thrones’ saw the fourth window being unveiled outside the SSE Arena. Another iconic design showcasing the best of House Targaryen and some of its iconic characters. Check it out below:
Tourism Ireland unveils fourth stained glass window in #Belfast. Read our latest ezine here: https://t.co/zbbsRWtykw #GoT pic.twitter.com/Z0HxvVW5hT
— Tourism Ireland (@TourismIreland) 7 May 2019
The next GOT window was brought to life near SS Nomadic at Hamilton Dock. This fifth window in the ‘Glass of Thrones’ campaign captures the iconic White Walkers from the show. It’s best to experience this one at night to see the glow-in-the-dark eyes of the White Walkers. Check out the fantastic stained glass design below:
WOW – how amazing does this week’s #GlassofThrones look! It’s all about the White Walkers … complete with glow-in-the-dark eyes ? and it’s beside @ssnomadic in #Belfast pic.twitter.com/xj7cKESvqk
— Tourism Ireland (@TourismIreland) 16 May 2019
The last of the highly anticipated stained glass windows was unveiled at the Titanic Studios. A fitting place to end the ‘Glass of Thrones’ Campaign. The final GOT window was dedicated to the show’s famous Iron Throne, that also came with a built-in seat in front of the window, so fans could have their own Iron Throne moment.
Our final #GlassofThrones has been unveiled … it’s all about the iconic Iron Throne and it’s at the Titanic Studios in #Belfast #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/IAKmbAjZ3M
— Tourism Ireland (@TourismIreland) 21 May 2019
Have you had a chance to check out these fantastic GOT stained glass windows in Belfast? Let us know what you think! #glassofthrones
