Cushendun Caves

Cushendun Caves 7 TownTactics (Atlas Obscura User)

The little County Antrim Coast village of Cushendun is a quaint village with the typical local pub and local shop. But it is home to a set of caves that attracts hundreds if not thousands of visitors every year—all because of a TV show.

The Cushendun Caves were formed over 400 million years ago through the impact of the sea and the local weather weathering down the rock causing natural erosion. The caves are rather short and open up onto another part of the stony pebble beach. The walls are a mosaic of interesting little rocks, sea salt as well as bits and pieces of various sea creatures such as mussels.

The caves were featured in the HBO television series Game of Thrones as part of the background to the Stormlands location. You may recognize them from the iconic scene where Melisandre, the Red Priestess, gave birth to the shadow creature that was used to assassinate Renly Baratheon, so Stannis Baratheon could go forward with his plan to reclaim the Iron Thorne. If you get to visit the caves make sure you also stop at Mary McBride’s Bar to look at the sculpted wooden Game of Thrones door that was created to celebrate the show.

Know Before You Go

Make your way along the Antrim Coast Road, passing through the villages of Glenarm, Carnlough, Waterfoot, Cushendall until you reach Cushendun. Park in the free car park across the bridge on the right and then you can walk back over the bridge and make your way along Strand View Park until you reach the stony pebble beach where the caves are situated.