Game of Thrones author George Martin coming to Castle Ward

Game of Thrones author George Martin coming to Castle Ward

14 August 2019

THE blockbuster Game of Thrones TV series is to take centre stage again at Castle Ward next week.

Author George RR Martin, the acclaimed writer of the A Series of Ice and Fire novels on which which Game of Thrones is based, will be hosting an exclusive event at the National Trust property in Strangford on Wednesday. 

Fans are being invited to what is being described as an “intimate audience” with the writer at the fictional home of the Stark family at a price of £85 per person.

George will share his experiences of creating the world of Westeros and beyond with broadcaster and Game of Thrones mega-fan Ed Finn in the surroundings of Castle Ward’s theatre.

The evening will have a flavour of what a celebration feast at Winterfell would have entailed, with everything from an illuminated procession on the Kings road to tucking into a hog roast in front of a roaring fire.

The writer said of his impending visit: “I look forward to returning to visit beautiful Castle Ward and meeting old friends at Winterfell, home of the Stark family.”

No doubt the audience will be trying to glean some information from George about the forthcoming prequel to Game of Thrones that he is co-writing with Jane Goldman, the wife of chat show host Jonathan Ross.

After the eight-season series of Game of Thrones finished earlier this year, it was reported that filming on an yet unnamed prequel — said to feature ancestors of the Starks and their nemesis’, the Lannisters — has already started. Jonathan Ross was seen in Belfast in recent months visiting his wife in the city.

HBO executives have hinted that the new series would cover “the horrifying secrets of Westeros’ history to the true origin of the White Walkers” and will star Naomi Watts as a character “hiding a dark secret”.

However, whether or not Castle Ward is to feature in the new series for HBO is something that fans will also question at the evening.

Following a question and answer session, ticket holders will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of George’s creation on an illuminated procession through Kingsroad to Winterfell. 

Fully dressed for the occasion in the Stark cloaks provided, attendees will tuck into a medieval feast, including hog roast, in celebration of George’s arrival. 

There will be music from the Molly Maguire band and the chance to hear tales of the filming by the fire in the surrounds of the original home of the Stark family.

Castle Ward’s visitor experience manager, Clodagh Miskelly, says she is excited to welcome George back to Winterfell.

“When Castle Ward was chosen as the setting for Winterfell by HBO in series one of Game of Thrones, we could never have dreamed that it would become the phenomenon it is now.

“George was part of the team on site making sure his vision was created so we’re overjoyed to be bringing him back to the place where it all began.”

For more information and to book tickets visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward.