Construction has officially commenced on a new 150-space on-site car park at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, representing a major infrastructure investment designed to streamline access to the popular visitor destination.

Currently, many visitors reach the attraction via a shuttle service operating from The Boulevard in Banbridge. The new parking facility will allow domestic and international visitors, as well as tour groups and coach operators travelling from Belfast, Dublin, and further afield, to drive directly to the venue and park on site.

The project is being delivered by Banbridge-based contractor Gibson Bros and is expected to take approximately three months to complete. The new facilities are scheduled to become operational from October 2026.

Located adjacent to the Studio Tour, the car park is intended to enhance convenience, streamline the visitor journey, and support long-term operational growth. Since opening in February 2022, the privately funded attraction has operated as the world's only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour, situated at the original Linen Mill Studios filming location in Banbridge.

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."

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The attraction has recorded steady visitor growth since its launch, with numbers increasing by more than 30 per cent in 2023, 35 per cent in 2024, and 28 per cent in 2025. In the first quarter of 2026, visitor numbers rose by 82 per cent year-on-year, marking its strongest performance to date. Management expects visitor growth to continue accelerating once the new parking setup opens.

Overseas travellers currently make up nearly half of all visitors, reflecting the site's role within Northern Ireland's screen tourism sector.

Sam Harding, Managing Director of Game of Thrones Studio Tour, noted: "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 development, 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, Stakeholder Engagement – Northern Ireland at Tourism Ireland, added: "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 infrastructure development comes as HBO expands its screen universe with projects such as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and upcoming seasons of House of the Dragon.