Dunluce Castle ruin, Northern Ireland

The Red Earl's ruin

One of many 'Game of Thrones' filming locations across Northern Ireland, Dunluce Castle has a history that sounds straight out of Westeros. Built in the 13th century by the Red Earl of Ulster, it soon became the stronghold of the McQuillan clan, lords of the coastal realm known as the Route. Through a series of battles and betrayals, the Route fell to their rivals, the McDonnells, who made Dunluce their luxury palace. But by 1690—a few lost battles and spent treasury vaults later—the destitute McDonnells abandoned the property. After centuries in ruin, it's now a United Kingdom scheduled monument—and a pop culture pilgrimage since it served onscreen (with digital additions) as Pyke, the precarious keep of House Greyjoy.