Game of Thrones show to return to NI

Game of Thrones was mostly filmed in locations across Northern Ireland, including Titanic Studios, Belfast.

Fans of fantasy show, Game of Thrones, are celebrating as the latest spin off show, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will be filmed in Belfast.

It is set to begin filming at Titanic Studios in the next few weeks with author George RR Martin expected to make a visit to the site in July.

The news was being kept "under the radar" as cast and crew were being assembled for the new shoot, one tour manager said.

The first eight seasons of Game of Thrones were filmed in the Belfast based studios and across Northern Ireland.

Robert Dowling, owner of 'Game of Thrones Tours', added: "We had learned about it a few months ago, it’s been quite secretive.

"All of our guides were extras in the original and they knew a fantasy project would take place after 'How To Train Your Dragon'."

He said costume and prop designers who had previously worked on Game of Thrones "have been brought back to work on the new project".

George RR Martin will visit Belfast before heading to Worldcon

The author confirmed in a blog post that three seasons have been written for the upcoming series, although they will be shorter than both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.

Mr Dowling said: "Fans were disappointed that Belfast did not get 'House of the Dragon', but this announcement confirms that the city is the home of the Thrones franchise."

The stories are set 90 years before the events in Game of Thrones.

The show will debut in 2025, with actor Peter Claffey cast as lead character, Ser Duncan.

Super fan Richard Hodgen, who was an extra in the original series, said it was "fantastic" to see the franchise returning to Northern Ireland.

"With House of the Dragon seeing such great success now heading into its second season, it's wonderful to see production return to Belfast to continue building on the story.

"Northern Ireland has always been something of a spiritual home to "A song of Ice and Fire" so the local fans of the show are all ecstatic," Mr Hodgen said.

"Northern Ireland is 'The North, the REAL North'."

Richard Hodgen at the Inch Abbey in Downpatrick which was used in season one of Game of Thrones

'Wave of excitement'

Fans from across the world travel to Northern Ireland for bespoke tours

"We are expecting a new wave of excitement in Belfast and across Northern Ireland," Mr Dowling said.

British director, Owen Harris, will direct three out of six episodes for the first season, The Hedge Knight.

The author said, The Sworn Sword and The Mystery Knight will follow, "if it does well".