Filming Location
Tourney Of The Hand

The tourney of the Hand was held to honor the newly appointed Hand of the King, Lord Eddard Stark. If you’re a fan of this remarkable event, you’ll be excited to know that the filming location of the tourney is situated near Belfast, Northern Ireland. Discover the exact filming spot by reading on or by clicking the map pointer in the navigation area.

“Stop this madness in the name of your King!”

Robert Baratheon

Where were the “Tourney Of The Hand” scenes filmed?

The captivating tourney scenes were filmed near the scenic Lake Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, specifically in the northern part where the Maine river flows into the lake. Fans of the show might recognize a distinguishable stone bridge over the river Maine, along with the surrounding forest area. This beautiful site is reachable by dirt roads, although some may be private.

Hint: Click the map pointer icon in the navigation area for the exact map location.

Hint 2: Nearby are the ruins of Shanes Castle, a historic site that has also been used for other memorable scenes in Game of Thrones.

All scenes filmed at Lake Lough Neagh

King Robert Baratheon ordered that a tournament be held to honor Ned Stark as the newly appointed Hand of the King. This magnificent celebration not only symbolized the King’s trust in Ned Stark but also provided an unforgettable spectacle for fans of the series.

Ser Loras Tyrell vs. Ser Gregor Clegane
(Season 1, Episode 5 “The Wolf and the Lion”)
Ser Loras Tyrell (Finn Jones), known as the Knight of Flowers, faces Ser Gregor Clegane (Conan Stevens) in a joust. Loras rides a mare in heat, unsettling Gregor’s stallion. Loras wins, and Gregor’s rage erupts as he beheads his own horse and attacks Loras, only to be stopped by his brother, Sandor Clegane.

Ser Gregor Clegane vs. Ser Hugh of the Vale
(Season 1, Episode 4 “Crippled, Bastards, and Broken Things”)
In a jousting match, Gregor’s lance strikes Ser Hugh’s throat, resulting in his gruesome death. This event sparks an investigation by Ned Stark (Sean Bean) into the death of his predecessor as Hand of the King.

Sansa Stark and Sandor Clegane’s Interaction
(Season 1, Episode 5 “The Wolf and the Lion”)
During the tournament, Sandor Clegane, known as the Hound, has a brief but meaningful interaction with Sansa Stark. He reveals part of his tragic past, giving insight into his character and building a complex relationship between the two.

Littlefinger’s Whisperings
(Season 1, Episode 4 “Crippled, Bastards, and Broken Things”)
Petyr Baelish (Aidan Gillen), also known as Littlefinger, uses the tournament as an opportunity to manipulate and gather information. His whispered conversations with Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), Ned Stark, and others set the tone for his scheming throughout the series.

King Robert’s Discontent
(Season 1, Episode 4 “Crippled, Bastards, and Broken Things”)
The tournament scenes also highlight King Robert Baratheons’s (Mark Addy) dissatisfaction with his life as king. His interactions with Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) and his demand for strong wine reflect his longing for the days when he was a warrior, not a ruler.