Game of Thrones, in which Sean Bean starred in the first series, is filmed in Northern Ireland

A Game Of Thrones bus tour of the fantasy epic's filming locations in Northern Ireland could be operating by next year, it has been revealed.

Beauty spots like the picturesque North Coast harbour of Ballintoy could be on the itinerary for lovers of the US cable television series, according to the organisation that promotes the province's film industry. The HBO programme last month dominated the Emmy awards which recognise outstanding work in TV, picking up six prizes.

A spokeswoman for Northern Ireland Screen said: "We have been working with the various tourism bodies for over a year, we got in touch about setting up this tour. We are helping them in terms of resources and putting them in touch with the right people like the broadcaster and distributor. We are keen on the overall film tourism thing, not just Game Of Thrones."

Series three of Game Of Thrones is being filmed at the Painthall in Belfast.

The programmes are based on George RR Martin's multi-volume A Song Of Fire And Ice series. They feature realistic battles and are pitched as "The Sopranos in Middle Earth".

Earlier series were shot at multiple locations throughout Northern Ireland, including Ballintoy, Larrybane quarry near the Carrickarede rope bridge on the North Coast, Inch Abbey and Tollymore forest park in Co Down.

Scenes have also been shot at historic properties like the Clandeboye estate near Belfast, Shane's Castle in Antrim and the National Trust's Castle Ward in Co Down.

Tourist chiefs want to take advantage.

NI Screen confirmed: "They would hope to have this up and running for next year. The next series of Game Of Thrones comes out on 1 April in the UK."

PA