House of the Dragon Returns to North Wales for Third Series Filming

House of the Dragon returns to north Wales for its third series, filming at locations like Beaumaris Pier and Snowdonia. Supported by Creative Wales funding, the production boosts the local economy and offers trainee opportunities.

Familiar Welsh Locations Featured in New Series

Welsh viewers of the television series House of the Dragon may recognise several familiar sites as the show returns for its third series later this year. During the previous summer, the cast and crew were observed filming at multiple locations across Anglesey, Conwy, and Gwynedd.

Among the notable filming sites were Beaumaris Pier on Anglesey, Craig Yr Undeb (Union Rock) in Gwynedd, and Ffynon Llugwy, a lake situated within Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.

Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D'Arcy and Ryan Condal stand side-by-side, posing for the camera at a House of the Dragon promotional event. The show's name is written in gold letters on a dark background behind them — Members of the House of the Dragon cast (l-r): Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke and Emma D'Arcy, stand alongside the series' co-creator, Ryan Condal (far right).

Production Team Expresses Enthusiasm for North Wales

The executive producer of the series expressed the cast and crew's pleasure at returning to north Wales, highlighting the region's contribution to the show's visual storytelling.

"We are delighted to return to north Wales - to a landscape and locale that adds such visual power and vibrant dimension to the storytelling."

Cast and Source Material

House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire. The series stars British actors Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, and Olivia Cooke.

For the upcoming third series, scheduled for release in June, the main cast will be joined by James Norton, known for his role in Happy Valley, and Welsh actor Rhys Ifans.

Funding and Economic Impact

The production of the second and third series has received financial support from Creative Wales, a Welsh government agency dedicated to supporting the creative industries within Wales.

HBO Scene from the series: A fleet of tall ships mid-battle, smoke rising up into the deark sky. Huge waves crash in the foreground, while, in the background, two ships are on fire, with flame. A dragon circles the sky in the top left corner of the image. — Creative Wales provided £674,000 in funding for series three of the hit show

The Welsh government anticipates that this investment will generate over £6 million for the Welsh economy, through employment opportunities and increased tourism.

"This production brings the beauty of north Wales to screens worldwide and further strengthens Wales's reputation as a leading filming destination," said Jack Sargeant, Minister for Creative.

"Our investment supports local jobs, skills and training, while delivering significant economic benefits for the region."

Support for Industry Trainees

The funding has also facilitated opportunities for newcomers to the television and film industry. Trainees were offered entry-level paid placements in various departments including costume, set decoration, props, camera, and sound. Additionally, some individuals were able to enhance their existing skills through these opportunities.