HBO has plans to turn the shooting locations and sets of its popular Game of Thrones television series into permanent tourist attractions.

The move, which will be a significant boost to tourism in Northern Ireland, will see the standing sets for show locations including Winterfell, Castle Black and Kings Landing hold tours.

A formal studio tour of Linen Mill Studios is also planned and will display artefacts from the show from every season and setting.

"We couldn’t be more excited about the Game of Thrones Legacy project coming to Northern Ireland," said John McGrillen, Tourism Northern Ireland chief executive.

"While fans have seen the stunning landscapes, coastlines and mountains in the series, we are thrilled they will now have the opportunity to fully experience the charm of Northern Ireland and immerse themselves into the world of Westeros.

"The Game of Thrones Legacy project will be a game-changer for Northern Ireland on a global tourism level.

"We very much welcome this exciting announcement by HBO and look forward to attracting many more visitors to our beautiful country as a result."

HBO is hoping to open the Game of Thrones Legacy attractions as early as 2019, once it has gone through an exploratory process on the project.