My Trips 
Northern Ireland is no stranger to epic storytelling. After enchanting audiences around the world as Westeros in Game of Thrones, it’s now home to another legendary realm—the Viking world of Berk in the highly anticipated live-action How to Train Your Dragon, soaring into theaters June 13, 2025. This time, dragons aren’t just for grown-up fantasy fans. Families, film lovers, and adventurers alike can experience the cinematic landscapes that brought Toothless and Hiccup’s story to life, all set against Northern Ireland’s dramatic natural backdrops and storied heritage.
A Cinematic Journey Through Northern Ireland
How to Train Your Dragon took place across some of Northern Ireland’s most striking natural and historical locations. Here are a few key spots you can visit:
Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
A fairytale forest if ever there was one. With ancient trees, stone bridges, and winding trails, Tollymore creates the perfect atmosphere for forest scenes in the film. It’s also a favorite for Game of Thrones fans—and ideal for a magical walk in real life.
Dunseverick Castle, County Antrim
Perched dramatically on sea cliffs, these haunting ruins once guarded the Antrim coast. In the film, they evoke the rugged edge of the Viking world. The crashing waves and open skies make it a photographer’s dream.
Murlough Bay
Remote and windswept, Murlough Bay offers panoramic views of land and sea. Its dramatic cliffs and wild beauty were the backdrop for flying scenes in the movie—and make for a breathtaking coastal hike.
Giant’s Causeway
Though it wasn’t used as a filming location for the movie, the Giant’s Causeway strongly influenced the visual design of the fictional Viking island of Berk. Its striking basalt columns—formed by ancient volcanic activity—create a landscape so unique and dramatic, it feels straight out of a fantasy world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Causeway is a must-visit for travelers seeking nature’s own cinematic masterpiece.
Belfast: The Behind-the-Scenes Star
Just as Game of Thrones built kingdoms in Belfast, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon brought the Viking village of Berk to life here—filmed at Titanic Studios and Belfast Harbour Studios. While the studios themselves aren’t open to the public, the surrounding Titanic Quarter is a must-visit.
Explore the award-winning Titanic Belfast Museum, walk the decks of the historic SS Nomadic, and take a guided tour of the area’s film legacy. Belfast’s cinematic story continues in its vibrant arts scene—visit The MAC for contemporary exhibitions, or join a street art tour to see the city’s creative spirit on full display.
For panoramic views, hike Cave Hill, or head to the coast for a visit to Carrickfergus Castle or the seaside town of Bangor. Belfast blends movie magic with rich culture, making it the perfect starting point for your Northern Ireland adventure.
While much of How to Train Your Dragon was filmed in Northern Ireland, the filmmakers also captured breathtaking scenes in Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes—steaming geothermal fields, black sand beaches, and towering waterfalls—add a dramatic, elemental feel to the film’s wild frontier. The Faroe Islands, with their remote cliffs, misty mountains, and grassy rooftops, offer a windswept, timeless quality perfect for dragon-filled skies. Together, these Nordic locations help bring the Viking world of Berk vividly to life.
Let us help you plan a cinematic itinerary—filled with cliffs, castles, forests, and film history—that’s worthy of the big screen.
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