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🎬 Where Was How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action) Filmed? Complete Northern Ireland Location Guide

2025

Dean DeBlois

Added May 24, 2024

5 Locations

Soar with Hiccup and Toothless! Discover the real-world lands of Berk, filmed in breathtaking Northern Ireland.

About 🎬 Where Was How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action) Filmed? Complete Northern Ireland Location Guide

🎬 Where Was How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action) Filmed? Complete Northern Ireland Location Guide

Get ready to soar beyond the animated world of Berk! The live-action adaptation of "How to Train Your Dragon" is bringing Hiccup, Toothless, and their Viking world to life on the big screen, and trust us, the real-world locations are just as breathtaking as the animation.

This isn't just a fantasy on screen; it's an adventure waiting to be explored! The filmmakers chose the dramatic, ancient landscapes of Northern Ireland to perfectly capture the essence of the Viking homeland. Imagine walking where Hiccup might have trained Toothless, or exploring the rugged shores that protect the village of Berk.

Northern Ireland's wild coastlines, colossal basalt columns, and lush green valleys aren't just backdrops; they're characters in themselves, lending an authentic, epic feel to the film. You’ll be stunned by how much the natural beauty mirrors the mystical world you know and love.

So, if you're a true Dragon Rider at heart and dream of visiting the places that shaped this incredible universe, you're in the right place. Let's delve into the actual filming locations and discover how you can experience the magic yourself!

🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Titanic Studios, Belfast, Northern Ireland - The Heart of Berk's Creation

Scenic view of a soundstage at Titanic Studios showing a glimpse of the set of How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action)

🏛️ The Location

Titanic Studios, adjacent to the historic Titanic Belfast building, is one of Europe's largest film studios. It boasts massive soundstages and extensive backlot facilities, making it ideal for big-budget productions. It has previously hosted blockbuster series like Game of Thrones.

🎥 In the Film

While the breathtaking outdoor scenes were shot across Northern Ireland, the intricate village of Berk and many interior sets found their home within these studios. This is where the magic of practical set design, combined with cutting-edge VFX, brought Hiccup's world vividly to life.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 2 Queen's Rd, Belfast BT3 9DU, UK

🕒 Hours: Not open to the public for tours unless part of a specific event.

💰 Admission: N/A (Studio access is restricted)

🌐 Website: Check local tourism sites for potential related exhibits.

💡 Pro Tip: While you can't tour the studios directly, visit the Titanic Belfast museum nearby for a taste of the area's rich industrial and creative history. 🎬 Fun Fact: The sheer scale of the soundstages at Titanic Studios allowed the film crew to build extensive, detailed sets, reducing the need for green screen and grounding the performances in a tangible environment.

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🎬 Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland - Dragon's Lair Vibe ⛰️

Stunning basalt columns of Giant's Causeway featuring natural hexagonal rock formations

🏛️ The Location

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant's Causeway is a geological marvel featuring around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, primarily hexagonal in shape. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, its unique landscape sparks legends of giants.

🎥 In the Film

Though unconfirmed for specific scenes, the dramatic, otherworldly hexagonal columns of the Giant's Causeway offer the perfect natural setting for the rugged, mythical world of Vikings and dragons. Its primal beauty makes it an ideal stand-in for the wild, unexplored regions surrounding Berk.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, UK

🕒 Hours: Visitor Centre 9 AM - 6 PM (seasonal variation); site accessible dawn till dusk.

💰 Admission: Adult £13.50, Child £6.75 (Visitor Centre access; site can be accessed freely via public paths)

🌐 Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway

💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos during the golden hour. Wear sturdy shoes as the basalt columns can be uneven and slippery. 🎬 Fun Fact: Local legend attributes the Causeway's creation to the Irish giant Finn MacCool, who built it to cross to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart, Benandonner – a tale that definitely fits the Viking spirit!

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🎬 Magilligan Beach, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland - Windswept Training Grounds 🌊

Beautiful view of Magilligan Beach showcasing vast sands and coastal landscape

🏛️ The Location

Magilligan Beach is one of Northern Ireland's longest beaches, stretching for miles along the County Londonderry coastline. With its expansive sands and dramatic views of the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal, it offers a raw, untamed natural beauty.

🎥 In the Film

These wide, windswept shores provided the ideal backdrop for sweeping aerial shots and moments of quiet reflection. Imagine Hiccup and Toothless taking their first tentative flights here, or Vikings gathering before setting off on an adventure. Its vastness offers a sense of remote wilderness.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Magilligan Point Rd, Limavady BT49 0LU, UK

🕒 Hours: Always accessible.

💰 Admission: Free

🌐 Website: Check Causeway Coast and Glens tourism for amenities.

💡 Pro Tip: This is a fantastic spot for a long walk or horse riding, especially in spring or autumn when the weather is crisp and the crowds are smaller. 🎬 Fun Fact: Magilligan Beach is a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) due to its unique sand dune system and rich biodiversity, making it a valuable natural habitat in the region.

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🎬 Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland - Fortified Viking Stronghold 🏰

Impressive facade of Carrickfergus Castle displaying a well-preserved Norman fortress on the coast

🏛️ The Location

Carrickfergus Castle is a magnificent Norman castle dating back to 1177, perched majestically on the shores of Belfast Lough. As one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland, it offers a powerful sense of history and impregnable strength.

🎥 In the Film

With its formidable stone walls and coastal position, Carrickfergus Castle could easily stand in for elements of the Viking stronghold of Berk, or neighboring hostile territories. Its authentic medieval architecture lends a powerful sense of scale and historical realism to the film's world.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG, UK

🕒 Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM (check for seasonal variations)

💰 Admission: Adult approx. £7.00, Child approx. £5.00

🌐 Website: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/carrickfergus-castle

💡 Pro Tip: Take a guided tour to learn about the castle's rich history, including its sieges and changing garrisons over 800 years. The views across the lough are stunning! 🎬 Fun Fact: The castle has been under siege by various groups, including the Scots, Irish, English, and French, making it a true testament to its strategic importance and enduring strength.

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🎬 Belfast Harbour Studios, Belfast, Northern Ireland - Crafting the World of Berk 🌟

Authentic street scene depicting a studio set at Belfast Harbour Studios capturing a detailed period environment

🏛️ The Location

Located within Belfast's bustling harbour area, Belfast Harbour Studios offers state-of-the-art cinematic facilities. Its purpose-built soundstages and versatile production spaces make it a top choice for large-scale movie projects, complementing nearby Titanic Studios.

🎥 In the Film

Much like Titanic Studios, Belfast Harbour Studios served as a crucial hub for the practical aspects of filming. This is where large-scale sets for the village of Berk, intricate dragon training arenas, and various interior scenes were meticulously constructed and brought to life.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Airport Road West, Belfast BT3 9DJ, UK

🕒 Hours: Not accessible to the public.

💰 Admission: N/A (Private production facility)

🌐 Website: Information generally for industry only.

💡 Pro Tip: While you can't walk directly into the studio, explore the vibrant Belfast Harbour area, which offers waterfront dining, historical sites, and often, a buzzing creative atmosphere. 🎬 Fun Fact: Northern Ireland has become a major global production hub in recent years, thanks not only to its stunning landscapes but also to fantastic facilities like Belfast Harbour Studios and a skilled local crew base.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Bringing the beloved animated world of "How to Train Your Dragon" to live-action was a monumental task for director Dean DeBlois. The team sought to honor the original's heart and visual grandeur, choosing real-world landscapes that already felt steeped in myth and rugged beauty. This commitment to practical filming allowed them to capture genuine, breathtaking vistas and ground the fantasy in a tangible reality, blending it seamlessly with cutting-edge visual effects. It's a testament to the power of real locations in crafting immersive storytelling.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Dean DeBlois specifically chose Northern Ireland for its dramatic, rugged coastline and ancient feel, aiming to create a sense of authenticity and weight for Berk — a real place that feels lived in.

🎨 Visual Style: The locations were selected to mirror the animated film's sweeping vistas and atmospheric mood, ensuring the live-action version retains the unique visual identity while grounding it in reality.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 Legacy of Sound: It's rare for directors of animated films to transition to live-action helmers of their own stories, making DeBlois's return a significant highlight, promising faithfulness to the original vision.

🎭 Casting Call: Mason Thames (Hiccup) and Nico Parker (Astrid) were chosen for their ability to embody the earnestness and spirit of the beloved characters, adding a fresh, relatable dimension.

🎨 Hybrid Approach: The production masterfully blended extensive practical sets built in studios with the digital creation of dragons and panoramic backdrops, pushing the boundaries of integrated filmmaking.

🎯 Weathering the Storm: Filming in Northern Ireland often means unpredictable weather. The crew embraced this, letting the natural elements contribute to the raw, atmospheric beauty of Berk.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 Dragon Riders' Training: The young cast underwent physical training to prepare for their roles, including learning to simulate riding dragons, which involved complex harness work and motion capture acting.

😮 Scale and Scope: The sheer scale of the sets built at Titanic Studios and Belfast Harbour Studios impressed even veteran crew members, highlighting the ambitious nature of the production.

🎉 Community Embrace: The local communities in Northern Ireland were reportedly enthusiastic about the film's presence, often turning out to catch glimpses of the sets and support the production.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to step into the world of Vikings and dragons yourself? Northern Ireland offers an incredible experience, blending cinematic landscapes with rich history.

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: EasyHotel Belfast - ~$60/night - Centrally located, clean, and functional, perfect for a no-frills stay while you explore.

🏛️ Mid-Range: Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast - ~$150/night - Stylish and comfortable, offering excellent service and a fantastic location near the city center and attractions.

✨ Luxury: The Merchant Hotel - ~$300+/night - A stunning Victorian hotel in the Cathedral Quarter, offering unparalleled luxury, impeccable service, and a captivating rooftop hot tub.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: Belfast has a good local bus network (Translink Metro), but to reach the coastal filming locations, you'll need regional buses or a car.

🚗 Car: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Northern Ireland's diverse landscapes, especially the Antrim Coast and more remote beaches. Roads are well-maintained, and driving is on the left.

🚶 Walking: Many of the natural sites, like Giant's Causeway, require significant walking to fully explore, so comfortable shoes are a must! Carrickfergus Castle is easily walkable once you're in the town.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: For magical lighting and fewer crowds, visit coastal sites like Giant's Causeway or Magilligan Beach during sunrise or sunset. The light is softer, and the colors are richer.

📱 Instagram Spots: Don't miss the hexagonal columns at Giant's Causeway, the dramatic sea views from Carrickfergus Castle, and the vast, open sands of Magilligan Beach.

🎬 Movie Moments: Recreate iconic "How to Train Your Dragon" poses! Imagine soaring over the cliffs at Giant's Causeway or practicing your dragon-whispering skills on Magilligan Beach.

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, "How to Train Your Dragon" is a fantasy story based on the book series by Cressida Cowell. While the setting is inspired by Viking lore, the characters and dragons are fictional.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

While Belfast's studio locations are close, visiting Giant's Causeway, Magilligan Beach, and Carrickfergus Castle in one day would be a very ambitious road trip. It's best to spread it over two or three days to truly enjoy each site.

💰 How much should I budget?

For a 2-day trip focusing on these locations (excluding flights), budget roughly £150-£300 per person per day for accommodation, rental car, fuel, and admissions, depending on your style of travel.

📱 Are there guided tours?

Yes, many tour operators offer day trips from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast. These often include stops at other scenic spots and sometimes even Carrickfergus Castle.

🎭 When was this filmed?

Principal photography for "How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action)" began in January 2024.

🌍 Is Northern Ireland safe for tourists?

Yes, Northern Ireland is very safe for tourists. The people are friendly, and attractions are well-maintained. As with any travel, always be aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

The live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" promises to be an epic journey, and now you know the real-world landscapes that make its magic possible. Northern Ireland, with its ancient shores and dramatic coastlines, truly embodies the Viking spirit of Berk, offering an adventure that leaps straight from the screen.

Whether you're a devoted fan looking to retrace Hiccup's steps or simply a travel enthusiast seeking breathtaking scenery, these locations are waiting to ignite your imagination. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to create your own legendary memories.

Don't forget to share your "How to Train Your Dragon" inspired travels with us! Have you visited any of these incredible spots? Let us know in the comments below, and keep exploring the real-world magic of cinema!

Year Released

2025

Director

Dean DeBlois

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Bringing the beloved animated world of 'How to Train Your Dragon' to live-action was a monumental task for director Dean DeBlois. The team sought to honor the original's heart and visual grandeur, choosing real-world landscapes that already felt steeped in myth and rugged beauty. This commitment to practical filming allowed them to capture genuine, breathtaking vistas and ground the fantasy in a tangible reality, blending it seamlessly with cutting-edge visual effects. It's a testament to the power of real locations in crafting immersive storytelling.

Director Dean DeBlois returned to helm the live-action adaptation, ensuring a strong connection to the animated trilogy.
Casting includes Mason Thames as Hiccup and Nico Parker as Astrid, bringing these iconic characters to life.
Filming extensively utilized Northern Ireland's diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to sprawling beaches.
Practical sets were constructed to create the village of Berk, blended with digital enhancements for a seamless look.
Early test footage and concept art focused heavily on capturing the unique aesthetic and mood of the animated films.
The production aimed for a grounded, realistic feel while retaining the fantastical elements of dragons and Vikings.
Northern Ireland's climate and terrain provided the perfect moody and ancient backdrop for the story's setting.
Initial fan reactions to casting news were overwhelmingly positive, anticipating faithful portrayals.
They prioritized ensuring the dragons felt tactile and integrated into their environment, rather than purely CGI.
The film promises to delve deeper into the lore and world-building established by the original animated series.
Composer John Powell, who scored the original films, is also returning for the live-action movie's score.
The script was refined to ensure the emotional core of Hiccup and Toothless's bond remained central.

Location Gallery

Titanic Studios, Belfast

Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast

Magilligan Beach, County Londonderry

Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus

Belfast Harbour Studios, Belfast

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Titanic Studios, Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, Magilligan Beach, County Londonderry in one day.