From legendary fire-breathers to noble houses historically linked with dragons, Northern Ireland’s landscapes have helped bring some of screen’s most memorable dragon stories to life. This circular itinerary begins and ends in Belfast, exploring filming locations from fantasy and myth-inspired productions, alongside dragon-themed installations from the Glass of Thrones and Doors of Thrones trails.
Belfast | Glass of Thrones, Window 3 | House Targaryen
Located along Belfast’s Maritime Mile, Window 3 embodies the fire-and-blood dynasty of House Targaryen, from Daenerys’s dragon-filled re-emergence to Drogon’s fiery attack on the Lannister gold convoy. Pick up your Glass of Thrones Trail Map and follow route!
Carrickfergus | Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves
Carrickfergus featured in Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, a fantasy adventure set in a world where dragons and mythical creatures exist.
Shillanavogy Valley | Dothraki Sea | Game of Thrones®
Shillanavogy Valley doubled as the Dothraki Sea in Season 1 Episode 2 of Game of Thrones®, where Daenerys Targaryen first appears among the Dothraki. As the last surviving member of House Targaryen, her storyline later becomes central to the return of dragons.
Glenarm | Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves
Glenarm was used as a filming location for Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, contributing to the film’s fantasy landscapes shaped by magic and legend.
Fairhead | Dragonstone Cliffs | Game of Thrones®
Fairhead doubled as the Dragonstone Cliffs in Season 7 Episode 3 of Game of Thrones®, where Jon Snow meets Daenerys Targaryen, pets Drogon for the first time, and Daenerys later flies off on dragonback.
Ballintoy | Doors of Thrones, Door 6 | Fullerton Arms
Reflecting events from Season 6, Episode 6. Door 6 at the Fullerton Arms forms part of the Doors of Thrones trail and champions House Targaryen. The carving features Drogon, Daenerys Targaryen’s most fearsome dragon, with Dothraki stallions symbolising their allegiance and willingness to follow her across the Narrow Sea. Remember to get your Journey of Doors Passport stamp!
Dunseverick Castle | How to Train Your Dragon
The dramatic ruins of Dunseverick Castle were used in How to Train Your Dragon, adding to the rugged landscapes of its dragon-filled world.
Giant’s Causeway | Your Highness, Dracula Untold, How to Train Your Dragon, and Hellboy II: The Golden Army
The Giant’s Causeway has appeared in several fantasy and supernatural films connected to dragons or dragon-like creatures, including Your Highness, Dracula Untold, How to Train Your Dragon, and Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
Portrush | Krypton
Portrush featured in Krypton, a series exploring the mythic origins of Superman’s home world, which includes dragon-like creatures within its wider mythology.
Downhill Beach | Dragonstone | Game of Thrones®
The beach doubled as Dragonstone in Season 2, Episode 1 of Game of Thrones®, where Melisandre burns the effigies of the Seven Gods, a pivotal moment tied to House Targaryen’s ancestral seat and its long association with dragons.
Binevenagh | Dothraki Grasslands | Game of Thrones®
Binevenagh’s distinctive headland, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views across Lough Foyle to Donegal, appeared in Season 5, Episode 10 and Season 6, Episode 1 of Game of Thrones®. In these scenes, the Dothraki horde surrounds Daenerys Targaryen, before Daario and Jorah later discover her ring while searching for her, a key moment in the journey of the Dragon Queen.
Enniskillen | Door 4, Blakes of the Hollow, Doors of Thrones
Door 4 at Blakes of the Hollow forms part of the Doors of Thrones trail and features dominant dragon imagery reflecting House Targaryen’s return to power in Season 6, Episode 4 of Game of Thrones®, while also alluding to their recent struggles.
Banbridge | Game of Thrones Studio Tour™
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour™ invites you to step into a world where dragons ruled the sky and destiny was forged in flame. Put yourself in the heart of the action and conquer the skies on the new state-of-the-art Dragon Ride.
Castle Ward | Your Highness and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves
Castle Ward features in both Your Highness and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, fantasy films set in worlds where dragons are part of the wider mythology.
Mount Stewart | The School for Good and Evil and Dracula Untold
Mount Stewart was used in The School for Good and Evil and Dracula Untold, both drawing on fantasy and legend, where dragon symbolism forms part of a broader mythic tradition.
Belfast | Glass of Thrones, Window 5 | The Iron Throne
This stained-glass window represents the iconic Iron Throne itself. Overlooking the studios where Game of Thrones® was brought to life, the window includes the sigil of House Targaryen, reinforcing the dynasty’s enduring claim to power as visitors are invited to take a seat on this Northern Ireland made throne.
From fire-breathing legends to unforgettable on-screen moments, this journey shows how Northern Ireland’s spectacular scenery brings dragon stories to life. Whether you’re retracing Daenerys Targaryen’s rise, discovering dragon-carved doors, or standing where epic fantasy worlds were filmed, this itinerary is a chance to experience the magic up close. Celebrate Appreciate a Dragon Day by exploring places where myth, movie moments and imagination meet—and where dragons still feel just one wingbeat away.
A favourite stop off for tourists and locals alike. You'll find a tasty selection of food and drinks, stunning bedrooms, friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere and handy tips on exploring the nearby area.
Created in official partnership with Warner Bros., the world’s first and only Game of Thrones Studio Tour has arrived in Northern Ireland. Located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down, Game of Thrones Studio Tour invites you to experience the world of Game of Thrones like never before.
Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The Formal Gardens are ranked as one of the top ten in the world and the within the house there are collections of national and international significance.
Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.
Downhill is a golden sandy beach stretching from Downhill Cliffs in the east towards Magilligan Point. It's overlooked by one of Northern Ireland's leading landmarks, Mussenden Temple, and benefits from classic views of the Donegal Coast and beyond.
Dunseverick Castle is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the small village of Dunseverick and the Giant's Causeway.
Binevenagh is a tranquil area where the sights of Lough Foyle and Donegal can be seen on a clear day. This reserve is part of the northernmost outcropping of the Antrim Plateau as molten lava poured out over the surface 60 million years ago.
Renowned for its traditional Irish heritage, Blakes of the Hollow is one of the most famous and well recognised Victorian pubs in Ireland. It is a must see attraction which has graced County Fermanagh’s shores for over 125 years.
