Hey travelers, by this time, you may have figured out how much we love Ireland. But don't take our word for it, as Ireland's breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture have captivated filmmakers and cinematographers for decades. From iconic castles and rugged coastlines to quaint villages and lush green fields, the Emerald Isle offers a diverse range of filming locations that have served as a backdrop for numerous acclaimed films and TV shows.
Game of Thrones
Jon Snow may know nothing, but we know that many scenes in Game of Thrones were shot in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The epic fantasy series utilized various Irish locations, including the mystical Dark Hedges in, the dramatic cliffs of Moher in County Clare, and the enchanting Castle Ward in County Down. These stunning landscapes played a significant role in bringing the Seven Kingdoms to life, captivating audiences worldwide.
The Quiet Man
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Connemara in County Galway, "The Quiet Man" is a classic romantic film starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Directed by John Ford, this 1952 gem showcases Ireland's rustic charm, featuring thatched cottages, rolling green hills, and traditional Irish culture. Filmed in Cong, the movie offers a glimpse into a bygone era while celebrating the beauty of the Irish countryside.
P.S. I Love You
This heartfelt romantic drama starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler takes viewers on a poignant journey through the Irish landscape. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the serene Wicklow Mountains National Park (the spot where Holly and Gerry meet), the film captures the essence of Ireland's urban and rural beauty through Blessington Lakes and Whelan's Pub. The film adaptation of Irish author Cecelia Ahern's 2004 novel provides an emotional storyline and stunning visuals, as well as highlights the country's capacity for healing and new beginnings.
Brooklyn
Based on Colm Tóibín's novel, "Brooklyn" tells the story of a young Irish immigrant (played by the Irish sweetheart Saoirse Ronan) navigating life in the 1950s in New York. While the majority of the film is set in the United States, it beautifully captures the essence of Enniscorthy in County Wexford, where the protagonist hails from. The film showcases the charm of Irish small-town life and offers a glimpse into the country's emigration history.
The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Directed by Ken Loach and starring Cillian Murphy, Liam Cunningham, Pádraic Delaney, and Orla Fitzgerald, this powerful film delves into the complex history of Ireland during the early 20th century. Set against the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, the movie was filmed in various locations across Ireland, including County Cork and County Kilkenny. It vividly portrays the struggles and sacrifices made by the Irish people during this tumultuous period.
Star Wars
In recent years, Ireland has become a popular destination for big-budget productions, including "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi" from the Star Wars franchise. Exciting news for Star Wars fans as the galaxy far, far away could be found as close as County Kerry, on The Skelligs and the Dingle Peninsula. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" features the stunning island of Skellig Michael off the coast of County Kerry as the enigmatic Jedi temple Ahch-To. The rugged, otherworldly landscape of Skellig Michael adds a touch of magic to the film, emphasizing the diverse filming opportunities that Ireland offers.
The Banshees of Inisherin
"The Banshees of Inisherin" is a dark film directed by Martin McDonagh and featuring Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, and Kerry Condon. The story revolves around crumbling friendships, set against the harsh yet beautiful landscapes of Achill Island and Inis Mór. The movie showcases stunning aerial shots of Inis Mór's cliffs, particularly Dún Aonghusa, and includes other notable locations such as Gort na gCapall, Bungowla, and Lighthouse Lane.
Achill Island also serves as a backdrop, with notable locations including Keem Bay, Corrymore Lake, and Purteen Harbour. Although JJ Devine's pub was created as a prop for the film and has since been removed, its former location at Cloughmore can be identified.
Derry Girls
Written and created by Lisa McGee, "Derry Girls" follows the adventures of 4 Derry Girls and Claire, Orla, Michelle, Erin, and a young lad from England, James in Derry City during The Troubles. This hilarious sitcom is filmed primarily in the beautiful Walled City of Derry, with some interior scenes shot on sound stages in Belfast. The fans of the show will certainly recognize lots of locations, including the 400-year-old City Walls and Derry's infamous murals, now joined by a giant depiction of our favorite girls on Badger's Bar on Orchard Street.
Vikings
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Viking Ragnar Lodbrok and his extraordinary exploits, this historical drama series predominantly took place in Ireland, where County Wicklow was transformed into the Scandinavian setting. Fans of the show "Vikings" will instantly recognize Lough Tay as the picturesque location representing Ragnar's village, Kattegat. Although public access to the area is limited due to private ownership, stunning views of the lake can be enjoyed from various car parks along the R759 road.
Another noteworthy site in Wicklow is Powerscourt Waterfall, which serves as the backdrop for the introduction of the character Aslaug. This waterfall is situated within the expansive Powerscourt Estate, a popular tourist destination that encompasses a grand country manor and sprawling gardens spanning 47 acres. Visitors have the opportunity to explore both the waterfall and the estate by purchasing an entrance ticket.
Normal People
The 2020 adaptation of the Irish writer Sally Rooney's poignant novel faithfully portrayed the intricate bond between Connell and Marianne by filming in the actual locations mentioned in the book, namely counties Sligo and Dublin. As the story of Connell and Marianne unfolds during the characters' university years at Trinity College Dublin, the institution plays a significant role in the series. Situated in the heart of Dublin city, Trinity College Dublin is a popular tourist attraction. While Connell's beloved library study spot requires a student card for access, visitors are welcome to explore much of the campus that appeared on the screen. Trinity College Dublin is once again serving as a backdrop for Rooney's next novel-to-screen adaptation, "Conversations With Friends."
Braveheart
It might come as a surprise to many fans that a significant portion of the 1995 epic film "Braveheart," directed by Mel Gibson and centered around the first Scottish War of Independence, was actually shot in Ireland. During filming in 1994, locations in counties Meath, Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow stood in for the Scottish setting. In particular, Trim Castle, the largest surviving Norman Castle in Ireland located in County Meath, was chosen as the backdrop for the portrayal of York. The breathtaking open plains of County Kildare, known as The Curragh, provided the filming location for the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The captivating escape scene of the Scottish hero William Wallace on horseback took place in the picturesque land surrounding the Blessington Lakes.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Any Potterheads here? In the sixth film of the Harry Potter film series, County Clare's iconic Cliffs of Moher assume a brief yet significant role in the movie when Harry accompanies Professor Dumbledore on a quest to find the third Horcrux, a crucial element in the quest to vanquish Lord Voldemort. This iconic scene unfolds on a steep, inclined rock, with crashing waves and swirling currents enveloping them. As they turn their gaze, they confront a formidable wall of cliffs featuring a central cave, into which they must venture. We are pretty sure that it would have the same impact if shot somewhere else.
These majestic cliffs, known as the Cliffs of Moher, are paired with the rock known as Lemon Rock. Interestingly, Lemon Rock is situated approximately 100 miles to the south, along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, just off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. Both the Cliffs of Moher and the Iveragh Peninsula, celebrated for their natural splendor and breathtaking vistas, are must-visit destinations for any traveler to Ireland, regardless of their affinity for Harry Potter.
Få gode tilbud med det samme
As you can see, Ireland's captivating landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere have made it a favorite destination for the seventh art. Whether it's fantasy epics, romantic dramas, hit comedy shows, or historical tales, the country's natural beauty and unique locations have provided the perfect backdrop for a multitude of cinematic adventures. From "Game of Thrones" to "The Quiet Man" and beyond, Ireland continues to leave an indelible mark on the silver screen, enchanting audiences with its timeless charm and cinematic magic. If you are a fan of any of these movies or TV shows mentioned, we encourage you to go visit these wonderful places yourself. There are many more films and TV shows that weren't mentioned. Which one should have made the list?
