From sweeping epic landscapes to charming villages, Ireland has served as the backdrop for countless beloved films and TV shows. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most famous filming locations you can visit across the country.
Game of Thrones Territory – Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has become synonymous with Game of Thrones, with numerous accessible filming locations:
- The Dark Hedges in County Antrim (The King’s Road)
- Castle Ward, County Down (Winterfell)
- Ballintoy Harbour (The Iron Islands)
- Cushendun Caves (Where Melisandre’s shadow baby was born)
- Tollymore Forest Park (The Haunted Forest)
Many local tour companies offer specialized Game of Thrones tours connecting these locations.
Star Wars Locations
The Wild Atlantic Way gained international attention when it featured in recent Star Wars films:
- Skellig Michael, County Kerry (Luke Skywalker’s hideout in “The Last Jedi” and “The Force Awakens”)
- Malin Head, County Donegal (Featured in “The Last Jedi”)
- Sybil Head, County Kerry (Also seen in “The Last Jedi”)
Note: While Skellig Michael appears in the films, access is strictly controlled and weather-dependent.
The Quiet Man Country – Connemara
John Ford’s “The Quiet Man” put Irish filming locations on the map. Visitors can still see:
- Ashford Castle (where the cast and crew stayed)
- The Quiet Man Bridge near Oughterard
- Pat Cohan’s Bar in Cong (though it was just a prop store during filming, it’s now a real pub)
- Cong Village itself, which embraces its connection to the film
Harry Potter Connections
While not used for filming, the Cliffs of Moher were digitally rendered as the location of a horcrux in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” The visitor center often references this connection.
Vikings Territory
The History Channel’s “Vikings” series filmed extensively around:
- Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) in Wicklow
- Powerscourt Waterfall
- Nuns Beach in Kerry
- Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol (used for interior scenes)
Braveheart Locations
Despite being set in Scotland, much of “Braveheart” was filmed in Ireland:
- Trim Castle, County Meath (stood in for York and Edinburgh)
- Curragh Plains, County Kildare (battle scenes)
Recent Productions
“Normal People” put several locations on the tourist map:
- Streedagh Beach, Sligo
- Trinity College, Dublin
- Tubbercurry, Sligo (standing in for Carricklea)
“Derry Girls” has made several Derry locations popular:
- Dennis’s Wee Shop
- The Derry Girls Mural
- St. Columb’s College
Practical Tips for Film Location Tourists:
- Many locations are remote – rent a car or book organized tours
- Some sites are on private property – always respect local signage
- Weather can affect accessibility, especially coastal locations
- Consider combining film locations with other nearby attractions
- Book specialized film location tours for insider knowledge
- Download relevant apps that provide filming location maps
- Check seasonal opening times, especially for castles and historic sites
Lesser-Known But Interesting Locations:
- Kilruddery House, Wicklow (“Far and Away,” “The Count of Monte Cristo”)
- Luggala Estate, Wicklow (Featured in “Braveheart” and “Excalibur”)
- Stephanie’s Castle, Wicklow (“Into the Badlands”)
Photography Tips:
- Early morning or late evening light works best for landscapes
- Winter visits often mean fewer tourists in your shots
- Many locations look different from their on-screen appearance
- Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscape shots
- Weather-proof camera equipment is essential
What to Bring:
- Good walking shoes
- Waterproof clothing
- Camera equipment
- Screen shots from the films/shows for comparison
- Detailed maps (mobile coverage can be spotty in rural areas)
Best Time to Visit:
- Shoulder season (April-May or September-October) offers good weather with fewer tourists
- Summer provides longer daylight hours but more crowds
- Winter visits mean atmospheric shots but challenging weather
Remember that Ireland’s popularity as a filming location continues to grow, with new productions frequently choosing the country as their backdrop. It’s worth checking recent releases and upcoming productions when planning your film location tour, as new sites are constantly being added to Ireland’s rich catalogue of filming locations.
