Lorna Hogg features a number of Irish locations which have provided the backdrop to Irish films and TV series
It can come as a surprise to many to realise that Ireland isn’t merely a country filled with enthusiastic film and TV viewers. For decades, it has also produced the backdrops for some of the most popular of those films and TV shows. From Line of Duty to Harry Potter and Braveheart and Barry Lyndon to Game of Thrones – this country is now a popular and sought after film and TV series film location. Over 20 major film and TV series have used Ireland as a backdrop, for a wide variety of productions.
With productions ranging from reflections on the possibilities of modern policing in Line of Duty, through to the creation of fantasies such as Star Wars and Harry Potter– Ireland is now a popular home for the call of ‘Lights, Camera – Action’. No need to call on Hollywood for film production backdrops. Whether niche, a worldwide blockbuster or popular TV series – Ireland can, and has, delivered the locations.
The Quiet Man (1952)
One of the earliest films to put the country on that location map – and resulting tourist interest, was based on a 1930s short story by Maurice Ward. The Quiet Man,largely filmed in Cong, starring John Wayne and well known Irish actress Maureen O’ Hara. Popular Irish actor Barry Fitzgerald was also on hand to help the heart warming mix of beauty and brawn. Largely filmed in Cong, it tells the tale of a local boxer’s return home, a fiery local beauty, and family inheritance clashing with romance. Pat Cohan’s Pub, and the White O’Morn Cottage are still top tourist attractions, whilst Slea Head displayed the scenery at its best. Don’t miss the Quiet Man Bridge, at Lough Bofin, Connemara. There are also walking tours, a museum and gift shop.
Sarah Miles in Ryan’s Daughter. Film locations included the Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, and Inch Strand
Ryans Daughter (1970)
The stellar cast included Sarah Miles, Robert Mitchum and John Mills, set against the background of Ireland at the time of the 1916 Easter Rising. A married woman in a small Irish town has an affair with a visiting officer – and has to deal with the fallout. Film locations included the Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, and Inch Strand. There was also one unexpected addition. The `new` schoolhouse, sited on a cliff overlooking The Blaskets, was especially built for the film. The locals were so impressed with it that they received permission to retain the building with a view. Sadly, however, the Atlantic gales have done their worst, and the building has gradually fallen into disrepair. Attempts to raise funds to repair it have so far failed. Better luck followed with the commemoration stone placed on Coumeenoole Beach. The site remains a much enjoyed tourist attraction for the many visitors!
Waterford was one of many Irish locations featured in Barry Lyndon
Barry Lyndon (1978)
Hollywood Director Stanley Kubrick was known for `planned big’ and this film, of author William Thackeray’s 1844 novel was no exception. Ryan O’Neal starred as the manipulative Irish rogue, who deals with a fake duel, plus capture by a spy, and marries a wealthy titled woman for her money and contacts. Irish locations included sites in Kilkenny, Kildare, Waterford and Meath. Kells produced the background for the regimental headquarters, and Cahir Castle sprouted a German Military encampment for the film. Carton House, Castletown House and the 15th century Moorstown Castle in Co. Tipperary also appeared, as did Carrick-on- Suir.
Powerscourt House is one of the most beautiful and well know Irish stately homes – but it comes as a surprise to many to learn that the grounds have provided background for several pictures and TV series – including The Tudors, Henry VIII and, of course, Barry Lyndon. The film also utilized some of Ireland’s magnificent landscapes as backdrops. The Knockmealdown Mountains were featured in a British army parade, and Glenpatrick, Co. Waterford, hosted another regimental parade scene. Kubrick also introduced some new techniques into filming – shooting by candlelight was just one.
The Field (1990)
This film displayed the talents of two top film actors, Richard Harris and John Hurt. Set in the beautiful countryside in Connemara, it worked with an age old challenge in Ireland – the ownership of land. It was shot in Galway and Mayo countryside, which is somewhat ironical, as the story was set in Co. Kerry. Noel Gaynor’s pub underwent a `1940s transformation’, and remains a popular destination.
Far and away ((1992)
Telling the story of a romance, between another impoverished suitor and a landlord’s daughter, this film offered further opportunities to display the Irish countryside, with a wide range of backdrops. Maam Cross in Galway, the Dingle Peninsula and Kilruddery, in Co. Wicklow, all featured. Skilled production research provided a new life for Moorstown Castle, near Clonmel. A late 15th century castle, it comes with a circular Keep, plus Round Tower and Bawn, and even has slit windows – as, of course, every castle ideally should!
Mel Gibson as Braveheart. The film featured locations in Wicklow, Kildare and Meath. Sally Gap and the Druid’s Glen in Wicklow provided backdrops, as did Bective Abbey, whilst The Curragh Camp and Trim, Co. Meath also featured
Braveheart (1995)
The film tells the tale of Scottish patriot William Wallace, and his revolt against the English after the love of his life is killed. It also utilized a wide range of beautiful, including some, perhaps less well known, Irish locations in counties Wicklow, Kildare and Meath. Sally Gap and the Druid’s Glen in Wicklow provided backdrops, as did Bective Abbey, whilst The Curragh Camp and Trim, Co. Meath also featured. Trim Castle displayed its versatility – doubling up as York and London sites – and on one post-production occasion, its walls provided a screen for a special showing of the film.
The pretty Co Kilkenny village of Inistoge which featured prominently in Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends (1995)
The film of Maeve Binchy’s popular novel about the world of young women in the 1960s, introduced some further new destinations. It was filmed in the pretty village of Inistioge – home to some panoramic views, such as the arched river bridge and tree lined square. To create an ideal vista, a few nearby trees were removed, to create the perfect shot, offending ESB poles were (temporarily!) removed, and shop fronts re-vamped. The hard work was rewarded, however – the job done was so attractive that the village has since featured in further films, including Widow’s Peak.
Ballykissangel (1995)
Sited near Avoca, in Co. Wicklow, this highly popular BBC series, centred around the challenges for a young English parish priest in an Irish village. It also made the most of the county’s attractions, and filmed widely in them. The pretty village is, of course, not far from the Ardmore studios. Enniskerry provided a hub for the action, whilst Wicklow Head, Glencree and Brittas have also made regular appearances.
The Tudors (2007 -10)
This colourful series has utilized locations ranging from Ardmore Studios – to Christ Church Cathedral, Kilruddery. Powerscourt, Luggala and Kilmainham Jail.
Game of Thrones (2010 – )
This highly popular series has helped to establish Northern Ireland’s role in the film location business. The Linen Mill Studios, in nearby Banbridge, once engaged in the stretching of linen fabric, were the main Irish studios for the series, and now offer excellent tours – unsurprising, given the stunning land and sea backdrops. Film tourism is brisk, undoubtedly influenced by the fact that all the attractions are with easy distances, and keen fans can easily fit in several in a few days.
The most popular locations include the Dark Hedges, in Co. Antrim, a `picture postcard’ avenue of mysteriously gnarled old trees, which form a natural avenue. Tollymore Forest Park, in County Down, doubled as the Haunted Forest, where the Dire Wolf pups were born. Castle Ward in Co. Down is well known as Winterfell. Ballintoy Harbour provides the docking point for the Iron Islands, and Cushendun Caves. Binevenagh, Ballintoy and Inch Abbey are also perfectly cast!
Line of Duty (2019)
This popular TV series, set in modern Belfast, displays another aspect of Irish film set versatility. There is a variety of well organized tours – for all tastes, and the range of locations covered is wide. You can see the site of the AC-12 H.Q. You can visit the Graffiti Tunnel, observe where the sniper scene took place, and learn background information about techniques used. You can also enjoy the sites with friends on a private tour group. Expect tours to last about two hours. Go to Viator, at or buy tickets at Irish Tour Tickets shop, in Great Victoria Street.
