Ireland has always been a land of stories, and it’s no surprise that this Emerald Isle has become a top destination for filmmakers looking to capture its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage on screen. From the Cliffs of Moher to the Giant’s Causeway, Ireland has served as the backdrop for some of the most iconic movies in recent history. And as a huge movie fan, let me tell you, visiting these filming locations is an absolute must for any cinephile!
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are a series of towering cliffs that rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. They stretch for over five miles and offer stunning views of the ocean, the Aran Islands, and the surrounding countryside. The cliffs are home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Visitors can also see the remains of an ancient fort, built by the Moher people, who lived in the area more than 2,000 years ago.
The cliffs have also been featured in several movies, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Princess Bride, and Leap Year. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the cliffs were used as the location for the famous scene where Dumbledore and Harry fly to the cave to retrieve a horcrux. In The Princess Bride, the cliffs were used as the backdrop for the “Cliffs of Insanity” scene where Westley has to rescue Buttercup from the kidnapper Vizzini. In Leap Year, the cliffs were used as the location for the romantic scene where Anna and Declan have their first kiss.
Visitors can explore the cliffs on foot, take a guided tour, or even take a boat trip to see them from the water. They are a must-see destination for anyone visiting Ireland.
Cong & Connemara
Cong is a village located in County Mayo, Ireland, in the region known as Connemara. The village is situated on the banks of the Cong River, which flows into Lough Corrib. The area is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the nearby Ashford Castle, which is set on the shores of Lough Corrib.
The Connemara region is known for its rugged beauty and is popular with tourists who come to see the wild landscapes, beaches, and mountains. The region is also known for its traditional Irish music and culture, as well as its traditional Irish language.
Cong has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the 1952 film “The Quiet Man” starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The film was directed by John Ford and was shot on location in Cong and the surrounding areas. The movie is set in the fictional Irish village of Innisfree and tells the story of an American boxer who returns to Ireland to reclaim his family’s farm. The film was a commercial and critical success and is considered a classic of Irish cinema.
Another film that was shot in Cong is the 1981 film “Excalibur” directed by John Boorman. The film is a retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. The film was shot on location in Ireland and features Connemara landscapes.
Cong is also a popular location for TV shows like the BBC series “Father Ted” and “Reign” the American historical fantasy series filmed some of it’s episodes in Ashford Castle.
The Wicklow Mountains
The Wicklow Mountains, located in the southeast of Ireland, have been a popular filming location for many years. The mountains offer a diverse range of landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged peaks, making them the perfect backdrop for a variety of movies.
One of the most famous movies to be filmed in the Wicklow Mountains is Braveheart. The movie, which tells the story of Scottish warrior William Wallace, was shot on location in Wicklow and features some of the most breathtaking landscapes Ireland has to offer. The Wicklow Mountains also served as the backdrop for the dramatic chase scenes in the movie, adding to the film’s epic feel.
Another popular movie that was filmed in the Wicklow Mountains is P.S. I Love You. This romantic drama, which stars Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler, was shot on location in Wicklow and features some of the most picturesque landscapes in Ireland. The Wicklow Mountains also provided the perfect backdrop for the movie’s emotional climax, adding to the film’s powerful impact.
The Wicklow Mountains have also been the location for several TV series such as Vikings and Penny Dreadful. These series have used the mountains as the setting for their epic battles, adding to the visual appeal of the series.
The Count of Monte Cristo is another movie filmed in the Wicklow Mountains, the story of the main character being imprisoned and his escape was filmed in the Wicklow Mountains, giving the movie a sense of grandeur and an epic feel.
Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is a small island located off the west coast of Ireland, in County Kerry. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty and is home to an early Christian monastery that dates back to the 7th century. The island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The island is featured in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, in the 2015 film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and in 2017 film “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. The island was used as a filming location for the planet Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker is found in the later film. The island’s unique and rugged landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for the movie’s mystical and otherworldly setting. The film’s production on the island had a positive impact on tourism and brought attention to the island’s cultural and historical significance.
It is also a popular location for TV series and documentaries such as the BBC series “Wild Atlantic Way” and the National Geographic series “Sacred Islands”
Skellig Michael is also known for its unique wildlife, including a large population of puffins, gannets, and other seabirds. The island is accessible by boat during the summer months, and visitors can hike to the top of the island to see the remains of the monastery and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Game of Thrones Locations
Ireland has been a popular filming location for the HBO series “Game of Thrones,” with several key locations used throughout the show’s eight seasons.
One of the main locations in Ireland is the Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The location was used as the King’s Road in the show, with the trees providing a natural archway for the characters to walk through.
Another location is the Tollymore Forest Park in County Down, Northern Ireland. This location was used as the Haunted Forest, where the Night’s Watch finds the direwolves and the White Walkers are first seen.
Castle Ward, located in County Down, was used as the exterior of Winterfell, the Stark family’s home. The Castle Ward’s courtyard and main house were used as the backdrop for many scenes at Winterfell.
In County Kerry, Ireland, Ballintoy Harbour was used as the location for the Iron Islands’ port, Pyke.
Contact Us About Visiting Film Locations On Your Tour Of Ireland
it’s no surprise that Ireland has been chosen as the backdrop for many films and TV shows.
If you want to experience these iconic locations, we invite you to contact our tour planning specialists to create a tailored tour itinerary for you. Our team will work with you to create a customized tour that fits your interests and schedule.
