10 Incredibly Famous Filming Locations You Need To Visit Across Ireland

Sarah

Our lovely country has been the backdrop of more Hollywood movies you could shake a wooden spoon at, and travelling to these ten would make the ultimate road trip around Ireland for any movie fanatic.

Don’t forget to pack the popcorn!

1. Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

Not only was this historic building the jail for real-life revolutionaries during the 1916 Rising, it also put behind bars Liam Neeson in Michael Collins, Michael Caine in The Italian Job, and Cillian Murphy in The Wind That Shakes The Barley.

2. Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow

This beautiful garden location has seen over 25 films and TV shows shot on its grounds, including Ella Enchanted, the stunning King Arthur with Keira Knightley, a 1970 version of Black Beauty and The Tudors.

3. Trim Castle, Meath

Braveheart fan? Then you have to visit Ireland’s largest Norman castle, which is where the scenes for the city of York was filmed in the ultimate Scottish epic.

4. The Cliffs of Moher, Clare

Probably one of, if not the most famous filming locations in Ireland, these cliffs have been featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (that Horcrux scene in the cave eek), The Princess Bride, and Into The West.

5. Curracloe Strand, Wexford

This long sandy stretch was transformed into Omaha Beach for the war drama Saving Private Ryan. Fun fact: The 20 minute opening scene took two months to film.

6. Parknasilla, Kerry

The picture-perfect grounds of this 18th century manor house and hotel provided the resort setting for indie flick The Lobster, starring Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz. You may just find love here if you’re lucky…

7. Trinity College, Dublin

Dublin’s oldest university founded in 1592 was the setting for Educating Rita, a gas 80’s British film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. The campus was also where huge Bollywood film Ek The Tiger was shot, because it looked like a “typical English university”!

8. Skellig Michael, Kerry

You have to admit that Star Wars: The Force Awakens put this stunning island at the forefront of the world, and it’s happening all over again with the upcoming sequel.

9. Grafton Street, Dublin

Countless music videos have been shot here, but the film that sticks in everyone’s minds is Once, with Glen Hansard, Marketa Iglova, and a broken hoover.

10. Youghal, Cork

This historic seaside spot was where 1956 film Moby Dick was filmed, and the walled town was the setting of ‘New Bedford’ and featured old school Hollywod stars. There’s even a Moby Dick’s pub in the town now, and annual Moby Dick events.