From County Antrim to County Wicklow and beyond, we’re going to take a look at the top ten famous movie locations in Ireland.
There are so many iconic filming locations all over Ireland, and in this article, we’re going to take a look at the top ten.
In recent years Ireland and Northern Ireland have become prime filming locations for several reasons, Northern Ireland in particular.
These films range from decades ago to the last decade or two and feature Ireland’s beautiful landscapes from counties all over the country.
Let’s take a look at the top ten most famous movie locations in Ireland.
10. Dunsoghly Castle, Co. Dublin – featured in Braveheart
Dunsoghly Castle, a 15th-century Dublin castle, was used to portray Edinburgh Castle in the epic historical war drama Braveheart.
Although the story centres around Mel Gibson’s portrayal of William Wallace and the fight for Scottish freedom, many of the scenes were filmed in Ireland. Trim Castle in County Meath served as the setting for York in the film.
Address: Dunsoghly, Co. Dublin, Ireland
9. Cong, Co. Galway − from The Quiet Man
John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara made history when they filmed The Quiet Man here in Ireland. They most famously filmed a lot of The Quiet Man in the Cong and the Connemara region of Ireland.
Famous film locations in John Ford’s hit movie include Ashford Castle, Oughterard, Lettergesh Beach, and Ballyglunin Train Station.
There is a beautiful statue of the pair in Cong today. Cong is certainly one of the most famous movie locations in Ireland.
Address: Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland
8. Rathdrum Square, Co. Wicklow − from Michael Collins
Starring Liam Neeson as Michael Collins, the 1996 biographical period drama had a pivotal scene shot in Rathdrum, County Wicklow.
Wicklow was once dubbed “the Hollywood of Europe” by Jane Seymour, as it has been home to many famous movie scenes.
Address: Ráth Droma, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
7. Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry − from Star Wars
Skellig Michael is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s a popular tourist site that gained even more notoriety when the Star Wars movies The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi were filmed here.
Address: Skellig Rock Great, Ireland
6. The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare – from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The world-class Cliffs of Moher have actually been used as the location for many films, including Leap Year (2010) and Into the West (1992).
However, they’re perhaps most recognised in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with the famous cave scene. The team behind the film combined The Cliffs of Moher with Lemon Rock off Skellig Michael for this scene.
Learn more about the Cliffs of Moher; when to visit, the best route, and more.
Address: Lislorkan North, Co. Clare, Ireland
5. Curracloe Strand, Co. Wexford – from Saving Private Ryan
Believe it or not, the sandy shores of Curracloe Strand in Wexford were used for the D-Day landings in Normandy in Saving Private Ryan.
Curracloe Beach doubled as Omaha Beach. This famous location was an iconic scene in the film.
Address: Coolrainey, Curracloe, Co. Wexford, Ireland
4. Grafton Street, Co. Dublin – featured in Once
One of the busiest shopping streets in the city, and the whole country, Grafton Street is where Guy, in the 2007 film Once starring Glen Hansard, is busking.
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova’s song from the film ‘Falling Slowly’ won them the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Address: Grafton Street, Dublin 2, D02 YY42, Ireland
3. Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow – a romantic scene in P.S. I Love You
Blessington Lakes is one of the key locations for P.S. I Love You starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler.
It appears in the famous failed fishing trip scene and is one of the most beautiful locations in the movie.
Also, Blessington Lakes was actually the location for the scene in Braveheart where William Wallace escapes on horseback.
Address: Co. Wicklow, Ireland
2. Trinity College, Co. Dublin – from The Commitments
In the heart of Dublin City Centre, you’ll find the stunning Trinity College. Trinity College has been used in many TV shows and films across the years.
However, it is perhaps most iconically remembered for featuring in the film adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s novel of the same name.
Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
1. Youghal, Co. Cork – featured in Moby Dick
Last on our list of famous movie locations in Ireland is Youghal, County Cork.
Gregory Peck starred as Captain Ahab in the 1956 adaptation of Herman Melville’s 1851 novel Moby Dick. Gregory was filming on location in Youghal, County Cork.
You can see some stunning behind-the-scenes footage of the filming online. There was also a documentary made about it.
Address: Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland
Notable mentions
Slea Head: Slead Head in County Kerry was used as the filming location for Ryan’s Daughter (1970).
Castle Ward: Not a movie location, but of course, Winterfell in Game of Thrones was filmed in Castle Ward.
Connemara: Areas of Connemara were used as the filming location for The Guard (2011), starring Brendan Gleeson. Furthermore, Connemara was the location for the holiday scenes in Marley and Me (2008), starring Jennifer Anniston and Owen Wilson.
Cahir Castle: Cahir Castle in Tipperary was used as the ‘Prussian’ camp in Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon (1975).
FAQs about famous movie locations in Ireland
Was any of Harry Potter filmed in Ireland?
Yes, parts of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth instalment of the film series, were filmed in The Cliffs of Moher.
What movies have been shot in Ireland?
There have been a lot of movies shot in Ireland. We believe our list above showcases some of the most famous locations.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Ireland?
Yes! Game of Thrones used Ireland, primarily Northern Ireland, as the location for much of the series. Locations for the series include Castle Ward, the Cushendun Caves, The Dark Hedges, and Murlough Bay, to name a few.
