Explore iconic filming locations in Ireland

Ireland has beautiful, often dramatic landscapes, ancient castles and bustling cities - the perfect backdrop for some of the most iconic films and tv series. In this post, we’ll let you know about some of the most famous films which were filmed in Ireland and where you can visit the iconic filming locations in Ireland. 

Cliffs of Moher - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Remember the scene where Harry Potter and Dumbledore travel to a cave at the oceanside to search for Voldemort’s horcrux? Well, that cave is located in Ireland, right at the Cliffs of Moher, to be precise. You can see it best while doing a boat tour along the bottom of the cliffs. A bit of the cave, as well as the iconic backdrop at the start of the scene is, however, also visible from above.

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The various Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland

One of the most famous HBO shows “Game of Thrones” has been filmed in locations all over the world - many being in Northern Ireland. Castle Greyjoy for example, home of the character Theon Greyjoy, is set at Dunluce castle. While parts of it have been added via CGI, the characteristic architecture can be seen and the castle visited. It’s actually close to the next filming location: The Dark Hedges. This beautiful street seamed by ancient trees has been used as the famous Kings Road in the fictional world of Westeros. 

But wait, there’s more: From Castle Ward which has been the set for the Stark family home in season one, to Magheramorne Quarry, in the show as Castle Black (with CGI), and Murlough Bay - there are plenty of Game of Thrones filming locations to visit.

If you also want to see the authentic sets and costumes of the TV series as well as hear more behind the scenes info from former extras of the show, you might also consider a trip to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. It’s located near Banbridge, Northern Ireland - traveling there is easiest by hopping on one of the coaches from Dublin.

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Vikings filming locations - Wicklow 

The popular historical series Vikings has been almost entirely filmed in Ireland, mainly in Wicklow. Here, you can find the viking city Kattegat in Lough Tay, the “Guinness Lake” and visit Powerscourt Waterfall and Estate, where several outdoor scenes have been filmed. Why Wicklow, you ask? For once, it does offer the perfect backdrop with its green hills, waterfalls and lakes and secondly, Wicklow is known as Hollywood of Europe. Many films and tv series are filmed here and you can even visit a small Hollywood sign in Wicklow. Also, Ashford Studios, the producers behind the series, are located here.

Apart from Wicklow, many battle scenes of the series have taken place along the river Boyne and Cahir Castle, part of our tour to Blarney Castle, has also been a set on the series. That is, however, not the only film or series it has been a set of, as for example Excalibur has also been filmed here.

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Star Wars - Skellig Michael and the Old Library

Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, Skellig Michael is not only a stunning island southwest of Ireland, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And a filming location for Star Wars. The island, as well as the ancient monastic settlement lying atop it, has been used as a set in the films The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Here, Ray confronts Luke Skywalker and convinces him to join their fight against the dark side. One more filming location or rather an inspiration for the films can be found in Dublin. Here, the Old Library in Trinity College served as a model for the Jedi Archives in Attack of the Clones.

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Braveheart filming locations - County Meath 

Mel Gibson’s Braveheart is set in Scotland and focuses on the Scottish fight for their independent nation. However, most of the filming took place in Ireland, not Scotland. Trim Castle in County Meath, for example, doubled for the English town of York and scenes set in London have also been filmed within the castle's walls. More filming locations for Braveheart can be found around County Meath and also during our Celtic Boyne Valley Tour.

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There’s more! Other popular filming locations in Ireland

Curracloe Beach – Saving Private Ryan

The beach was transformed into Omaha Beach for the opening D-Day scenes of Spielberg’s war epic.

Achill Island & Inis Mór – The Banshees of Inisherin

The islands served as the melancholic backdrop for the 2022 Oscar-nominated film starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell.

Powerscourt Estate – Ella Enchanted, The Tudors

Powerscourt Estate is popular as a filming location and offered the magical and classical surroundings for several productions.

Wicklow Mountains – PS I Love You

Wicklow National Park is where Holly and Jerry met in the romance starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. A small bridge in the Sally Gap is now even known as the P.S. I Love You Bridge and is still often visited by fans of the film.

Header image source: K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash