In the words of Bert from Mary Poppins, “There’s a whole world at your feet.” More so, there’s an entire country with incredible movie destinations right in front of you. Ireland has been the home to everything from box office sensations to TV smash hits. Whether you’re a movie buff or just an explorer at heart, hop in the car and head away on the road trip of a lifetime because adventure is waiting!
1. Antrim - The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway. A specular scenic experience that has appeared in fantastic fashion in several screen hits such as the fantasy drama Dracula Untold (2014). The thousands of unique basalt rock formations transformed into the setting for the Transylvanian Mountains, as did other parts of Northern Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway also featured in scenes of the action packed Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008).
2. Meath - Trim Castle
Scenes from the iconic movie Braveheart (1995) were filmed on the grounds of Trim Castle in Co. Meath. It featured as the city of York in the compelling drama that saw Mel Gibson play the lead role as Scottish hero William Wallace. It’s one film that has seen its incredible soundtrack as well as famous speech stand the test of time.
3. Dublin - Kilmainham Gaol and Grafton Street
There are lots of hotspots worth hitting in Dublin but try these two. Firstly, Kilmainham Gaol. The former prison has been used as a set in famous films such as Michael Collins (1996), with scenes both inside and out in the courtyard, as well as the jail scenes in The Italian Job (1969). While you’re at it, take a wander down Grafton Street, soak up the atmosphere of the city centre, listen to the buskers and grab a coffee. It’s this sensory experience which featured in the award winning Once (2006) with Glen Hansard from The Frames starring as the lead in the touching romantic musical drama.
4. Wexford - Curracloe Strand
The beautiful surrounds of Curracloe Strand played host to battle scenes of the multi-Oscar award winning war drama Saving Private Ryan (1998). One of Tom Hanks’ most popular roles, the war drama also included members of the Irish Army Reserve as extras.
5. Cork - Youghal
American director John Huston made waves in the seaside town of Youghal in Cork in 1954 when he filmed Moby Dick (1956) there. The film adaption of Herman Melville’s classic novel featured extras from the East Cork town alongside the then Hollywood heart-throb Gregory Peck and was filmed over the summer of that year.
6. Kerry - Skellig Michael
Taking the biscuit for one of the most famous film series ever using a piece of the Emerald Isle to film for the big time, scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) were shot in this stunning South-West location. It featured in a pivotal scene in the former, while the UNESCO World Heritage site appeared in a considerable amount of the latter.
7. Clare - The Cliffs of Moher
This one is for all of the Potterheads out there. The 6th book and film in the wizardry series Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009) saw the international tourist spot set the tone for the Horcrux cave scene. The idyllic cliffs were also used in The Princess Bride (1987) and Into the West (1992).
8. Galway - Connemara
This Irish dramatic thriller The Field (1990) was directed by Jim Sheridan and filmed in the wilds of Connemara, Co. Galway. It was predominantly shot in the village of Leenane with Gaynor’s bar on the Main Street hosting the pub scenes. It also saw actor Richard Harris receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
9. Mayo - Cong
John Ford’s critically acclaimed The Quiet Man (1952) starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara was filmed in part in Co. Galway but also in Cong in Co. Mayo. The romantic comedy/drama is filled with scenes of the beautiful Irish countryside with tourists being able to follow in the footsteps of the leading roles through specially guided tours, as well as a visit to the museum coming highly recommended.
10. Sligo - Easkey
Staying along the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll find plenty of scenery where Calvary (2014) was filmed. Starring Brendan Gleeson, the drama featured some of Sligo’s gems such as Easkey, Streedagh Beach and Strandhill which are all beautiful natural sights on the Irish coastline. The perfect place to unwind and watch the sunset surrounded by stunning scenery.
Don’t forget, before you set off on your road trip, make sure your Car Insurance cover is up to date.
