10 Films & Series Made In Ireland (& The Real-Life Locations You Can Visit)

The small island of Ireland has long been famous for its rugged coastlines, rich culture, and friendly people. More recently, however, the Emerald Isle is being noticed for its presence on screen, from historical TV dramas to major blockbusters.

Both the north and south of Ireland have been used by various productions to imitate a range of places and times in history, from World War II beach landings and 10th century Viking settlements to fictional lands with an Iron Throne and galaxies far, far away.

Brooklyn (2015)

Following a young Irish woman’s emotional journey as she emigrates to New York in the 20th century, Brooklyn – based on the book by Colm Toibin – was shot largely on location across Ireland and the U.S.A. Set in the 1950s, the film used small-town Ireland to capture the period of history.

In both the book and film, protagonist Eilis helms from Enniscorthy, a small village in County Wexford, and production stuck to the source material and filmed there too. Fans can retrace Academy Award nominee-Saoirse Ronan’s steps by strolling along Court Street, as well as visiting nearby Curracloe Beach. The latter features in scenes where Ronan and Domhnall Gleeson’s characters take a seaside stroll.

Normal People (2020)

The 2020 adaptation of Sally Rooney’s heart-wrenching novel stuck close to the source material, with the complicated relationship between protagonists Connell and Marianne being shot on location in counties Sligo and Dublin. As Normal People follows the lead characters during their time at university at Trinity College Dublin, the institute features heavily in the show.

Trinity College Dublin lies in the center of Dublin city and is a popular site for tourists to visit. Whilst a student card is required to visit Connell’s favorite library study spot, visitors are able to freely explore much of the campus as seen on camera. Trinity will again feature in the next Rooney novel to make its way to the screen, Conversations With Friends, starring Joe Alwyn and Sex Education‘s Jemima Kirke, due to premiere in May 2022.

Dungeons & Dragons (2023)

The upcoming fantasy adventure film based on the popular role-playing game featuring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, and Bridgerton breakout star Rege-Jean Page is due to release next year, after remaining in development for nearly a decade. Although details of the film have remained secret thus far, it is known that the fantastical world of the Forgotten Realms is being brought to life with the backdrop of Northern Ireland.

Set photos published by the Belfast Telegraph have revealed scenes were shot in the harbor and grounds of Carrickfergus Castle, one of the most well preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland. Dungeons & Dragons is due to be released in March 2023. In the meantime, fans can visit the castle for a small entrance fee.

Game Of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

Just as the Lord of the Rings trilogy put New Zealand on the map, HBO’s Game of Thrones has sparked a new tourist interest in Northern Ireland. Fans can access the King’s Road by visiting the equally intriguingly named Dark Hedges, which are an avenue of large beech trees situated on Bregagh Road.

Viewers will recognize Cushendun Caves as the birthplace of the Shadow creature in season 2, while Ballintoy Harbour stood in as Lordsport Harbour when Theon Greyjoy returns home in GOT‘s second season. With so much of the natural landscape utilized in bringing Westeros to life, a road trip around Northern Ireland is sure to be a delight for GOT fans.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

The famous galaxy far, far away might actually be closer than fans think. The Star Wars films are known for shooting on location around the world, and one of the more distinctive settings is that of Ahch-To, the remote island that Luke Skywalker retreats to. In our galaxy, Ahch-To is better known as Skellig Michael, which lies off the coast of County Kerry.

Skellig Michael is home to hundreds of puffins, and creature concept designer Jake Lunt Davies revealed that the production team realized it would be easier to visually transform the puffins rather than edit them out completely – thus how the adorable Porgs came to be! The UNESCO World Heritage Site can be accessed by boat from May to October, although only 180 visitors are granted access daily – so best to book in advance.

Derry Girls (2018 – 2022)

The hit comedy series centered on a group of five friends growing up during the Northern Irish Troubles stays true to its name, with a large portion of filming occurring in Derry City. The series has proved so popular that a mural of the main characters was created in the city on Orchard Street, and proves a popular photo spot with tourists and locals alike.

The second season finale of Derry Girls focuses on the real-life event of U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit to the Maiden City, with scenes filmed in Guildhall Square, the former location of the city’s council. The picturesque square, neo-gothic building, and surrounding 400-year old city walls are open to visitors year-round. The third and final series of Derry Girls is due to premiere this year.

Vikings (2013 – 2020)

Inspired by the tales of legendary Viking Ragnar Lodbrok and his adventures, this historical drama series was largely based in Ireland, with County Wicklow standing in for Scandanavia. Fans of Vikings will recognize Lough Tay as the site of Ragnar’s home village, Kattegat. Although public access is limited due to the land being privately owned, sweeping views of the lake can be seen from the various car parks along the R759 road.

Also in Wicklow is Powerscourt Waterfall, which is the backdrop for when viewers first meet Aslaug. The waterfall is part of Powerscourt Estate, a popular tourist attraction featuring a country manor and sweeping gardens covering 47 acres. Members of the public are able to visit the waterfall and the estate for an entrance fee.

The Northman (2022)

Robert Eggers’ highly anticipated third film, due out this April, features a star-studded cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Willem Dafoe, and Alexander Skarsgard. Set in the 10th century, The Northman utilizes Ireland’s dramatic north coast to bring a Viking story to life. Set photos published by the Irish Mirror have shown filming taking place in Malin Head and Five Fingers Strand, County Donegal.

Malin Head is Ireland’s most northerly point, so much so that the aurora borealis can sometimes be seen here. This, coupled with the area’s dramatic rocky coastline and powerful tides, makes it a great spot to visit. Five Fingers Strand is a nearby beautiful stretch of golden sand bordered by dramatic dunes. Although the dangerous waters make it unsafe for swimming, it remains a stunning spot for a seaside stroll.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Steven Spielberg’s epic war film is famous for its visceral portrayal of the D-Day landings, but what appears as Normandy’s beaches is actually County Wexford in Ireland. Spielberg sought out a beach that was a near double of Omaha Beach and found his answer in Ballinesker Beach.

The brutal scenes showing Tom Hanks’ Captain Miller struggling to lead his command to safety were shot with members of the Irish Army reserve working as extras to add to the film’s sense of realism. Despite being used to portray a traumatic event in history, Ballinesker Beach is actually renowned for its beauty and pristine water, making it a popular spot with those brave enough to take a dip in the Irish Sea.

Disenchanted (2022)

The long-awaited sequel to Disney’s 2007 hit Enchanted stars Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey reprising their roles as the naive Giselle and cynical lawyer Robert. While the first film featured the fairytale kingdom of Andalasia in 2D animation, it seems that this time around, fans might see Andalasia brought to live-action life.

Photos from The Irish Times showed the town of Enniskerry transformed into a classic Disney fairytale, with stores and houses painted in sugary sweet hues and adorned with flowery garlands. Shopfronts were given a medieval makeover and replaced with signs including “Bibidi Bobidi Butchers” and “Potions, Notions and Lotions.” While many of the magical modifications have since been removed, fans can still visit Enniskerry and recognize landmarks when the film is released on Disney+ later this year.