The island of Ireland’s spectacular landscape, impressive architecture and lively cities have appeared in many Oscar-winning movies, so with the awards season approaching it’s timely to highlight the many iconic locations that have played supporting, and sometimes starring, roles.
The beautiful Wild Atlantic Way has cast its spell in many blockbusters including Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, which featured the Cliffs of Moher. Skellig Michael, UNESCO World Heritage Site, appeared as Luke Skywalker’s home in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and in The Banshees of Inisherin, the Aran Islands almost stole the show as the gorgeous background to the drama.
Among the many Irish castles that have featured in award-winning movies is Trim Castle in County Meath which provided the historic backdrop to Braveheart. Cahir Castle, County Tipperary, loomed large in the multi-nominated The Last Duel and Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim, popped up in Dungeons and Dragons.
In Ireland’s Ancient East, Curracloe Strand, a beautiful golden beach in County Wexford, featured as a romantic setting in Brooklyn and was also used for filming the harrowing D-Day sequence in Saving Private Ryan.
County Cork also has its fair share of shoot locations for award-winning movies including the powerful civil war film The Wind that Shakes the Barley, which showed off the county’s stunning countryside.
The island’s cities have appeared in many top movies and a walk around Dublin will take you to the instantly recognisable streets where musical classics Once and Sing Street were set. Kilmainham Gaol, one of Dublin’s top visitor attractions, featured in films like In the Name of the Father, The Italian Job and, more recently, Paddington 2.
In the north, Belfast has been the inspiration for movies as well as being the shoot location. In 2021, the city starred in Kenneth Brannagh’s Troubles-related film, Belfast, which won an Oscar for original screenplay.
Magnificent Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow has been one of the island’s most popular filming locations. Over 50 movies and TV series have been filmed there including Excalibur and Vikings. Those visiting the estate to see the shoot locations can also dip into a unique exhibition of film costumes that is being held in Powerscourt in the run up to the Oscars (15 February to 2 March).
‘The Cinematic Thread: From Screen to Craft, Powerscourt’s 17:17 Exhibit’ highlights the creativity of local craft artisans while paying tribute to Wicklow’s rich cinematic legacy. Seventeen local craft practitioners have created an original piece inspired by a costume from iconic films and TV series such as The Favourite, The Tudors, The Miracle Club, and Little Women. Their creations—spanning jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork—will be showcased side by side with the costumes that sparked their imagination, offering a captivating interplay between the worlds of film and craft.
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