While most visit Ireland for its scenic landscapes and historical structures, fans of famous TV shows and movies would want to visit some of the famous filming locations of their beloved shows and movies such as Game of Thrones and Harry Potter.
Here is a list of some of the well-known filming sights from your favorite movies and TV shows you can visit in Ireland.
1. The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim – Game of Thrones
The dark gloomy tunnel of trees had a moment of screen time in GOT as King’s Road where Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing in season 2.
It has been a popular sightseeing spot for tourists even before appearing in the show. The location’s popularity grew even more because of the show and fans wanting to experience their favourite places in real life.
2. Lough Tay, County Wicklow – Vikings
Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake, is a beautiful lake in Wicklow, Ireland. It has appeared in several movies and TV shows, one of which is the historical drama Vikings.
In the show, the picturesque location is recognized as Kattegat Village, the home of one of the main characters Ragnar.
It is nestled between the Wicklow mountains and is well known for its Strickling landscape characterized by dark waters bordered by a white sandy beach making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
3. The Derry Walls, Northern Ireland – Derry Girls
Fans of the beloved sitcom series Derry Girls will be able to recognize this place as one of the most iconic locations from the show.
The walls have appeared numerous times throughout the show in every season, but it was made more iconic in the finale of season 2.
The Derry City Walls surrounding the city of Derry, Londonderry in Northern Ireland are historical fortifications. The walls have been standing since the 1600s, featuring gates, bastions, And watchtowers.
Even before gaining recognition from fans of the sitcom, they have been a key attraction for tourists, providing panoramic views of the city and the River Foyle.
4. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare – Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince
Cliffs of Moher is one of the most significant locations in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince.
Potterheads may recognize the dark landscape as one of the locations Harry Potter and Dumbledore visit in their search for the Horcruxes.
The landscape plays a significant role and is categorized as the entrance to Tom Riddle’s Cave. In real life, Cliffs of Moher is one of the most well-known natural attractions located on the west coast in County Clare, Ireland.
Its breathtaking view provides stunning beauty and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists, hikers, birdwatchers, and of course, Potterheads.
5. Skellig Michael, Count Kerry- Star Wars The Last Jedi
The Star Wars films are known to feature scenic locations from around the world, one of those locations which gained recognition for being iconic is the UNESCO world heritage sight Skellig Michae, a remote island located off the coast in County Kerry, Ireland.
The stunning rocky landscape comes into view in the film when Rey ends up finding Luke Skywalker settled on the rocky island known as Ahch-To.
Aside from the breathtaking views, the island is known for inhabiting hundreds of puffins, which were transformed into the adorable creatures Porgs in the movie.
6. Trim Castle, County Meath – Braveheart
Trim Castle is known as one of the largest surviving Norman Castle in Ireland located in County Meath. The 12th-century location gained additional fame as a filming location for the movie Braveheart.
This 1995 epic about the Scottish War of Independence was filmed at various locations in Ireland. Trim Castle played a significant part as the Town of York, and most of the scenes set in London were filmed Inside the castle walls.
7. Trinity College, Dublin- Normal People
This 2020 adaptation of Salley Rooney’s novel of the same name features the actual locations mentioned in the book. One of the main locations is Trinity College, Dublin.
The show follows the main characters Marianne and Connell through their time in secondary school together, and later as undergraduate students at Trinity College, Dublin Ireland.
Although the show’s focus is set on the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell, the institute serves as an iconic backdrop throughout the series.
Trinity College has always been a popular tourist attraction, so you will have little trouble visiting most of the real-life locations of your favourite show.
8. Cong, County Mayo – The Quiet Man
One of the most influential tourism hits of all time, this 1952 old-school epic features the Village of Cong. With stunning backdrops making up most of the film, many of the locations gained popularity after its release.
Although the film might be outdated to most, the greenish landscapes of the village are anything but dull, painting a vivid and timeless portrait of rural beauty that captivates every viewer.
9. Powerscourt, County Wicklow – Tudors
Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, Ireland, served as a filming location for the TV series The Tudors.
The estate’s grand mansion and beautifully landscaped gardens provided a historically rich and visually stunning backdrop for the show, dramatizing King Henry VIII’s reign.
The elegant interiors and picturesque grounds helped bring the opulent Tudor period to life on screen.
10. Belfast, Northern Ireland – Line of Duty
Belfast has been the main filming location for season 2 of the police drama show Line of Duty.
The show featured many popular locations in Belfast such as Belfast Central Library which featured as the Police Headquarters in the show.
11. Killiney Hill, Dublin – Once
This 2007 Irish romance musical movie set in Dublin, featured actual locations in Dublin, Ireland where the movie was set such as Killiney Hil.
Aside from gaining popularity among fans of the movie, it is a popular scenic area known for its panoramic views.
The hill offers stunning vistas of Dublin Bay, The Wicklow Mountains, and The Irish Sea. The picturesque sights and walking trails are featured as a romantic backdrop for the film.
