The 20 Best Movies Filmed in Ireland

Movies filmed in Ireland

Updated On: November 22, 2023 by   Ciaran ConnollyCiaran Connolly

The beautiful landscape of Ireland and its magnificent history have made their way onto the big screen; from Television shows to huge Hollywood blockbusters, Ireland has served as a backdrop for some very successful movies and TV shows. Have you ever wondered what famous movies were filmed in Ireland? Well wonder no more as we have all of the answers!

The geography of Ireland is surprisingly varied for a relatively small country. From modern cities, to charming fairytale-like villages, as well as acres of lush green fields and the iconic Wild Atlantic Way, there is no shortage of diverse yet equally picturesque locations. It’s no wonder that directors and producers want to film on the emerald aisle.

In this article we have listed 20 of the most famous movies that have filmed scenes (or the entire movie) in Ireland, starting with our oldest film and working our way up to the most recent releases. From homegrown classics to some of the biggest franchises of all time and spanning over 70 years of cinema, this is your ultimate guide to movies filmed in Ireland! We’ll also show you videos showcasing the filming locations mentioned!

Movies Filmed in Ireland

In this article you will find out about the real life locations that were used in the following films:

We also have a bonus location at the end of this article for a popular franchise, click here to jump ahead to our honourable mention!

#1. Iconic movies filmed in Ireland: The Quiet Man (1952)

The Quiet Man – The Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne movie filmed in Ireland

The Quiet Man stars the king of Westerns John Wayne and Irish actress Maureen O’Hara.

The film follows the story of a man (John Wayne) who returns to Ireland and finds love with Maureen O’Hara’s character. Much of the filming in Ireland took place in Rural Galway and County Mayo, depicting the picturesque countryside in 1950’s Ireland, that ended up stealing the show. One of the most famous Quiet Man filming locations takes place in the village of Cong. Throughout the decades the village has stayed pretty much the same, becoming a popular tourist attraction.

An old but true classic that is adored by many around the world, ‘The Quiet Man’ was one of the first coloured films to give the world a glimpse into the undeniable beauty that Ireland has to offer. The film includes two iconic stars, ‘The Duke’ John Wayne and Irish Born actress Maureen O’Hara. The romantic drama was directed by the brilliant John Ford.

Even to this day, there are tours and sightseeing trips that bring visitors around to many of The Quiet Man’s filming locations. Many of the movies filmed in Ireland offer people an insight into the changing landscape of our country.

Maureen O’Hara known as the Queen of technicolour, is one of the greatest Irish actors of all time. She even features on our list of Irish people who made history in their lifetime!

Movies filmed in Ireland: Explore the West of Ireland in this YouTube video!

#2. movies filmed in Ireland: Excalibur (1981)

Excalibur

Next, we have Excalibur, the movie was entirely filmed in Ireland. The Oscar Nominated fantasy film was directed by British Director John Boorman in 1981. It retells the story of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. Based on a novel by Thomas Malory called Le Morte d’Arthur. It also included an impressive cast such as Irish actor Liam Neeson, as well as Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren.

The main filming locations were shot in Luggala Estate, Lough Tay and The Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, as well as places in County Tipperary and Kerry.

For those who want to experience the film locations, try the Excalibur Drive. A 65km round trip that starts and ends in Roundwood in Wicklow. During the drive, you’ll experience the best movie locations including the amazing Powerscourt Waterfall where one of the fight scenes takes place, and then heading towards Lough Tay where Excalibur had many iconic scenes. The sites are impressive and show off the magnificent landscape of Ireland that were masterfully shown in this movie.

Excalibur in Ireland

Powerscourt Waterfall Co. Wicklow movies filmed in Ireland
Movies filmed in Ireland: Majestic water cascade of Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest waterfall in co. Wicklow, Ireland.

The Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest waterfall at 389ft and is set around one of the most stunning parklands in Ireland. Definitely a place you must check out on a trip to Ireland!

To have a whole film like this set in Ireland is pretty unique. It offers free tourism for our country as many people want to visit these locations after seeing them on the big screen.

It has also been acknowledged how the filming of Excalibur has played an important role in the Irish filmmaking industry, as well as helping to launch the acting careers of a number of now well-known actors.

#3. Cult classic movies filmed in Ireland: The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride

Next up is the much-loved romantic fantasy comedy ‘The Princess Bride’ directed by Rob Reiner and written by Oscar-winning screenwriter William Goldman. It has become a fan favourite film from the eighties that people still love to watch today. The shooting of the film took place around locations in Ireland and Great Britain.

Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast made another appearance in this movie being dubbed the ‘Cliffs of Insanity.’ The Irish cliffs have had their fair share of screen time on the big screen as you will soon find out, but they are so impressive that it’s not hard to see why.

The Stunt double for the character of Westley scales the Cliffs of Insanity in the movie, a scene which highlights the sheer size and impressiveness of the site.

Movies filmed in Ireland: The Cliffs of Moher

#4. Oscar winning movies filmed in Ireland: My Left Foot (1989)

My Left Foot

My Left Foot is a biographical comedy drama directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, who plays Christy Brown a man born with cerebral palsy. Day-Lewis and Irish actress Brenda Fricker who played Christy’s mother, would go on to win Oscars for their performances. The film was critically and commercially acclaimed for its moving yet optimistic story.

Based on a true story, the film was praised for showcasing the importance of finding happiness in difficult situations, thanks to Sheridan and Christy Brown who set the tone for the book and movie. The cultural significance of My Left Foot and the impact it had on the Irish Film industry cannot be understated. Filmmaking in Ireland had been virtually non-existent for decades, however the Oscar win highlighted the potential Ireland had to offer.

It was surely an inspiration to other aspiring Irish actors on this list, the idea that an Irish story, produced, directed, and filmed in Ireland and starring Irish actors could win multiple Oscars is a truly motivating thought.

Filming took place in Ardmore Studios in Wicklow as well as Dublin. In particular, many scenes were shot on sight in Bray Co. Wicklow. One of the most successful movies filmed in Ireland, the win is even more impressive when you consider the quality of movies that came out in 1989. ‘Dead Poets Society’, ‘When Harry met Sally’, ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, ‘Glory’ as well as sequels to the blockbuster hits ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Ghostbusters’ were released during that year.

Bray Co. Wicklow
Bray Co. Wicklow – Movies filmed in Ireland

#5. Irish movies filmed in Ireland: The Commitments (1991)

The Commitments

The Commitments is a musical comedy-drama based on the 1987 novel by Roddy Doyle. The first film of the ‘Barrytown trilogy’ (which includes The Snapper and The Van), The Commitments follows Jimmy Rabbitte, a young music lover who assembles a soul band containing other young working class members.

In a poll conducted by Jameson for The Dubliner, The Commitments was voted by the general public as the best Irish movie of all time. The movie was shot in real life locations all around the city of Dublin.

The film also features a favourite Irish band called the Corrs who went on to become one of the most successful Irish groups of all time. The four siblings auditioned in the hopes of appearing as a band in the film. While they didn’t get that part, they all featured in some capacity, Jim, Sharon and Caroline made brief appearances while Andrea got the role of Sharon Rabbite, the sister of the central character. Despite this, John Hughes who was the film’s music coordinator recognised their potential and became their manager.

So can you thank Roddy Doyle for an entertaining book, fan favourite movie and even the hits of the Corrs such as ‘Runaway’ and ‘Breathless’? While the latter may be a bit of a stretch we won’t argue that The Commitments is one of the most beloved Irish movies of all time.

The movie was filmed across Dublin featuring many iconic sites throughout the city.

Movies filmed in Ireland: The mansion house in Dublin appears in the film

#6. Crime drama movies filmed in Ireland: In the name of the Father (1993)

In the name of the Father

Another directorial credit goes to Jim Sheridan for 1993’s In the name of the Father, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Emma Thompson. The film tells the true story of the Guildford Four, four people wrongly convicted of the 1974 Guildford pub bombings which resulted in 5 deaths. The movie follows the battle for freedom, corruption and prison life.

The movie was filmed in Dublin and the UK but most noticeably, the prison scenes were filmed in Kilmainham Gaol, a location of great historic importance in Irish history. The Jail was closed in 1924 but was preserved as a national monument in the 1960’s and restored by the Kilmainham Gaol Restoration Committee. Opened in 1796, the prison housed many common criminals as well as political prisoners involved in Ireland’s struggle for independence, including Charles Stewart Parnell, Countess Markievicz and the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.

14 of the leaders were executed by firing squad in the Stonebreaker’s yard, including Joseph Mary Plunkett who married his wife and artist Grace Gilford in his cell hours before he was killed. The song ‘Grace’ was inspired by the couple and has been covered by countless Irish musicians such as the Dubliners and Christy Moore since.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Kilmainham Jail is a historic location that features in The Name of the Father

#7. Blockbuster movies filmed in Ireland: Braveheart (1995)

Braveheart – famous movies filmed in Ireland

One of the most famous movies filmed in Ireland is without a doubt Braveheart. When people think of the movie Braveheart they automatically think of Scotland where the movie is meant to be set, or the iconic role that Mel Gibson played in the film. However, what people don’t know is much of the battle scenes were actually filmed in Ireland. The decision to film in Ireland was made by the production team and most of the exterior scenes you see in the movie are from places located around Ireland.

The scenes which are meant to depict London were actually shot in Bective Abbey in County Meath, Ireland. Other scenes were filmed in County Kildare at the Curragh Plains, which was the battle of Stirling Bridge in Braveheart.

Bective Abbey is a magnificent 15th-century Abbey and once you visit it you’ll understand why it was used as a filming location. Since Braveheart is set in a historic period of time, Bective Abbey was the perfect place to capture this period realistically. Its historical value adds to the movie and creates the best backdrop.

Did you know? Braveheart even recruited 1500 men from the Irish Defence Force to play the Army extras.

Bective Abbey in Co. Meath  Ireland
Movies filmed in Ireland: Bective Abbey in Ireland

#8. Biographical bemovies filmed in Ireland: Michael Collins (1996)

Michael Collins

Michael Collins is a biographical period drama starring Liam Neeson as the title character and a leading figure for the struggle for Irish Independence in early 20th century Ireland. Alan Rickman and Julia Roberts star as Éamon de Valera and Kitty Kiernan respectively.

The movie was a critical and commercial success and was seen as an important watch for its historical importance, so much so that the Irish Film Censor reduced the rating of the movie from over 15’s to PG. As expected with any adaption of a real life event, certain details of a film may not be 100% historically accurate, but using real life locations such as Kilmainham Jail enrichens the experience and reminds us of the past.

Scenes were filmed throughout the many historic locations in Ireland, including Kilmainham Jail.

Historical Movies filmed in Ireland: The GPO was an important location used as headquarters by the leaders of the 1916 Rising

Movies filmed in Dublin Ireland have a chance to show off everything the city has to offer. If you would like to learn more about the history of Dublin you can check out our dedicated travel blog.

#9. War movies filmed in Ireland: Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving Private Ryan

Another popular film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring an impressive cast including Tom Hanks and Matt Damon is Saving Private Ryan. For those that don’t know, it’s a 1998 American War film set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II.

They chose to use Ireland as a filming location as they thought it best matched the Normandy Coast. Filming took place at Balinesker Beach, just north of County Wexford. The beautiful beach was transformed into a thrilling war zone where the cast and crew spent two months creating the movie. The production cost over 40 million pounds, and it was worth it because the film is a masterpiece.

Saving Private Ryan in Ireland

Mel Gibson who starred in Braveheart actually recommended Ireland to Spielberg as he was very impressed with the locations and the Irish people during his time filming here. So in the summer of 1997, filming began in Ireland for Saving Private Ryan and the rest is history. Again like Braveheart, they involved up to 1000 extras, many of whom were played by the Irish Defence Force. Incredibly the beach scene which was filmed in Ireland cost 11 million dollars to shoot.

An unlikely problem that occurred during filming was actually how nice the Irish weather was. This was the one time Ireland hoped for rain and cloud but got the opposite, as we are very used to rainy days. The crew needed the scene to fit the movie environment, so the special effects team created smoke and exploding debris on the beach to block out the sun.

The film went on to win an impressive five Oscars and the Omaha Beach scene has always been recognised as a powerful part of the film. Fans of the film have to visit Balinesker Beach and take a walk along its stunning shore that was made famous by Hollywood.

Movies filmed in Ireland: We have many beautiful hidden beaches scattered along its coast

#10. movies filmed in Ireland: King Arthur (2004)

King Arthur

Another movie which was has seen many different versions over the years is King Arthur. But its 2004 remake brought a fresh and exciting view of the story which stars Clive Owen and Kiera Knightly. They filmed a lot of movie scenes over in Ireland, even interior shots took place at Ardmore Studios in County Wicklow. Ardmore studios have welcomed many filmmakers and production companies from around the world to its Irish studios. It offers world-class facilities and services that have been endorsed by directors and actors alike.

Other notable filming locations in Ireland included the Ballymore Eustace in Kildare which was used to portray Hadrians Wall. Filming also took place in the incredible estate of Powerscourt as well as Luggala which is also known as Fancy Mountain and is part of the Wicklow mountains.

Wicklow mountains
Movies filmed in Ireland: Lough Tay, a small, scenic lake in the Wicklow Mountains

The Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow is one of Ireland’s leading tourist attractions, and definitely should be on your Irish bucket list. It offers an incredible view of Sugarloaf Mountain and has an impressive history going back 800 years.

#11. Family movies filmed in Ireland: Lassie (2005)

Lassie

Most people have grown up knowing the film Lassie, it’s a childhood favourite of many, a tale about a runaway dog. The lassie franchises have been loved so much that it’s been made into 10 feature films and an incredible 675 television episodes. In 2005 it was announced that Charles Sturridge was producing a 21st-century remake of the movie.

At the time there was a tax incentive offered to bring film production companies to Ireland. The production team at Lassie jumped at this offer and they spend over seven weeks filming in Ireland. As well as knowing Ireland offered spectacular scenery and a beautiful landscape, the emerald isle had developed a sturdy reputation for its hard-working crew. The production in Ireland included employing 175 crew members, 55 cast members and over 1,000 extras.

One of the main locations they chose to film in Ireland was the magnificent Magillycuddy Reeks. It’s the highest mountain range in Ireland, in the beautiful county of Kerry. The mountain stretches over 12 miles long and offers the only peaks in Ireland that are over 1,000 metres in height.  It makes for a worthy visit to Ireland as you’ll be greeted with amazing views. The new movie version offers an iconic twist on the original, maybe due to the fact that it is partly set in Ireland offering!

Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain at 1,038.6 metres is found at the peak of the Magillycuddy Reeks.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Carrauntoohil Magillycuddy Reeks Co. Kerry
Movies filmed in Ireland: Carrauntoohil Magillycuddy Reeks Co. Kerry

#12. Romantic Drama movies filmed in Ireland: P.S. I Love You (2007)

PS I Love You

One of the most famous romantic drama movies filmed in Ireland is the next item on our list. An ensemble cast featuring Hillary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow, James Marsters, Harry Conick Jr. and Jeffrey Dean Morgan came together for the film adaption of Irish author Cecelia Ahern’s number one best seller debut novel, PS I Love You.

The movie follows widow Holly who receives a message from her late husband Gerry on her 30th birthday. He has arranged for her and her friends to visit Ireland, his home country. This message is the first of many from her husband. Each new one sends Holly further along her adventure and into a journey of self-discovery and learning how to overcome grief.

The movie was filmed in New York and Wicklow as well as Whelan’s pub in Dublin.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Traditional Live music in Whelans pub

#13. Musical movies filmed in Ireland: Once (2007)

Once

With an Oscar winning soundtrack, the Irish romance drama ‘Once’ stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová as two struggling street musicians in Dublin. The duo had performed together in the group ‘The Swell Seasons’ and wrote and composed all of the music in the film. Hansard and Irglová’s song “Falling Slowly” won the 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song, and the soundtrack received a Grammy Award nomination.

The busking scenes were filmed on Grafton street, a popular shopping area where you will always find a singer or two performing. Did you know that the lead male role was originally supposed to go to Cillian Murphy, who also had a professional career in music as the lead singer of a rock band, ‘The Sons of Mr Greens Genes’.

Famous performers such as Dermot Kennedy, Ed Sheeran and Glen Hansard himself have all spent time busking on Grafton Street in the early days of their music career.

Other movies filmed in Ireland in the heart of Dublin city strive to be as personal as this film. A romantic image is presented yet the struggling characters add a realness to the story. Life hasn’t planned out exactly as they hoped, yet they are still fighting to do what they love.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Explore Grafton Street in Dublin City

#14. Fantasy movies filmed in Ireland: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince

As one of the most successful movie franchises in the world, Harry Potter shot one of its films in Ireland as well as the UK. It was the 6th instalment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which was filmed at the Cliffs of Moher.

Fans of the wizarding world will remember the iconic scene that featured Harry Potter and Dumbledore looking for Voldemort’s magical locket. Set on the dramatic Cliffs of Moher the wizarding duo battle with the evil undead trying to retrieve the magical artefact that could be the key to defeating the greatest evil in the world.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Take a 360 degree tour of the Cliffs of Moher!

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland. Over one million people come to County Clare each year to check out the cliffs.

The Cliff of Moher provided a captivating, realistic and dramatic backdrop for the Harry Potter Film. The unforgiving crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged Cliffs helps to add to the tension of the movies climax. The cliffs are simply breath taking and even the best films can’t do them justice. For such a dramatic scene, the environment needed to be imposing and impressive. It’s one of those sites you need to experience for yourself to truly appreciate its beauty.

The author of the Harry Potter series was very adamant on hiring actors from Ireland and the UK so it may not surprise you that this is on our list of movies filmed in Ireland.

Did you know? The Hogwarts library featured in the Harry Potter films were inspired by Trinity College’s Library in Dublin which houses the Book of Kells.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Explore Trinity Library which inspired Hogwarts own library

#15. Rom-com movies filmed in Ireland: Leap Year (2010)

Leap Year

In 2010 Leap Year was released starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode. The story follows Anna Brady who flies to Ireland to surprise her boyfriend with a proposal. Traditionally on a leap year a lady could propose to a man and he would have to say yes, Anna had waited years for a proposal and decided to take matters into her own hands.

Of course there are a number of obstacles that Anna has to overcome if she wants to propose before the Leap Year ends. A series of misfortunes mean that she arrives in Cork, over 150 miles from her boyfriend in Dublin. The race is on but after meeting a local Irish man who agrees to drive her to Dublin, things start to get even more complicated and unexpected feelings arise.

Filming took place in County Wicklow, Dublin, County Mayo, and County Galway. Famous locations such as the Aran Islands, Connemara, Temple Bar, Georgian Dublin, Wicklow National Park, Olaf Street, and Waterford were near filming locations.

The Leap Year movie filmed in Ireland was received with mixed reviews, but Amy Adams was universally praised for her role. Infact, this isn’t the only time the Hollywood actress will feature on our list.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Temple Barr is a famous Irish Pub popular among tourists and locals alike.

#16. Sci-fi movies filmed in Ireland: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2014)

Star Wars movie filmed in Ireland: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi

Next on the list is the impressive universe of Star Wars, one of the biggest franchises in recent movie history. To have a major production like Star Wars come film in Ireland is a big deal for sure! The Star Wars film has been a huge success, especially for Irish tourism, with much of the outside scenes filmed along the rugged coasts of Ireland.

One of the key Irish locations used in filming was an island known as Skellig Michael. The island is located off the coast in beautiful County Kerry. The isolation of the island and the captivating landscape plays just perfectly for the Star Wars film. What you might not know is the unique beehive shape of Skellig island inspired the “Jedi Temple” that was built from scratch on the Dingle Peninsula.

While the cast and crew were filming in County Kerry, they were based in Portmagee, a lovely Irish seaside town. They spoke highly of their time there and how great the Irish hospitality was.

Star Wars in Ireland

If you wish to visit hidden gems in Ireland then Skellig Michael is definitely one. Skellig Michael is one of the two islands in Ireland that rises 714ft above sea level, offering impressive coastal views. The island has been renowned as an important site for breeding seabirds in Ireland for hundreds of years.

There are two tours you can take to visit Skellig Island; a landing tour or an Eco tour around both of the islands. The tours are always very popular and it’s best to book in advance. It’s great to visit especially if you’re a fan of Star Wars and you can appreciate its unique landscape. While you may not feel as though you are on Tatooine or Hoth, it is a site that you find anywhere else in the world!

Not forgetting the other Irish sites used for filming this movie including Loop Head in County Clare, Malin Head in Donegal and Brown Head in County Cork. All worthy sites to explore in your movies filmed in Ireland road trip.

Movies filmed in Ireland: The Skellig Islands as seen in Star Wars

#17. Period drama movies filmed in Ireland: Brooklyn (2015)

Brooklyn

Brooklyn released in 2015 as a romantic period drama telling the heart-breaking story of the Irish diaspora and in particular, one Eilis Lacey’s immigration to New York. Saoirse Ronan starred as Eilis, with Emory Cohen and Domhnall Gleeson co starring as her two potential lovers and symbolising the choice she has to make; return home to Ireland and accept her role in society, or stay in New York and try and achieve the American dream.

We can relate to Eilis’s struggles with homesickness, yearning to be back with family and friends in the small town of Enniscorthy. However Ireland in the 1950’s has very little to offer a young woman like Eilis apart from the prospect of marrying into wealth. Once she begins to acclimatise to life in America a tragic incident forces her to decide on her future much sooner than expected.

One of our favourite movies filmed in Ireland, Brooklyn presents a realistic image of the economic struggle faced in the past.

Filming was divided between Ireland and Montreal in Quebec with a few days in Brooklyn and in particular Coney island beach.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Would you like to visit the town of Enniscorthy?

#18. Action drama movies filmed in Ireland: The Last Duel (2021)

The Last Duel – American movies filmed in Ireland 2021

Directed by Ridley Scott with a screen play provided by Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the duo behind Good Will Hunting, The Last Duel had all of the right components to be an amazing movie. While not as successful in the box office as Scott had hoped, the movie released to generally positive views with Jodie Comers role being especially praised.

An ensemble cast featuring the aforementioned Damon, Affleck and Comer, as well as Adam Driver, Harriet Walter, and Alex Lawther. Filming took place throughout Ireland including locations such as Bective Abbey in Tipperary, Cahir castle in Meath as well as Wicklow and Dublin.

Movies filmed in Ireland: With the amount of historical castles scattered around Ireland today, it is no wonder that our country is a prime location for period dramas.

#19. Biopic / Coming-of-age movies filmed in Ireland: Belfast (2021)

Belfast – movies filmed in Ireland 2021

Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, Belfast stars Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan and Jude Hill. A semi-autobiographical film and Branagh’s most personal movie to date, Belfast follows the story of a young boy growing up in Belfast city at the beginning of the Troubles in 1969.

The film was a critical and commercial success garnering many Academy nominations and winning an Oscar for the Best Screenplay at the 79th Annual Golden Globe Awards. The film was shot in London and Belfast and is primarily in black and white, a nod no doubt to the nostalgic times of childhood and film itself during that era. The choice was confirmed to be made to amplify the emotional performances of the actors and eliminate distractions in the form of colourful wardrobes or sets.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Explore the modern city of Belfast!

#20. Disney movies filmed in Ireland: Disenchanted (2022)

Disenchanted

A new movie filmed in Ireland The sequel to Disney’s Enchanted (2007), Disenchanted stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Indina menzel, James Marsden who have returned to play their respective roles.

The movie was filmed in the town of Enniskerry in Co. Wicklow as well as England, LA and New York. The entire town of Enniskerry received a Disney makeover with hand painted signs on shops and bright flowers everywhere you look. During filming the town went viral as residents posted pictures of the magical fairytale alterations made to their hometown. Unfortunately significant reshoots left many uncertain how much of the town would actually appear in the film.

Movies filmed in Ireland often get a lot of attention, and Disenchanted was no exception , with many Disney fans coming to visit the set.

Movies filmed in Ireland: Great footage of how the town of Enniskerry has been transformed for the upcoming Disney movie!

Why are Movies Filmed in Ireland?

It’s clear that Ireland has played a huge role in the film industry. People are choosing to come to Ireland to film because we have the best locations, best crew and actors. The Irish landscape is special and is incredibly shown in movies allowing an international audience to be captured by our beautiful country.

Film studios in Ireland such as Admore studios as well as tax incentives are attractive for suitable projects and cannot be overlooked. Ireland is also known for its skilled and educated workforce as well as having a natural propensity for the arts.

The increase in filming production companies coming to Ireland has had huge benefits for Irish tourism. People are choosing holidays and trips to Ireland because they have seen its beauty and charm on the screen and they want to visit the real life locations that feature in their favourite movies and TV shows.

A very honourable mention

Game of Thrones

While not technically a movie, it is impossible to deny that in the last decade streaming services and TV producers have been able to produce high quality TV series that rival or maybe even surpass the big screen in terms of storytelling. The medium of film is still an integral part of cinema but the small screen is now getting the respect it deserves. It would feel wrong to leave Game of Thrones out of this list, considering the cultural impact and economic benefit it has had on tourism on the island of Ireland.

At the end of the list, and possibly the most successful one of them all is HBO’s Game of Thrones show. The series was shot in many sites around Northern Ireland as a filming location. The series itself has played a huge role in generating tourism to Ireland; as adoring fans flock to the country to check out all the locations where iconic scenes have been filmed. Why not check out Game of Thrones Filming Locations around Ireland!

Movies filmed in Ireland: Would you like to visit Belfast to see the many Game of Thrones attractions?

For many decades now, filming production companies have been choosing Ireland as a prime filming location. Ireland is a captivating country where you find yourself surrounded by beauty wherever you go, making it the perfect place to film a movie with beautiful scenery showing off the country’s impressive landscape to the rest of the world.

Even at a time where cinema favours CGI sets, Ireland continues to receive major film opportunities. The best computer generated images in the world cannot rival the feeling of being in a location that inspires you. How can ancient castles, quaint towns, seaside cliffs or a beautiful landscape not improve an actors performance or help them to immerse themselves in a role.

Our friendly and accommodating tourism sector promotes the areas and ensure that regardless of if you are an excited visitor or world class actor you will be looked after well by the Irish.

Ireland’s role in helping to bring some amazing films to life is impressive and this list doesn’t even scrape the barrel. The future is bright for Ireland, in regards to its role in the film industry and we can’t wait to see what other movies and tv shows filmed in Ireland will show up on our screens in the future.

So now you know what movies were filmed in Ireland, we want to ask you a question. Do you have a favourite movie filmed in Ireland? Let us know in the comments below.

Other Worthwhile Reads:

Good Vibrations in Belfast: A Guide to Belfast for Movie Fans| Famous Landmarks in Ireland| Famous Irish Authors who Helped Promote Irish Tourism| Fun Things to do in Northern Ireland|

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