Last Updated on February 21, 2025
Set-jetting, the practice of visiting real world locations featured in films and TV shows has become a significant travel trend in 2025. This experience allows fans to connect deeper with their favorite narratives and explore the settings of the most memorable entertainment scenes.
It’s no wonder so many movies have been filmed in Ireland given its spectacular landscape, impressive architecture and vibrant cities. These iconic locations have appeared in many Oscar-winning movies, captivating the hearts of cinephiles worldwide.
Thanks to information gathered by Tourism Ireland, visitors have the opportunity to plan ahead for visits to their favorite movie locations in the Emerald Isle. Personally, my family and I have many of these on our future wish list.
Wild Atlantic Way
This incredibly picturesque landscape has been featured in blockbusters including Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, which featured the Cliffs of Moher. Skellig Michael, a 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 magnificent background to the drama.
Irish Castles
Many Irish castles have been featured in award-winning movies. Trim Castle in County Meath provided the historic backdrop to Braveheart. Cahir Castle in County Tipperary was highlighted in the multi-nominated The Last Duel and Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim appeared in Dungeons and Dragons.
Ireland’s Ancient East
This tourism initiative promoting rich historical and cultural heritage of the eastern part of Ireland focuses on Ireland’s ancient sites, landscapes and stories dating back thousands of years.
Curracloe Strand, a stunningly beautiful golden-sand beach in County Wexford was featured as a romantic setting in Brooklyn and also used in filming the harrowing D-Day sequence in Saving Private Ryan.
County Cork also has award-winning movie shoot locations to include the powerful Civil War film, The Wind that Shakes the Barley featuring the county’s pastoral countryside.
Ireland’s Cities
Let’s not forget the island’s fascinating cities, many that have appeared in many top movies. Musical classics Once and Sing Street were set in Dublin. Kilmainham Gaol, one of the city’s top visitor attractions was featured in films In the Name of the Father, The Italian Job and more recently, Paddington 2.
Long being an inspiration for movies and shoot locations, Kennth Brannagh’s Belfast, which won an Oscar for original screenplay, was filmed in Belfast in 2021.
County Wicklow
Magnificent Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow has been one of the island’s most popular filming locations for years. Over 50 movies and TV series have been filmed here including Excalibur and Vikings. Those visiting the estate can also explore a unique exhibition of film costumes that’s being held in Powerscourt in the run up to the Oscars (February 15 to March 2, 2025).
‘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 costumes from iconic films and TV series such as The Favourite, The Tudors, The Miracle Club and Little Women.
Their creations include jewelry, ceramics, textiles and metalwork that are showcased side by side with the costumes that sparked their imagination, offering a captivating interplay between the worlds of film and craft.
