In behind-the-scenes footage - below - the US stars involved in the film have waxed lyrical about shooting a movie in the west of Ireland. Writer-director John Patrick Shanley said he “wanted to make a movie about how much I love the Irish people. I love Ireland”, while John Haam said it was a “once in a lifetime” experience to get to shoot in Ireland.
New York-born Christopher Walken, who bagged an Oscar for his role in The Deer Hunter, quipped: “My difficulty was being Irish, especially in the middle of all these Irish people. They’re the real deal. I’m from Queens.”
Encompassing a large slice of the Wild Atlantic Way’s stunning coastline, various pockets of Mayo still speak the ancient Gaelic language and there is nowhere better to experience Irish traditions and culture.
With one wow moment after another, must-see sights include Achill Island, complete with pristine beaches and soaring cliffs, and the Great Western Greenway, ideal for walking and biking in serene countryside.
Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, which overlooks Clew Bay and its 365 islands, is also in Mayo, and it will be worth exploring the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world at the CĂ©ide Fields or the Georgian town of Westport, renowned for its traditional music, excellent food and great pubs.
English actor Emily Blunt, who learned to pull a pint of Guinness at the Thatch Inn in Crossmalina, was captivated by her time in Mayo. “You just feel completely transported,” she said, “you are in this other world. It’s a fairy-tale, it’s incredibly enchanting, the whole experience”.
And Jamie Dornan, who is from Northern Ireland, added: “It’s beautiful to get a chance to shoot in Ireland. People all over Ireland – I mean I’m biased – but they’re the best people in the world.”
Wild Mountain Thyme is availble now in theatres and digitally on demand in the US.
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