Harry Potter, Star Wars, Braveheart – iconic films are shot in iconic places. And in Ireland, we have iconic places by the bucketload. Our breathtaking peninsulas, charming villages and out-of-this-world heritage sites have all featured on celluloid over the years, but trust us – that’s just the beginning.
Northern Ireland on screen
Northern Ireland’s cinematic heritage is rich and diverse: get ready to visit lush green gardens, the pulsing city of Belfast and locations from a little show called Game of Thrones®…
Play the Game of Thrones® at Winterfell
Game of Thrones® is nothing short of a worldwide phenomenon. Since the very first series, some of Northern Ireland's most stunning locations have doubled as the wild world of Westeros. But the most iconic stop off? It’s got to be Castle Ward, otherwise known as Winterfell, the ancestral home of the Stark family. Head there for the full Westerosi experience – just keep an eye out for direwolves!
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME
Winterfell is just the start – take a tour through Game of Thrones® territory.
Feel the good vibrations in Belfast
Belfast has an epic music scene – and an almost mythical figure on that scene is record shop owner and godfather of Belfast punk Terri Hooley. Good Vibrations is the story of his quest to bring new music to the city in the early 1970s: it's a feel-good classic with a fantastic soundtrack and was filmed right here in buzzing Belfast city. While Terri's store has sadly closed down, you can take a trip to the city's Oh Yeah Music Centre, where you can discover the very best of Belfast rock 'n' roll.
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME
If you're feeling peckish, the super-cool Coppi serves delicious Italian dishes, along with some excellent tapas.
Miss Julie-style elegance in County Fermanagh
If you like your period dramas with a dash of darkness, Miss Julie is for you. Set and shot at the opulent Castle Coole in County Fermanagh, this tale of love and power is a must for any Downton Abbey fans. Get the full 19th century experience by visiting Castle Coole. Here, you can delve into the estate’s elegant past on a National Trust guided tour – period costumes optional.
DON’T MISS
Head to the nearby Lough Erne Resort and experience some of Northern Ireland’s finest fare at Catalina Restaurant.
Wild Atlantic Way on Screen
Waves crashing violently against cliff faces, achingly beautiful skylines that stretch as far as the eye can see and some of the most iconic natural landscapes in the world – it’s no surprise that the Wild Atlantic Way has its name up in lights!
Discover a galaxy far, far away in County Donegal
The cast, crew and droids of Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi made a pit-stop at the breathtaking Malin Head for filming, and they fell in love with the Wild Atlantic Way. Filming all around County Donegal, the cast even made time to stop off in Farren’s Bar for a pint. To explore this part of the Wild Atlantic Way is to take a walk on the wild side, so slow down and soak up the sights between Malin Head and Donegal Town. And if you can catch them, don't miss the Northern Lights appearing over the ancient stone fort, Grianán of Aileach – spectacular.
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME
Grab a bite to eat in the award-winning Harry’s Bar in Inishowen: their fish is caught at Greencastle Harbour a mere half-hour away.
Visit the home of The Quiet Man, County Mayo
Want to travel back in time? The lively village of Cong is where you want to be. Back in 1952, film legend John Wayne shot The Quiet Man here, and the rest, as they say, is history. The village retains so much of its charm, even sixty years later, and is home to The Quiet Man Cottage Museum, where you can experience Cong just as it was in the film.
DON’T MISS
Head to the cute village of Oughterard to spot the now-famous Quiet Man bridge: a perfect photo op!
Follow Harry Potter to the Cliffs of Moher
A million hearts broke when Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince came to our screens and we said goodbye to the beloved Albus Dumbledore. The location for the film's dramatic climax in the Horcrux Cave? The legendary Cliffs of Moher. While we don’t recommend climbing down to one of the caves like Harry and Dumbledore did, the cliffs have plenty to keep you occupied on their own. The 120-metre (390ft) face is home to hundreds of seabirds and some of the best views on the Wild Atlantic Way.
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME
Head into the charming town of Ennis for a slap-up meal at The Dining Room. We'd recommend the beef with celeriac, carrot, parsnips and mash.
Feel the Force on Skellig Michael
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens brought the Star Wars universe back with a bang. Its iconic final scene was filmed on Skellig Michael, a tiny island whose monastic settlement dates back to the sixth century. The monks lived austere lives on this wind-chilled island long before it became the home of everyone's favourite Jedi knight. Known for its varied wildlife and the mysterious beehive huts the monks used for shelter, Skellig Michael is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's hoping it pops up again in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi!
DON’T MISS
Can’t get out to Skellig Michael? Take a boat ride around the islands from Portmagee