There’s something about Ireland that grabs the camera like nowhere else. The landscape itself is a character—wild and windswept, untamed and intoxicating. From rugged cliffs to mist-covered hills, from windswept shores to cobbled streets steeped in myth and memory—Ireland doesn’t just host movies, it breathes into them.
But what are the most iconic movies set in Ireland? Which Hollywood blockbusters and independent gems found their voice in this ancient land? And what are the new movies set in Ireland you should be watching right now?
Let’s pull back the cinematic curtain and step into the reel-world of Irish storytelling.
What Movie Took Place in Ireland?
Where do we begin? Ireland has been the backdrop for decades of unforgettable films, from sweeping romances to haunting thrillers. A few iconic titles include:
- The Quiet Man (1952) – A classic that put Irish village life on the map.
- Brooklyn (2015) – A tender immigrant’s tale tied between two worlds.
- The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) – A darkly comedic and soul-crushing exploration of friendship and isolation.
- Michael Collins (1996) – A political epic told through the fire and fury of Irish rebellion.
- The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) – A haunting tale of war and betrayal in post-independence Ireland. (Read more here)
These are just the tip of the emerald iceberg.
What Hollywood Movie Was Set in Ireland?
Plenty. Hollywood has fallen in love with Ireland again and again. Here are a few that brought Tinseltown sparkle to Irish soil:
- P.S. I Love You (2007) – A romantic tearjerker set in the Wicklow Mountains.
- Leap Year (2010) – A quirky romantic comedy shot across Galway, Kerry, and Dublin.
- Saving Private Ryan (1998) – Yes, the D-Day landing was filmed in Ballinesker Beach, Wexford.
- Braveheart (1995) – Despite its Scottish setting, many scenes were filmed in Meath and Wicklow.
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) – Remember Ahch-To, Luke Skywalker’s island? That’s Skellig Michael, off the coast of Kerry.
➡️ For more, dive into The Ultimate Guide to Irish Movies and Series on Netflix
What is the New Film Set in Ireland?
Recently released or upcoming new movies set in Ireland include:
- The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) – A surreal, tragicomedy masterpiece filmed on Achill Island and Inishmore.
- God’s Creatures (2023) – A gripping psychological drama set in a small Irish fishing village.
- Flora and Son (2023) – A musical love letter to Dublin, from the director of Once and Sing Street.
And if you’re after recent movies set in Ireland, these titles are redefining modern Irish cinema.
What Netflix Series is Based in Ireland?
Netflix has embraced Irish storytelling, with some standout Irish-based series including:
- The Derry Girls – A hilarious and heartwarming series set in 1990s Northern Ireland.
- Vikings: Valhalla – Though Norse in name, much of it is filmed in County Wicklow and surrounding regions.
- Rebellion – A gripping historical drama that revisits the 1916 Easter Rising.
➡️ Find these and more in The Ultimate Guide to Irish Movies and Series on Netflix
What Movie is Set in Ireland in 2006?
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006), directed by Ken Loach, is one of the most acclaimed films ever set in Ireland. Set in the 1920s, it follows the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, but it was released in 2006 and stunned audiences worldwide with its raw depiction of political violence and loyalty torn apart. (Read more here)
Was Harry Potter Filmed in Ireland?
While most Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Scotland and England, Ireland did play a role. The stunning Cliffs of Moher featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince during the Horcrux cave scene. That moment? Pure Irish magic.
Was Game of Thrones Filmed in Ireland?
Absolutely. Northern Ireland was the primary filming location for Game of Thrones, with iconic scenes shot at:
- The Dark Hedges (Kingsroad)
- Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands)
- Castle Ward (Winterfell)
Ireland didn’t just provide the backdrop—it shaped the mythos.
What Movie Was Filmed at the Cliffs of Moher?
Aside from Harry Potter, the Cliffs of Moher have featured in:
- The Princess Bride (1987) – The “Cliffs of Insanity.”
- Leap Year (2010) – Romantic cliffside views.
- Into the West (1992) – A beautiful Irish adventure film with sweeping landscapes.
They remain one of the most filmed natural landmarks in Europe.
What Movie Did John Wayne Make in Ireland?
The Quiet Man (1952) – Directed by John Ford, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, this film became an enduring romantic image of rural Ireland. Shot in Cong, County Mayo, it’s as iconic as Guinness itself.
What is the Disney Ireland Movie?
Disney’s most notable Ireland-linked film is The Secret of Kells (2009), an animated fantasy about the Book of Kells, created by Irish studio Cartoon Saloon.
Other stunning Irish-made animated films include:
- Song of the Sea (2014)
- Wolfwalkers (2020)
These films combine Celtic mythology, folklore, and breathtaking artistry that rival anything from Disney’s own vault.
Why Ireland Remains Cinema’s Muse
From Hollywood blockbusters to intimate indie films, from romantic comedies set in Irish villages to epic political dramas, movies set in Ireland reflect a land of grit, grandeur, and deep emotion.
Want to explore more? Dive deep into Irish cinematic storytelling here:
➡️ The Ultimate Guide to Irish Movies and Series on Netflix
➡️ The True Story Behind Black ‘47
➡️ What is the True Story of My Left Foot?
Because in Ireland, every stone has a story, every cloud carries a verse, and every film echoes the soul of the land.
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