Entertainment
9 Movies & TV Shows You Never Knew Were Made In Ireland
Ah, St. Patricks's Day — a reason to have a pint or two of Guinness, to swaddle yourself in your favorite chunky wool sweater, and to stink up the kitchen with corned beef and cabbage. It is a truly blessed day. You can also celebrate the patron saint of Ireland by cozying up to your favorite movies filmed in Ireland. The romantic sleeper-hit Once, the indie musical/dark comedy Frank (mmmm... Michael Fassbender), and the guiltiest of all guilty pleasures P.S. I Love You will transport you to the green, majestic landscapes of Ireland. Movies set in Ireland have a certain whimsical quality. If you've ever traveled to Ireland then you know that it's just as magical in person, if not more, than it is on film.
There are also lots of famous movies that you probably never knew were filmed in Ireland. The next time you watch these nine films, see if you can catch the Irish countrysides, mountains, and wee towns that filmmakers pass for England and even the 'ol U.S. of A. Take a look.
Image: Paramount Pictures
'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'
You know the cave where Harry and Dumbledore go to retrieve the Horcruxes? That would be the Cliffs of Moher. In fact, this was the ONLY scene in all of the Harry Potter films to be shot outside of Great Britain. Blimey!
Image: Warner Bros.
'Braveheart'
In what is perhaps the most famously Scottish movie of all time, there were many major battle scenes actually filmed in Ireland — in the sweeping valleys of Kildare and the Wicklow mountains. Even Irish horses were used as extras. Essentially, everything you’ve ever believed is a lie.
Image: Paramount Pictures
'The Princess Bride'
The Cliffs of Insanity are actually the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. As you wish.
Image: Twentieth Century Fox
'Saving Private Ryan'
This one will probably surprise you the most. The famous D-Day opening on Omaha beach was really in County Wexford on Ballinesker Beach, Curracloe Strand.
Image: Dreamworks
'Ella Enchanted'
It’s not wholly surprising that a magical fairytale would be filmed in Ireland — in Wicklow no less. Thankfully, Anne Hathaway did not attempt an Irish accent.
Image: Miramax
'Game of Thrones'
C’mon, did you REALLY think all of those castles and rugged seasides were just in England? Northern Ireland is a huge filming location for much of Game of Thrones. Riverrun, Winterfell, Robb Stark’s camp, The Haunted Forest, The King’s Road, and Dragonland all take place in Northern Ireland.
Image: HBO
'Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens'
The next installation of the Star Wars saga is being partially filmed in County Kerry on Skellig Michael island. I have a feeling Adam Driver will be scaling many-a-cliff here.
Image: Great_Comics/Twitter
'King Arthur'
You know that legendary Brit who lead the charge against the Saxons? He had all of those Knights of the Round Table and such? Well, the 2004 film was partially made in Dublin, County Wicklow, and County Kildare.
Image: Touchstone Pictures
'The Tudors'
Again with the stories famous of British monarchs being shot in Ireland. Filmmakers be lovin’ those tax breaks AMIIIIRIIIIIGHT? In anycase, the sexy Showtime drama was filmed in Dublin and County Wicklow.
Image: Showtime
