When we think of movies, we think of Hollywood first, right? A large number of studios, avenues of stars, full of extras. Well, perhaps from this moment on, we should think of Ireland from time to time. The landscape is so diverse and magnificent that the Emerald Isle has become a filming location for some films, as many of the most successful works on the big screen have been born here.
Some of the filming locations described in this article are popular destinations where you can punch in person when you come to Ireland:
Saving Private Ryan
For two months in the summer of 1997, Ballinesker Beach in Wexford County became Omaha Beach. That's right, the greatest opening scene in the history of cinema was shot in Ireland. Steven Spielberg's World War II epic film has been described by Normandy veterans as the film adaptation that is closest to the true experience of the Normandy landings. Around 1,500 extras were used during filming, many of whom were members of the Irish Reserve Defence Force.
Braveheart
Yes, the best film footage of the Scottish War of Independence was actually shot in Ireland. Mel Gibson's 1995 blockbuster was shot in several parts of Ireland, including County Meath, Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. While most of the film's scenes were shot in Scotland, the main battle scenes were filmed in Ireland, and many of the extras in these scenes were also members of the Irish Army Reserve.
Harry Potter
While this is just for a scene, the breathtaking Irish environment is an absolute necessity for it. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry and Professor Dumbledore are looking for the Horcruxes needed to destroy Voldemort, and they meet at the foot of a suffocating cliff with violent waves raging around them. The cliff in this scene is the Cliffs of Moher in Clare County. Located on the Wild Atlantic Road on the west coast of Ireland, the cliff faces are one of Ireland's most impressive natural sights.
PS: I Love You
You'll have to bring tissues to watch this film, and PS: I Love You was shot in Wicklowshire and Dublin. The film is undoubtedly a tear-jerking film, but it's ultimately a moving, passionate story about love – not just with another person, but also in the Irish countryside. Where Hilary Swank and Gerald Butler meet is Sally Canyon in Wicklow Mountains National Park, which is as gorgeous as it looks in the film.
Star Wars
In Both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, Ireland is featured by George Lucas. Most notably, the scene in The Force Awakens where Rey travels to a distant planet in search of Luke Skywalker was filmed on Skellig Michael Island, a rocky island in Kerry County. Once home to a Christian monastery, the island has stood there since the 6th century before being abandoned in the 12th century. Skellig Michael is well worth a visit, not only for its history, but also for its awe-inspiring natural beauty. Oh yes, and you might also see some cute puffins there, so keep your camera on standby.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones isn't a movie, but there's no doubt it's also a blockbuster. Anyway, here's my list, do whatever I want! It's no secret that many parts of this HBO series were filmed in different parts of Northern Ireland. Any filming of the "North" characters is usually done in Northern Ireland, including scenes from Winterfell and its environs, the first season at Castle Ward and Demesne in Down County, the following seasons at Toome in Antrim County, The King's Road (Ballymoney's Dark Hedges), and scenes from the Great Wall (Magheramorne Quarry in Antrim County), where unfortunately there are no 700-foot walls – We have confirmed).