TV & Film Sets

A combination of tax breaks and scenery has inspired over 500 directors to create amazing movies in Ireland and 200 in Scotland. The landscapes you see on the films will inspire you to seek out a the stunning sites and scenery that has caught the imagination of movie directors for over 100 years.

In Ireland film buffs can visit the locations of movies as diverse as John Ford’s 1952 The Quiet Man, with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, John Huston’s 1956 Moby Dick with Gregory Peck, Lock Up Your Daughters, filmed in Kilkenny in 1969 with Susannah York to more recent films such as P.S. I Love You, Braveheart, Leap Year, Saving Private Ryan and of course Star Wars.

To get a feel of the Irish countryside before you travel check out Into the West, a magical realist film about Irish Travellers, Eat The Peach, and The Purple Taxi with Peter Ustinov, Charlotte Rampling and Fred Astaire. Our own claim to fame is Neil Jordan’s movie High Spirits, inspired by our ghost tours of haunted Ireland.

Some great TV shows have also been made in Ireland – Father Ted and Derry Girls are classic comedy series, even if Derry Girls needs subtitles! Those who prefer blood and guts can visit the locations where The Vikings, The Tudors and, most famous of all, Game of Thrones. Pick up a pair of Lannister cufflinks or a Targaryen brooch from the Game of Thrones jewellery makers in Glenarm while you are here.

In Scotland visit the locations where Outlander, The Loch, The Monarch of the Glen and the 1960s classic Doctor Finlay’s Casebook. Nothing is more fun than following the footsteps of the tourists in the 1954 Brigadoon. Local Hero (1983) will bring you to stunning scenery. And for romantic history buffs finding the locations for the filming of Mary Queen of Scots, and Rob Roy will bring you to all the romance of Scottish scenery. For the beauty of Scotland, films to watch before you arrive should include Whisky Galore! and Loch Ness.

In Edinburgh Experience the magic of the world’s most famous wizard on a Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh. Explore the winding streets and mysterious alleys that inspired J. K. Rowling to create the iconic wizarding world, and see filming locations featured in the movies.

You might even have a guide who has actually appeared in Scottish movies such as The Angel’s Share and Trainspotting!