Ireland, aka the Emerald Isle, the land of rolling green hills and rugged coastlines... has provided stunning backdrops for countless cinematic masterpieces. From the working class suburbs of Dublin featured in The Commitments to the picturesque coastal County Wexford in Brooklyn, films set in Ireland have a unique way of capturing the country’s charm, history, and spirit. So whether you're a filmmaker searching for inspiration or a film lover hunting for your next watch, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best films set in Ireland.
Directed by John Ford, this classic romantic drama stars John Wayne as a retired American boxer who returns to his Irish roots and falls in love with a local woman, played by Maureen O'Hara. However, their romance is complicated by local customs, Mary Kate’s dowry, and the opposition of her brother, Will Danaher.
The movie is celebrated for its humour, romance, and its picturesque portrayal of Irish rural life. It won two Academy Awards, including Best Director for John Ford.
Where it was filmed: Standing in for the fictional Innisfree is the town of Cong in County Mayo, where much of the story takes place. Many landmarks, such as the Quiet Man Cottage and the Pat Cohan Bar, can still be visited. The grounds of Ashford Castle were also used, which now operates as a luxury hotel. The sweeping landscapes and rugged coastline of County Galway also feature in the film. The famous horse race scene was filmed on Lettergesh Beach.
This biographical drama depicts the life of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy who overcame immense challenges to become a celebrated painter and writer using his left foot. The film is adapted from Brown's autobiography of the same name. Daniel Day-Lewis's portrayal earned him an Academy Award.
Where it was filmed: My Left Foot was filmed in various locations in Ireland, including Dublin. The city serves as the backdrop for much of Christy Brown's life, particularly the working-class neighbourhoods where he grew up. Other locations include the coastal town of Bray in County Wicklow, and Ardmore Studios where many interior scenes were shot.
This comedy drama from British director Alan Parker, follows a group of working-class Dubliners who form a soul band. The central character, Jimmy Rabbitte (played by Robert Arkins), is an aspiring music manager who recruits a diverse group of musicians to create the ultimate "Irish soul" band, despite their lack of experience and a rocky start. The film is both a love letter to music and a humorous look at the trials and triumphs of the band as they navigate the challenges of the music industry.
Where it was filmed: Much of the film takes place in and around the working-class neighbourhoods on Dublin's Northside, such as Ballymun. The Burlington Hotel was used for the iconic scene where the band has their first big performance.
Into the West is a family adventure that blends elements of Irish folklore and contemporary social issues. Directed by Mike Newell, the film tells the story of two young Traveller boys, Tito (Rúaidhrí Conroy) and Ossie (Ciarán Fitzgerald), who live in Dublin with their widowed father, Papa Reilly (Gabriel Byrne). Their lives take a magical turn when their grandfather gifts them a mysterious white horse, Tír na nÓg, which seems to possess mystical qualities. The boys embark on an adventurous journey across Ireland to the West, chasing freedom and reconnecting with their heritage.
Where it was filmed: The film showcases both urban and rural Irish settings. Scenes were filmed in the inner city areas of Dublin which contrasted with the dramatic landscapes of Connemara and County Mayo where the boys' westward journey was filmed.
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The second powerful drama on this list starring Daniel Day-Lewis, In the Name of the Father tells the true story of Gerry Conlon, wrongfully convicted of the 1974 Guildford pub bombings. Gerry is a young man from Belfast, who, along with his father, Giuseppe Conlon (Pete Postlethwaite), is coerced into confessing to a crime he didn’t commit. The story highlights the injustices they face, the relationship between Gerry and his father, and their ultimate fight for justice.
Where it was filmed: The film features Dublin and Kilmainham Gaol, the historic former prison used for many of the prison scenes. Dublin doubled for various parts of London during filming, including scenes of Gerry’s arrest and the courtroom. The scenes of Gerry's early life were filmed in Belfast to capture where he really grew up.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley is a historical drama directed by Ken Loach that is set during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921) and the Irish Civil War (1922–1923). The film follows two brothers, Damien (Cillian Murphy) and Teddy (Pádraic Delaney), who join the IRA to fight for Ireland's independence from British rule. However, their relationship and loyalty are tested as the war progresses and divisions arise over the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
Where it was filmed: The movie was filmed in County Cork, specifically in the west Cork area, to authentically reflect the rural landscapes of early 20th-century Ireland. Key filming locations included Timoleague, the market town of Bandon, the countryside of Drimoleague and Ballingeary, and Toons Bridge.
Once is a romantic drama that follows the story of a struggling Dublin busker (played by Glen Hansard) and a Czech immigrant (played by Markéta Irglová) who form a deep bond through their shared love of music. Together, they collaborate on songwriting and recording, leading to a tender and poignant exploration of love, connection, and the challenges of pursuing dreams.
Where it was filmed: Once was filmed entirely in Dublin, showcasing its charm and vibrancy. Some of the notable locations include Grafton Street, where the protagonist busks, Temple Bar, the scenic Killiney Hill and Waltons Music Shop, the location where they rehearse the song 'Falling Slowly.'
Sing Street (2016) is a coming-of-age musical drama set in 1980s Dublin, Ireland. It follows the story of a teenager named Conor (played by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), who transfers to a rough inner-city school due to his family's financial struggles. To impress a mysterious and glamorous girl named Raphina (Lucy Boynton), he forms a band called "Sing Street" with his schoolmates. As the group experiments with music and style, they discover self-expression, friendship, and the power of dreaming big despite challenges.
Where it was filmed: Another film shot entirely in Dublin, Sing Street captures the city with a gritty and nostalgic 1980s vibe. The school scenes were shot at Synge Street CBS, the real school that inspired the story. Other highlights include the Docklands, the picturesque suburb Dalkey and central city areas like Temple Bar.
This romantic drama stars Saoirse Ronan as a young Irish immigrant navigating life in 1950s New York. She quickly falls in love with Tony, who hails from an Italian family. However, a tragedy brings her back home to Ireland alone and forces her to choose between two very different lives.
Where it was filmed: Many of the cinematic shots in the Irish portion of the movie were filmed in the County Wexford town of Enniscorthy and Curracloe Beach (the filming location for the infamous D-Day landing scene in Saving Private Ryan).
Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson reunite in this offbeat drama as two lifelong friends, Pádraic and Colm. Pádraic is devastated when his buddy abruptly ends their friendship, and with help from his sister and a troubled young islander, he sets out to repair the damaged relationship by any means necessary.
Where it was filmed: This black comedy is set on a fictional Irish island, portrayed by Inishmore and Achill Island which really showcase the country's rugged coastal beauty.
So there you have it, 10 of the best films set in Ireland. From heartfelt dramas to lighthearted comedies, historical epics to romantic tales, Ireland continues to inspire some of the most iconic films in cinema. The timeless beauty of its landscapes and the depth of its history provide a rich backdrop that draws audiences into stories filled with heart and soul. It's no surprise that location scouts from around the world are captivated by Ireland's charm, using its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture to bring their narratives to life.
If you're looking for more film inspiration featuring iconic world settings, check out 10 of the best films set in Paris.
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