9 Surprising Locations That Will Make You Desperate to Shoot in Ireland

With its rugged coastlines, quaint cottages and magical forests on one hand and Dublin’s futuristic tech hub on the other, it’s no surprise that Ireland is proving to be a popular location for film, TV and commercial shoots. The current rate of the Euro versus the pound and the US dollar can’t hurt either.

With its reliable, experienced crews (and a good-humoured attitude that leaves its ego in the car park), directors who shoot in the country are full of praise and enthusiasm. “I love working in Ireland. There's some really good creative writing going on, and the crews are hugely experienced from working on the many big features and TV that comes into the country from overseas,” says Stuart Douglas, who is represented by Nice Shirt and Pull The Trigger.

“The locations are rich and varied, and the talent reflects the fact that the arts are still held in high regard in the strongest Irish tradition.” 

Fellow director, Gary McKendry, who is represented by Native Content and, in Ireland, by Pull The Trigger, agrees. And it seems that shooting in Ireland isn’t just creatively satisfying, it’s also hugely enjoyable. “Ireland is a country with a long history of film production but none of the attitude that usually goes along with that,” he says. “Crews are great, locations are easy and the talent pool has exploded due to all the TV currently being shot here.  I arrived here with a tough job. I came away with a great spot, but also being reminded that what we do is fun. For me shooting here was a breath of fresh air.”

And if that high praise isn’t enough to convince you to check out the charms of Irish production and locations, check out these stunning views from production, service and locations company Pull The Trigger below to find the perfect spot for your next shoot (or wild weekend away).

1. Dublin Sunrise

2. The Cliffs of Moher

Located in county Clare, the Cliffs are all about natural, rugged drama.

3. Gougane Barra Forest Park

These woodlands in County Cork are a forest of faerie magic.

4. Grand Canal District

If slick and contemporary is more your thing, head to ‘Googletown’, home of Ireland’s exploding tech scene.

5. Tintern Abbey

This spooky enough for you? Check out the partially restored monastery in County Wexford (not to be confused by its sister ‘Tintern Abbey’ in Wales).

6. The Burren

Craggy and alien, the limestone formations at The Burren in County Clare are as bleak as they are beautiful.

7. Rainsford Street – a.k.a The Guinness Store House

If it’s industrial revolution chic you’re after, the brick warehouses of Rainsford Street in Dublin could be just the thing. And the fact that it’s just by the Guinness Store House is, uh, a cheeky bonus.

8. Mullaghmore Beach

This expansive beach in Sligo is pretty stunning – and the nearby fishing village is a brightly painted delight.

9. Healy Pass

Winding roads are a staple of car ads the world over – and you’ll find few more windy (or scenic) than the Healy Pass in the Southern Irish peninsula.