The island of Ireland has been the backdrop for many movies from both home and Hollywood, earning praise from the four corners of the earth. But which films do it justice on the big screen? Here is our top ten uplifting movies filmed in Ireland that celebrate the country’s beauty.
It’s no secret that Ireland is a land of storytellers, and one of ancient elegance when it comes to the landscape or sights.
In recent years, we’ve seen many productions touch down and roll cameras to the awe of international audiences during their theatrical releases.
But which have truly captured the essence of Éire? Silence on set as we give our top ten uplifting movies filmed in Ireland that celebrate the country’s beauty.
10. The Matchmaker (1997) – highlighting the beauty of Roundstone, Co. Galway
With Janeane Garofalo in the leading role, The Matchmaker tells the story of Bostonian Mary Tizard, the assistant to Senator John McGlory, as he tries to secure the Irish-American vote in a local election. Tizard is sent to Ireland to trace down his family or any living relatives.
Shot in the humble Connemara village of Roundstone, County Galway, this romantic comedy will leave you with a few heart chuckles with the eye candy to match it.
9. Marley & Me (2008) – Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway
While not entirely shot in Ireland, the comedy-drama takes our protagonists, John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston), to the Emerald Isle for their honeymoon, as their troublesome madra Marley terrorises their dogsitter, Lisa.
Staying in the west, the honeymoon scenes in Marley & Me were filmed at the rustic Ballynahinch Castle in County Galway.
8. The Young Offenders (2016) – beautiful Mizen Head
Going south to the Rebel County, The Young Offenders is a comical story of friendship between two Corkonians as they try to poach a quantity of drugs valued in the millions off the coast of West Cork.
The film is shot throughout Cork City and along the beautiful Mizen Head.
7. War of the Buttons (1994) – the picturesque landscape of West Cork
War of the Buttons is another comedy shot in the picturesque landscape of West Cork. Set during the 1960s, it’s a story of two gangs of boys feuding and based off of the book Guerre des Boutons by Louis Pergaud. This movie is arguably one of the best Irish films of all time.
6. Brooklyn (2015) – shot on location in Enniscorthy
The multi-award-winning drama starring Saoirse Ronan may be one of the most inspiring and uplifting films on this list. Ronan plays Eilis Lacey, an Irish migrant who moves to Brooklyn in the hopes of getting work and creating a new life for herself.
The scenes of Eilis’ hometown of Enniscorthy are indeed shot on location in the quaint town of Enniscorthy in County Wexford.
5. Run & Jump (2013) – breathtaking Dingle Peninsula
This comedy-drama tells an intimate story of Venetia (Maxine Peake), who struggles to look after her husband Conor (Edward MacLiam), who comes out of a stroke-induced coma. Will Forte plays Dr Ted Fielding, who monitors Conor’s condition and assists with the family.
Set in the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula and County Wicklow. It’s a wholesome story that brings the family together.
4. P.S. I Love You (2007) – a real taste of Irish landscapes
The cultural hit starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler is a romantic comedy following American Holly (Swank) as she struggles with the death of her Irish husband Gerry (Butler). She decides to fly to Ireland to see his childhood home.
Many iconic locations from the film include Ballysmuttan Bridge in Dublin and Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains.
3. An Cailín Ciúin/ The Quiet Girl (2022) – rural Ireland
The Quiet Girl is a bilingual story about a young girl who is relocated to live with distant relatives after living in an abusive household. This drama has moments of melancholy, but the overall theme of love and its perseverance ultimately makes it an uplifting tale.
Shot mostly in rural Dublin and Meath, it captures the rugged and ethereal feel of the Irish Countryside.
2. Once (2007) – love in the capital
John Carney’s musical romance-drama is a toe-tapping and heartwarming tale of love in the capital in the late 2000s. Winning an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 2008 Academy Awards, its soundtrack is as beautiful as its scenery.
While Once captures many of Dublin’s older streets and buildings, it now provides a nostalgic time capsule for Dublin after the start of the new millennium.
1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) – stunning views of Skellig Michael
The second instalment of the blockbuster sequel trilogy follows Rey (Daisy Ridley) as she learns to become a Jedi, from none other than the legendary Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). To this day, The Last Jedi is one of the biggest productions to be shot in Ireland.
Filmed along the Wild Atlantic Way and the inspiring Skellig Michael, it’s a reminder that our most beautiful sights aren’t in a Galaxy far, far away…
