Whether it is Ireland’s world-renowned sense of humour or its stunning natural landscapes, great musicians, or ancient folklore, here are ten Irish movies which will make you fall in love with Ireland.
Looking Irish movies which will make you fall in love with Ireland? You’ve come to the right place.
Ireland is a characterful country, iconised by many feats. Known and loved the world-over, Ireland is a hotspot for travellers who visit the Emerald Isle in search of a little slice of Irish life.
Small in size, with a big personality, Ireland has been remembered throughout the ages in music, film, theatre, and text. From Irish charm to our lush landscape, troubling history to our mystic roots, there’s a lot to love about Ireland.
If you’re in search of some Irish inspiration, check out these ten Irish movies which will make you fall in love with Ireland.
10. Into the West (1992) – for culture
Into the West is a family adventure film which traces the lives of Irish travellers. Brimming with nods to Irish culture – from folktales to family ties – this is a magical tale of love, adventure, and hope.
It is a must-watch for any age, and it is bound to make you besotted with the Emerald Isle!
9. Michael Collins (1996) – for Irish pride
For those of you looking for a little insight into Ireland’s troubled past, we suggest you check out Michael Collins.
This war drama stars Liam Neeson as the eponymous revolutionary, who leads the battle against the British occupying Ireland.
8. The Secret of Kells (2009) – for the kids and adults alike
This animated flick is undoubtedly one of those Irish movies which will make you fall in love with Ireland.
The film tells the tale of how the famed Book of Kells came to be, and it was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animation. Sadly, it lost to Up, but it is widely considered to be one of the best animations to have come from the Emerald Isle.
7. Ondine (2009) – for Ireland’s utter enchantment
If in search of a little slice of utter magic, look no further than Ondine.
This film offers a little something for everyone: romance, adventure, drama, and discovery. Expect to fall in love with Ireland with this spellbinding tale featuring Irish playboy, Colin Farrell.
6. Once (2007) – for the great musicians
If you’re craving some musical satisfaction, check out Once. This film smashed it at the Box Office, with its song ‘Falling Slowly’ going on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008.
The musical romance is shot mainly on the streets of Dublin. It stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová – two struggling musicians whose paths meet.
5. The Snapper (1993) – one of the top Irish movies which will make you fall in love with Ireland
The Snapper is, without a doubt, one of the Irish movies which will make you fall in love with Ireland.
Abundant in Irishisms, the film oozes authentic charm and a bucket load of laughs due to its on-point representation of the quintessential Irish family, circa the early ‘90s.
4. The Guard (2011) – for the celebrated Irish sense of humour
The most recent addition to our list of films which make you sweet for the Emerald Isle is The Guard, starring Irish icon, Brendan Gleeson.
This comedy thriller offers endless laughs and is the perfect portrayal of Irish dry humour (also known as ‘the craic’) at its best.
3. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) – for the endurance in the face of adversity
The Wind That Shakes the Barley is an epic film which – if you have not already seen – is more than worth a watch. The tale tells of two brothers divided by opposing views in Ireland’s fight for independence.
Shot mostly in County Cork, the film which stars Cillian Murphy, was a smash-hit at the box office and remains one of Ireland’s most successful independent films to date.
2. The Commitments (1991) – for celebrating working-class heroes
One of the most iconic films to have been conceived and filmed on the Emerald Isle has got to be Roddy Doyle’s The Commitments.
Over 44 locations in Dublin were used for the filming. It is an uplifting and honest portrayal of Ireland’s unsung working-class heroes – with an added dash of Irish humour for good measure.
1. The Quiet Man (1952) – for the ‘ultimate classic’
The Quiet Man is the ultimate classic, and if you’re in search of Irish movies which will make you fall in love with Ireland, there is no better.
Starring Irish goddess, Maureen O’Hara, and Hollywood hero, John Wayne, the cast are almost as enchanting as the rural Irish backdrop.Â
