Ireland is home to a dynamic art and cultural scene. Although we may be a small island, we pack quite a punch and have some of the most naturally beautiful landscapes in the world. You’d be surprised at the number of top TV Shows filmed in Ireland!
With enchanting backdrops stretching across the Emerald Isle, Ireland is the ideal location for film and TV shows. And, with world-class production studios such as Windmill Lane and Ardmore Studios working with top Hollywood names such as Stanley Kubrick, Meryl Streep, Sean Connery, Mel Gibson and Daniel Day-Lewis (amongst so many others), it comes as no surprise that TV productions are choosing Ireland as the staging ground for their upcoming projects.
Check out the top five TV shows made on the Emerald Isle!
5. Penny Dreadful
Although this is not an Irish TV drama (it is, in fact, British-American), it is filmed in Ireland. This period horror series ceased shooting abruptly after its third series. However, most of the filming took place in Dublin town.
The series, which was placed in the Victorian era, draws its character from those who live now in the public domain, immortalised by fiction and narratives through 19th-century literature. There is Dorian Gray from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray as well as Dracula, Bram Stoker’s most memorable character.
Nodding to old Victorian charm, it is clear why Dublin was chosen as the stomping ground for this series, with its cobblestone alleyways and old public houses on hand to set the mood.
Although the series ceased in 2016, a new spin-off is set to start filming in 2019, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.
4. Love/Hate
Love/Hate is an Irish TV drama through-and-through. It was set in Ireland and cast many Irish actors while being filmed on location and in studios around Ireland.
Developing quite a following throughout its time on air, Love/Hate could often draw up to nearly a million viewers. The narrative is based on fictional characters existing within Dublin’s dark and dangerous criminal world. Themes of rivalry, loyalty, family ties and love are all bound up in this rollercoaster drama which will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The series ceased filming in 2014, and although fans remained hopeful for its return, as of 2017, actor John Connors stated there were no plans to reignite the feud-driven TV drama.
3. The Fall
The highly-acclaimed Irish-British TV drama, The Fall, was set and filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This psychological drama tells the lives of two souls, inextricably linked: Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson, often remembered for her role as Agent Scully in TV series, The X-Files) and serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan, recognized for his role as Christian Grey in 50 Shades of Grey).
The narrative follows the relationship of these two characters and the struggle for Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson to solve the mystery before time runs out.
Overall: it is utterly gripping, and one of Ireland’s most accomplished TV dramas. The series ran for three seasons from 2013-2016, and although there are no definite plans for a comeback, it isn’t officially off the cards, either.
2. Game of Thrones
The top-class series has taken the world by storm since its inception in 2011. Depicting the war-torn and darkly enchanting, medieval worlds of Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, this tale is of kings and queens, lords and ladies, beggar and thieves, magic and deceit.
Having first graced TV screens via HBO across the globe, it has become a cult classic. With seven seasons under its belt, the eighth and final season will be aired in April 2019.
Although it is set in a mythical land, it is shot often in the mystical land of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
1. Father Ted – The Greatest TV Show filmed in Ireland
Having only aired for three seasons between 1995-1998, it is incredible how the legend of Father Ted has lived on. Irish writers wrote the British series, often shot on location in Ireland, set in Ireland and featured a predominantly Irish cast.
The sitcom follows the comical affairs of Father Ted Crilly (Dermot Morgan), Father Dougal McGuire (Ardal O’Hanlon), Father Jack Hackett (Frank Kelly) and their housekeeper Mrs Doyle (Pauline McLynn), in their home on the fictional Craggy Island.
Critically-acclaimed across the globe, and award-winning without dispute, Father Ted is almost considered part of Irish heritage.
