The top 5 movies set in Ireland (and why we love them!)

From the stunning landscapes to the amazing people, let’s take a look at the top five movies set in Ireland and why we love them!

Ireland is chosen as the location for many TV shows and movies for many reasons. The Emerald Isle has a vast array of different landscapes on offer throughout the country.

From the mountainous ranges of Munster to the diverse landscapes of Connacht, it’s no wonder why many great films are shot in Ireland.

These five films were set in Ireland, utilising the locations, the crews, and everything our beautiful nation has to offer. 

So, let’s take a look at the top five movies in set in Ireland and what it is that makes them so great.

5. The Quiet Man (1952)

Starring legendary actors John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, The Quiet Man was largely filmed in some of the most beautiful towns and spots in Ireland.

Most of the movie was filmed in Cong, County Mayo, an Irish town you must visit if you get the chance.

Cong is a quiet and picturesque film that was the perfect backdrop for John Ford’s romantic comedy-drama. If you visit it today, you can truly capture the essence that the movie did. 

Galway was a secondary filming location, with spots like Lettergesh Beach, Ballyglunin Train Station, and Oughterard also being used as locations for the film.

4. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)

Directed by Ken Loach, The Wind That Shakes the Barley was filmed in many areas around County Cork and was set during the Irish War of Independence.

Starring Cillian Murphy, it is a harrowing fictional tale of the true events that occurred in the daily lives of Irish people at this time.

The name of the film comes from a song of the same name set during the 1798 rebellion in Ireland, a song that features early on in the movie. 

The Wind That Shakes the Barley is widely considered one of the greatest Irish films of all time.

3. Into the West (1992)

Into the West is a fantastic film that follows the story of two young boys who run into trouble with a horse given to them by their grandfather. When the horse is stolen from them, the real magic of the story begins.

One of the greatest films to come out of Ireland in the 90s, filming locations include Portarlington in County Laois, Connemara, County Galway, and several locations throughout County Mayo.

However, while filming locations were used throughout the country, Into the West is set in Dublin as well as the west coast of Ireland.

This is a great film, and if you haven’t watched it yet, we encourage you to get it on your ‘To Watch’ list immediately!

2. Calvary (2014)

Calvary is one of Brendan Gleeson’s greatest movies of all time. The Irish drama was filmed on location in Sligo from 2012.

The movie lends a lot of its success to the stunning beauty of Yeats Country that is its backdrop. 

Some of the key locations in Sligo include the beautiful landscape of Benbulben Mountain, the long stretch of Streedagh Beach, Lissadell, Rockwood Parade, and many more spots you can visit today.

The movie is an important parable of how the Catholic Church betrayed the Irish people. If you haven’t seen it yet, it is certainly worth a watch.

1. Hunger (2008)

Many films set in Ireland are based around the turmoil the country has faced throughout the centuries, and Hunger is a brilliant example.

Starring Michael Fassbender, the historical drama tells the tale of Bobby Sands and the 1981 hunger strike that ultimately led to his death.

The atrocities that political prisoners faced during these protests are largely accurate as depicted in the movie. While it’s a very important movie in Irish history, it can certainly be a tough watch.

The movie is, of course, set in the notorious Maze prison during the last six weeks of Bobby Sands’ life. However, filming was used across film sets to recreate the events.

So, there you have it. The top five movies set in Ireland and all the reasons why we love them. What is your favourite film set in Ireland?