1. Game of Thrones (2011 - 2019)
The HBO adaptation of George R.R. Martin's books depicts a medieval fantasy world.
Many scenes in Game of Thrones were shot in Northern Ireland.
Look out for Theon Greyjoy in tiny Ballintoy harbour.
You'll recognise Castle Ward near Downpatrick too; it was Winterfell.
Check out our 7 Day Magnetic North Tour if you'd like to visit the real-life Westeros in Northern Ireland
2. Braveheart (1995)
Braveheart has stood the test of time and is certainly one of our favourite Hollywood movies shot in Ireland.
This soaring epic tells tells the story of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson.
Wallace manages to rally the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I after he suffers a personal tragedy by English soldiers.
Wallace gathers a group of amateur warriors that is stronger in spirit than any English army.
Filming was shared between Scotland and the east coast of Ireland in counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.
Check out our 6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour for a taste of the Braveheart movie locations
3. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
The famous opening scene of Saving Private Ryan, set in France on D Day, was filmed in Wexford, southeastern Ireland.
The 20-minute sequence took two months to film.
Once again, the Irish Army stepped in and supplied the 2,500 men needed as extras.
Visit Wexford on our 6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour
4. Vikings (2013 -2019 )
Did you know the production of Vikings is based entirely in Wicklow?
Ashford Studios is located 'down the road' from us; only a matter of miles from VagaHQ!
Many spectacular Wicklow locations have played host to scenes from the History Channel show.
They include the dramatic valley of Luggala and dark waters of Lough Tay, part of the original Guinness Estate.
The surrounding Wicklow Mountains National Park provide ideal scenery for scenes of roving Viking longships.
Learn more about Ireland's beautiful National Parks
5. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009)
The sixth movie of the Harry Potter series features a section filmed in both Kerry and Clare.
In the scene, Dumbledore and Harry stand on an isolated rock. This is Lemon Rock in Kerry.
The camera then swoops out over sea cliffs. These are the world famous Cliffs of Moher.
You too can visit these mighty cliffs on a Vagabond 7 Day World Tour of Ireland
6. The Tudors (2007 - 2010)
Even though it is set in England, this TV drama about the early years of King Henry VIII's reign was shot entirely in Ireland.
Filming locations in Ireland for the Tudors series included:
- Ardmore Studies in Wicklow;
- Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin;
- Drimnagh Castle in Dublin;
- Swords Castle in Dublin;
- Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow.
7. The Princess Bride (1987)
Another strike for the Cliffs of Moher!
This fantasy fairy tale features a key scene where the hero and villains race across the 'Cliffs of Insanity'.
In reality, these are the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher
8. Ryan's Daughter (1970)
A romantic drama set in 1916, Ryan's Daughter tells the tale of a married Irish woman who has a forbidden affair with a British soldier.
The movie was shot mainly on the spectalcular Dingle peninsula in Kerry.
A famous scene occurs on the beach between Slea Head and Dunmore Head.
We spend 2 nights in Dingle, giving you plenty of time to explore this beautiful part of Ireland.
Find all Vagabond and Driftwood tours that visit Dingle
9. The Quiet Man (1952)
Starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, this movie was shot mostly in the tiny village of Cong.
A picturesque 'sráid bhaile' in Connemara between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib, Cong was electrified for the movie shoot, as much of rural Ireland would not have had access electricity in the early 1950s.
Pat Cohans Bar and Restaurant, featured in the movie, is now a firm favourite lunch stop on many Vagabond and Driftwood Tours.
