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26 Best Movies About Ireland That You Need to Watch (2024)

Posted on May 1, 2024

Categories Blog , Europe , Ireland

There are so many movies about Ireland because it’s such a fascinating place in the world. When writers and directors feature Ireland in movies, you know that there’s going to be a captivating story behind it all. From Dublin to Galway and Belfast to Cork, there are so many interesting moments to highlight from historic times through to present day.

I traveled to Ireland for three weeks, and I feel like I’ve just scraped the surface of this beautiful country. I can’t wait to return to Ireland in the future. For now, I’m watching some of the best Irish movies to tide me over until my eventual return.

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Table of Contents

Movies About Ireland: The Top 25

While there are so many more movies about Ireland than just 25, I thought that I’d give you a list of the best Irish movies to start. At the bottom of this blog post, I’ll make some more recommendations for additional movies that take place in Ireland.

And if you have even more recommendations for me? Please share your favorite movies filmed in Ireland in the comments section. Without further ado, here are the top movies set in Ireland and the most famous Irish movies that you need to see.

Angela’s Ashes (1999)

Angela’s Ashes is based on an autobiography by Irish-American author, Frank McCourt. It focuses mostly on his childhood experiences and his family life in Limerick. His family is impoverished and his father battles both unemployment and alcoholism. Frankie’s mother, Angela, becomes stricken with loss and depression as The Great Depression hits Ireland hard.

This is one of the best movies about Ireland that interweaves personal history with a collective one, and demonstrates the hardships that most people of Ireland faced at the time. You can stream Angela’s Ashes on Amazon Prime.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Set in Limerick , partially filmed in Cork

Belfast (2021)

Belfast is a historic drama that takes place during “The Troubles” in the 1960s. The city of Belfast has a tumultuous past as violence grew between Protestants and Catholics.

This story follows a young boy named Buddy and his working-class family as they experience the turmoil in Belfast first hand. Buddy tries to have a normal childhood and struggles to understand this ugly conflict. As Buddy’s family is forced to take sides, they struggle with the notion that the best choice may be to leave Belfast for good.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Belfast

Bloody Sunday (2002)

Bloody Sunday is a historic drama based on the events of the 1972 “ Bloody Sunday ” shootings in Derry, Northern Ireland. We witness the day as seen through the eyes of Ivan Cooper, civil rights activist and central organizer of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association demonstration march. The march ends in tragedy when British troops open fire on the protesters, killing 13 demonstrators and 14 bystanders in the crowd.

You can find the full length film of Bloody Sunday to watch on YouTube. This is one of the best Irish movies based on recent historical events that helps you to understand Ireland and Northern Ireland’s violent past.

Places That Inspired the Movie : The film is set in Derry, Northern Ireland . However, most of the film was shot in Ballymun, North Dublin.

Brooklyn (2015)

Another one of the best Ireland movies is Brooklyn, a romantic historical drama set in the 1950s. A young woman from a small town in southeast Ireland decides to move to Brooklyn in search of bigger and better opportunities. Despite the fact that she’s homesick, she eventually meets her love interest in the film in Brooklyn.

After learning about her sister’s untimely death, she returns to Ireland and falls back into the makings of a regular life there. The protagonist must choose between her life in Ireland and her life in the United States.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Enniscorthy, County Wexford. The Irish portions of the film were shot in Enniscorthy, Wexford, and Dublin .

The Butcher Boy (1997)

The Butcher Boy is one of the top movies that takes place in Ireland and that’s also filmed in the town where it takes place. Set in the early 60s, The Butcher Boy tells the story of a 12 year old boy and his place within his dysfunctional family.

As the conflicts and tragedies escalate in the boy’s life, he begins to spiral out of control. You can rent this movie on YouTube or Google Play for a small fee.

Places That Inspired the Movie : The Butcher Boy is set in the small town of Clones. It was also filmed in Clones, as well as Dublin, Monaghan, and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland.

Calvary (2014)

Calvary tells the story of Father James, a priest in a small Irish town. During a Sunday Catholic confessional, an anonymous man threatens to kill him the following Sunday.

As Father James only has a week to sort his affairs and decide what to do, he’s faced with a series of challenges that face everyone he knows and loves. This is one of the movies filmed in Ireland that shows the beautiful landscapes of the country as a backdrop to a thrilling story.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Calvary was filmed in stunning Sligo , including Streedagh Beach, Lissadell, Benbulben Mountain, Strandhill, and more.

Circle of Friends (1995)

Circle of Friends is one of the great movies about Ireland based on a group of friends in the 1950s. It’s a coming of age story about three girls who come from a small Irish town.

The film focuses on their lives as they become university students in Dublin, as well as their romances. Circle of Friends stars Minnie Driver in one of her first feature films, as well as Chris O’Donnell.

Places That Inspired the Movie : While the film is set in the fictitious Irish town of Knockglen, it was set in the small town of Inistioge in County Kilkenny. Circle of Friends also takes place in Dublin.

The Commitments (1991)

The Commitments is a musical comedy that’s one of the best movies set in Dublin. It follows the turbulent story of a band called The Commitments, which starts when the main character holds band auditions at his parents’ house.

He winds up bringing together friends and acquaintances to form the band. This is one of the top movies about Ireland that follows interpersonal relationships between the characters as they’re united by music and torn apart.

Places That Inspired the Movie :  Dublin

The Field (1990)

An Irish farmer, “Bull” McCabe, is deeply attached to a rented field that his family has farmed for generations. The widow who owns the field decides to sell it at a public auction, and McCabe wants to purchase the land.

While no one in town dares to bid against him, a wealthy American (with ancestors in the region) swoops in to purchase the land in order to build a highway. It’s one of the most riveting movies that take place in Ireland.

Places That Inspired the Movie : The Connemara village of Leenane, including the pub “ Gaynors “, one of three pubs in town (now referred to as “The Field Bar”).

Grabbers (2012)

Grabbers is a monster film that takes place on a small island off the west coast of Ireland. Out of all the movies set in Ireland, this one has an offbeat concept. There’s an invasion of sea-dwelling aliens to the island, and there’s only one thing that can save the residents…having a high blood alcohol level.

The monsters can’t stomach alcohol, so the Irish people living on the island must keep drinking to survive! You can currently watch Grabbers streaming on Hulu, and also with a subscription to IFC Unlimited on Amazon Prime.

Places That Inspired the Movie : While the movie was set on the fictitious Erin Island, scenes were shot in Rathlin and Donegal .

The Guard (2011)

The Guard is one of the best Irish films in the genres of comedy and buddy cop flicks. It’s written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, who also wrote and directed the film, Calvary. The movie stars Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle.

A confrontational Irish cop who plays by his own rules is paired with an uptight FBI agent. The two must work together to uncover an international drug smuggling ring. In some countries, The Guard is available to stream on Netflix.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Scenes from The Guard feature places in County Galway like Lettermore, Connemara, and Lettermullen.

Hunger (2008)

Hunger is director Steve McQueen’s first feature film, and it stars Michael Fassbender and Liam Cunningham. It’s a historical drama about the Irish hunger strike in 1981. It’s a compelling and detailed look at prison life during the hunger strike, led by Bobby Sands.

Hunger is one of the best movies about Ireland as it portrays this important part of recent Irish history. One of the most memorable parts of the film is the unbroken 17-minute shot when a priest tries to talk Bobby Sands out of participating in the protest.

Places That Inspired the Movie : The movie takes place in the H-block of Belfast’s Maze Prison.

In the Name of the Father (1993)

In the Name of the Father is a biographical court room drama starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Emma Thompson. It’s one of the best Irish movies because it’s based on a powerful true story.

The Guildford Four are the four people falsely convicted of the 1974 Guildford Pub bombings. Four off-duty British soldiers and a fifth person died in the blast.

Places That Inspired the Movie :  Belfast , though much of the film was shot in Dublin.

Into the West (1992)

Into the Wild is one of the top movies set in Ireland. It takes place in the 1990s, and the characters are Irish Travellers . The film tells a story about two boys whose father is “King of Irish Travellers”. The boys and their father made a permanent home in Ballymun in Dublin. The boys’ grandfather gifts them a horse that he found, and they keep it in their apartment. They dream of someday becoming cowboys.

The horse is taken away from the boys by the police, and the horse winds up in the hands of a dubious horse breeder. The boys set out to retrieve the horse and escape on his back.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Into the West features several locations in Ireland: Portarlington, Connemara, County Mayo, Ballymun, and the Wicklow Mountains.

The Magdalene Sisters (2002)

The Magdalene Sisters is one of the top movies about Ireland that’s based on a true story. It follows the story of three girls who are “fallen” and sent to the Magdalene Asylums , maintained by the Roman Catholic Church of Ireland.

The women are imprisoned there and forced into hard labor, harsh punishments, and both physical and psychological abuse. The girls form a bond and attempt to find ways to escape.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Although set in Ireland, the film was mostly shot in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

Michael Collins (1996)

Michael Collins is one of the most famous Irish movies about the notorious Irish patriot who died in the Irish Civil War. Liam Neeson plays the starring role of Michael Collins, the “Lion of Ireland”.

This biographical drama portrays how the controversial Michael Collins led a war against the British and helped to found the Irish Free State in 1922.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains

My Left Foot (1989)

My Left Foot is a biographical comedy/drama starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Christy Brown, an Irish man born with cerebral palsy. His only controllable limb is his left foot, so he learns to write and paint with it.

Though he is unable to talk or walk, he becomes famous for his art and eventually writes his own autobiography. It’s a wonderful portray of Ireland in movies through a remarkable personal story.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Dublin

Once (2007)

Once is one of the best musical movies filmed in Ireland. It tells the love story between an immigrant and a busker who are united through their love of music. They rehearse and record songs together as they discover their love for one another, but will they end up together in the end?

Ondine (2009)

Ondine is a romantic Irish drama and one of the best Irish movies, starring Colin Farrell. He plays the role of Syracuse, a divorced fisherman who finds a young woman in his fishing net.

Syracuse resuscitates the woman who calls herself Ondine. Syracuse’s daughter, Annie, believes that Ondine is a mythological selkie, a seal that turns into a human on land.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Castletownbere, County Cork

P.S. I Love You (2007)

P.S. I Love You stars Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler as Holly and Gerry, a married couple living in Manhattan. When Gerry dies suddenly of a brain tumor, Holly realizes how insignificant those arguments were and how much Gerry means to her.

Before he died, Gerry wrote a series of 10 letters to Holly that all end with the phrase, “P.S. I Love You.” She receives the letters in surprising ways. These letters help Holly on a personal journey of rediscovery, and one that takes her to his homeland of Ireland. You can stream P.S. I Love You on Netflix.

Places That Inspired the Movie : County Wicklow: Blessington Lakes, Lacken, Wicklow Mountains and The Sally Gap. Also, Whelan’s Pub in Dublin.

The Quiet Man (1952)

The Quiet Man is one of the most acclaimed movies about Ireland. Sean Thornton, played by John Wayne, is an Irish-American boxer from Pittsburgh who returns to the village where he was born in Ireland. He falls for a beautiful red-haired woman whose brother vows to keep them apart.

Places That Inspired the Movie : Cong, a village on the border of County Mayo and County Galway.

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)

In the film, The Secret of Roan Inish, a young girl goes to live with her grandparents in a small Irish village. She learns that a distant ancestor of hers married a selkie, a seal that turns into a human when it ventures onto the land.

She also discovers that her brother drifted out to sea and might be still alive out there, raised by selkies. The young girl seeks to uncover the mysteries of Roan Inish (“seal island”).

Places That Inspired the Movie : County Donegal

Sing Street (2016)

Set in 1980s Dublin, Sing Street is a coming of age musical about a teenager who transfers to a tough public school. He starts a rock band to win over the affections of a girl he likes. In doing so, he escapes his tumultuous family life and attempts to gain her affections.

The Snapper (1993)

If you’re looking for more movies set in Ireland, here’s one based in Dublin. A 20 year old girl named Sharon lives at home with her parents and many siblings. After a wild night at the pub, she becomes pregnant but refuses to reveal the identity of the father.

Waking Ned Divine (1998)

Ned Divine is one of the best Irish movies and you’ll surely adore this comedic film. When the reclusive Ned Divine wins the national lottery, he dies from the shock of it all. While he has no family to claim the ticket, his friends and the local townsfolk conspire to keep the prize winnings.

Places That Inspired the Movie : The fictitious Irish village of Tullymore (actually shot on the Isle of Man)

The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)

The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a war drama set in rural Ireland during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and the Irish Civil War (1922-1923). It tells a fictitious story of two brothers from County Cork who join the IRA to fight against the United Kingdom for Irish independence. You can stream The Wind That Shakes the Barley with a subscription to IFC Unlimited through Amazon Prime.

Places That Inspired the Movie : County Cork, including Bandon, Ballyvourney and Timoleague

Ireland in Movies: Honorable Mentions

There’s only room for 25 movies on this list, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t anymore famous Irish movies. If you’ve seen the ones above and you’re looking for more, here are even more movies about Ireland you’ll surely love.

• Song for a Raggy Boy
• The Siege of Jadotville
• War of the Buttons
• Intermission
• Nothing Personal
• The Young Offenders
• Flight of the Doves
• Dancing at Lughnasa
• Ryan’s Daughter

More Movies From Around the World

Interested to view more movies featuring countries and cultures from around the world? Please take a look at the following movie guides:

• The Best 25 Movies About Scotland
• TV Shows About Scotland You Need to Watch
• The Best 25 Movies About Italy

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Sunday 17th of December 2023

Thank you Lauren! A great list of Irish movies! Have you seen a family favorite, “Waking Ned Divine”? Very funny and very Irish! ☘️ a good one!

Lauren Yakiwchuk

Friday 22nd of December 2023

Hi Laura, happy you like the list! Yes it is a fabulous movie! :) Hope you found some new ones on here to watch as well!

Thursday 18th of August 2022

Excellent list. I would also suggest for consideration: Agnes Browne - mostly a comedy about new widow with 6 kids Boys and Girl from County Clare - showband competition rom-com Shake Hands With The Devil - 20th century drama The Dead - touching drama set in 1904 Dublin at Christmas The Matchmaker - comedy of U.S. politician searching for Irish roots Young Cassidy - nice bio of young playwright Sean O’Casey

My all-time favorites are Waking Ned Devine (correct spelling) and The Quiet Man.

Friday 19th of August 2022

Thank you for those additions, Michael! I will have to check them out!

Thursday 9th of June 2022

I saw a deeply moving Irish film a long time ago, probably set around 1840/45. A man returns to his village and finds it run down because the landlord is squeezing the subjects. This man starts - at first unwillingly, then more and more brutally - a vendetta against the English rulers.

Since I live in Germany, I unfortunately can not find the title without the help from the group... Many thanks in advance - Harry from Hamburg

Sunday 19th of February 2023

@Harry, Think the film is Black 47, possibly

Sunday 12th of June 2022

Hi Harry! Maybe someone else who reads this article will know the movie you are talking about! Hopefully they will reply to let you know :) Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday 30th of September 2021

great list but you missed a love divided. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0198668/

Monday 12th of July 2021

Great list. I am wondering what for the 25 best movies about Canada? Thanks.

Thank you! That's a great idea, I'll have to research and write that one next! :)

10 Movies Set In Ireland That You Must Watch Before Visiting

Categories Cork , Culture and Food , Dublin , Galway , Kilkenny , Mayo , Sligo , Waterford , Wicklow

Going to Ireland soon? Simply curious about the Emerald Isle ? Watching a film is a great way to prepare for a trip to explore the country without leaving home.

This may be a short list, but each film features a part or aspect of Ireland.

From the playful to the strange, here are our top ten movies set in Ireland to watch that’ll make you want to visit. 

Things you'll find in this article

10 Movies Set In Ireland That You Must Watch Before Visiting

1. calvary (2014), 2. circle of friends (1995), 3. into the west (1992), 4. leap year (2010), 5. michael collins (1996), 6. once (2007), 7. p. s. i love you (2007), 8. sing street (2016), 9. the young offenders (2016), 10. waking ned devine (1998).

Cliffs Of Moher, Image by Christine Rogador

A quirky dark comedy, this is one of the most underrated films of 2014. Calvary got rave reviews for its crafty storytelling and memorable performances.

Apart from the intriguing plot, the film also takes viewers to the beautiful Irish countryside.

The story takes place in Easkey town in County Sligo , where a good part of the movie was actually filmed. Calvary also features scenes in Streedagh beach, Ardgillian Castle, and Dublin .

Get it here.

It was set in the 1950s, in a fictional town called Knockglen. This was actually the village of Inistioge in Co. Kilkenny where a large part of the film was shot.

Certain scenes were also done at Trinity College in Dublin . The film also allows glimpses in Irish life and culture as well as fantastic views of Dublin, Kilkenny , and Thomastown. 

Their widowed father, who was known as ‘The King of Irish Travelers’, goes after them and reconnects with his own heritage.

The film was set in the Atlantic coast, do expect breathtaking views of the emerald state as you follow the journey of this family ‘into the west’. 

Apart from the story, one can’t help but follow where the next scenes will take them. The movie is about Anna, who travels to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day or February 29.

Apparently, Irish legend says that Leap Day proposals a Yes.

However, on the days leading to that day, something unexpected happens. She’s not quite sure about her original plans anymore.

See if you’ll recognize where in Ireland certain scenes were filmed. You’ll most likely recognize Dublin and Temple Bar .

The breathtaking scenery of Aran Islands , Connemara , County Galway , County Mayo , Wicklow National Park, and Olaf Street in Waterford were also featured. 

The film is based on the life of Michael Collins, an Irish patriot and revolutionary. The story is quite gripping, a definite must-watch whether you like history or simply want to see a good film set in Ireland.

It also features stellar performances from Liam Neeson as Michael Collins himself and the late great Alan Rickman as the villain De Valera.

Much of the film was done with either Dublin or the Wicklow Mountains, offering a great backdrop to the compelling story. 

Its theme song ‘Falling Slowly’ won the Oscars for Best Original Song. Once also had a Tony-award winning stage version.

While watching the film, viewers will easily spot Grafton Street in Dublin. It was said that the filming budget was so tight then that they couldn’t even get permits.

There were even scenes where pedestrians weren’t aware that they’re being filmed. The result is a film that’s authentic and heartfelt. 

Whether you’re into love stories or simply fascinated with Ireland, this is a lovely film to watch. P.S. I Love You follows the journey of a young widow who received mysterious letters from her dead husband.

The letters were apparently written by the deceased to help her cope with the loss.

She was instructed to go to Ireland and that’s where all the fun took place. The film features breathtaking scenery, and practically the best of Ireland.

Viewers will see glimpses of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Blessington Lakes and The Sally Gap in County Wicklow

Expect more great music and compelling performances from its young actors .

The story is about Conor, a Dublin teenager. He wanted to Impress the girl he likes so he started up a band.

Throughout the film, viewers might recognize certain Dublin attractions . There are also parts filmed in St. Catherine’s Park, and Dalkey Island.

Sing Street is another darling of the critics, and if you want to watch, it’s still streaming on Netflix. 

The story is about two Irish teens who stole bikes and set out to find a huge cocaine shipment. The shipment was worth 7 million euros and said to have gone missing after a ship capsized in West Cork.

Most films in this list have scenes filmed in Dublin, but The Young Offenders gives glimpses of County Cork , particularly the Southwest part. 

They just discovered that someone in their tiny town won the lottery, and wanted to find out if he’s in a sharing mood.

However, they both got a strange surprise when they visited his house. The rest of the town now has to get involved, too. The film location was mainly on the Isle of Man, in the Irish Coast. 

Are you looking for movies to watch on Netflix instead? Here’s our list of best Irish films on Netflix.  

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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18 Great Films set in Ireland to Inspire you to Visit

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So far, I’ve only visited Ireland’s capital city of Dublin but I’d absolutely love to road trip around the whole Emerald Isle. I want to kiss the Blarney Stone , drive around the Ring of Kerry and look out over the Cliffs of Moher and visit Galway … But for now, I suppose I’ll have to settle for watching these amazing films set in Ireland to satiate my wanderlust.

I’ve attempted to craft a list of the best Irish or Ireland-based films that will cover Ireland’s colourful (often not-so-great) history, it’s luscious green landscapes, untouched coastline and friendly residents with their trademark sense of humour and good craic. I’m sure you’ll end up watching only one or two films on this list that intrigues you. But if you do that, I feel like I’ll have done a good job.

Some of these movies aren’t exactly travel-inspiring but they’re included to provide context on Ireland’s relationship to Catholicism, the Irish travelling community and there’s even some Celtic mythology thrown in, too. So let’s check out some fantastic films set in Ireland that will inspire you to visit this wonderful country!

P.S. I have already written a blog post on the best films set in Dublin and the best films set in Northern Ireland . So, the films on this list concentrate on other parts of Ireland. Just FYI!

Top Films set in Ireland

1.  The Quiet Man (1952) dir. John Ford

Languages: English, Irish Run time: 129m 90% Rotten Tomatoes

I can’t really imagine John Wayne as a romantic lead, I’ve only ever watched him in Westerns. But legendary Hollywood director John Ford won an Oscar for  The Quiet Man   and it’s a highly-rated classic film, so I guess his performance must have been satisfactory!

Wayne is the titular ‘quiet man’, an American boxer who returns to the Irish village he was born in and falls for a pretty ginger lass played by Maureen O’Hara. Of course, she’s ginger. This is Ireland for goodness sake, everyone is ginger over there. This is definitely the best movie set in Ireland to watch if you love classic Hollywood films . The sweeping, cinematic shots of the Irish countryside are incredible. The Quiet Man shot on location in County Mayo and County Galway at Ashford Castle , Lettergesh Beach and Clifden .

2. Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959) dir. Robert Stevenson

Languages: English, Irish  Run time: 93m 100% Rotten Tomatoes

I had no idea this film existed before crafting my list of the best films set in Ireland to make you want to visit. And I cannot tell you just how much joy I felt learning that someone at Disney pitched an idea for a film that became Darby O’Gill and the Little People  and that it would be certified 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. This is giving me all the warm fuzzies, you guys. What an utterly wholesome, joyous film.

Darby lives with his daughter in Rathcullen, County Cork (which I don’t think exists, I can only find info on a ‘Rathcullen’ in County Kerry). While chasing his master’s horse (which is actually a mythical Celtic pooka), Darby is captured by the King of the Leprechauns, Brian Connors, and they begin a battle of wits. Each attempt to outsmart the other which leads to Brian offering Darby three wishes.

It seems like this film is  massively  underrated. It’s a jolly, family-friendly adventure film with Irish folklore, music and a fun story. The only downside I can find is that, unsurprisingly,  Darby O’Gill and the Little People wasn’t shot in Ireland! Yup, it was filmed at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. No wonder the weather is so good in the movie.

3.  Ryan’s Daughter  (1970) dir. David Lean

Language:  English  Run time: 195m 47% Rotten Tomatoes

Ryan’s Daughter  is one of David Lean’s lesser films, but I think if you’re the dude that also directed cinematic masterpieces like Brief Encounter  (1945), The Bridge on the River Kwai  (1957), Lawrence of Arabia  (1962), then you’re allowed one or two duds.

Set in the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, Tom Ryan is a secret British informant living in Kirrary on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry with his daughter, Rosy. Bored with small-town married life, Rosy begins an illicit affair with a wounded British veteran and becomes ostracised by the local Nationalist villagers.

To be honest, you don’t watch Ryan’s Daughter  for the plot. You watch it for Irish filming locations! T his movie is like a slideshow of all the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland. Specifically, places in County Kerry and County Clare. You’ve got the Cliffs of Moher , Minard Castle and breathtaking beaches like Inch Strand , Banna Strand and Coumeenoole Beach all featured in  Ryan’s Daughter.

Brief Encounter Filming Locations at Carnforth Train Station, Lancashire

4.  The Field  (1990) dir. Jim Sheridan

Language:  English  Run time: 107m 43% Rotten Tomatoes

Jim Sheridan is possibly the best thing to have happened to Irish cinema. And even though  The Field  isn’t one of his better films, I thought it was a great addition to this list because of the subject matter.

The Field  is set in the 1930s and follows Bull McCabe, a farmer who works on the same rented field his family has farmed on for generations. When an American with “Irish ancestors” arrives wanting to buy the land to build a Hydro-Electric plant and stone quarry, Bull will do anything to stop that from happening. It’s a classic David and Goliath tale which asks important questions about cultural identity and the respect (or lack of) to local people. Which I think is super important to keep in mind when we travel!

Sheridan shot the film on location in very rural parts of County Galway and some places of note include Aasleagh Falls and Leenane in Connemara.

5.  Hear My Song  (1991) dir. Peter Chelsom

Language:  English  Run time:  104m 90% Rotten Tomatoes

Hear My Song may be a difficult film set in Ireland to track down, but I wanted to include it anyway. It has quite an odd premise but luckily it works: Irishman Micky O’Neill runs a failing nightclub in Liverpool and attempts to book a popular Irish singer named Jo Locke to revive it. When he discovers the man he hired was a fraud, Micky O’Neill decides to return to Ireland to find the mysterious Jo Locke and discover what happened to him.

It’s a nice little British/Irish indie and features a young James Nesbitt with a smashing moustache.  Hear My Song  filmed in County Clare and County Dublin including O’Brien’s Tower , the Cliffs of Moher and Howth Head .

6.  Into the West  (1992) dir. Mike Newell

Language:  English  Run time: 97m 77% Rotten Tomatoes

There are so many things about  Into the West  that I absolutely adore. It focuses on a family of Irish Travellers where the grandfather tells his two young grandsons stories about Irish folklore and legendary adventures . When the family settle in a depressing flat in Dublin, they notice a white horse followed them and the two boys become excited with the notion of being cowboys and seek to get the horse back when it is stolen from them.

Into the West  combines magic realism with Celtic legends as a way for these young boys to escape their poverty. But I also love that it’s a heartwarming, family fantasy film that doesn’t vilify Irish Travellers. I just really, really love that this film exists and it offers an insight into a community that never receives any positive press.

Into the West  shot all around Ireland, particularly County Laois, County Galway, County Mayo, Ballymun in County Dublin and County Wicklow . Phew! That’s a lot of counties. One of my favourite filming locations used is Brittas Bay .

7.  The Magdalene Sisters  (2003) dir. Peter Mullan

Language:  English  Run time: 119m 91% Rotten Tomatoes

All the movies on my list of films set in Ireland to watch before you visit have been, so far, relatively wanderlust-inspiring. Even if the plots aren’t particularly happy, the cinematic Irish landscapes make up the shortfall. However, The Magdalene Sisters  isn’t travel inspiring, nor was it shot  in  Ireland, though the film is set there.

I’m still including it because I think it’s a well-made, fascinating (though disturbing) film and it’s important to know what happened in those horrendous Magdalene Laundries. 

The film is set in 1964 and is a fictional retelling of real-life events. The Magdalene Sisters  follows four “fallen” women, mostly unmarried mothers, who were sent by their families to live in a corrupt, inhumane Magdalene Asylum to repent for their sins. Again, it’s definitely good to learn more about the history of the countries we visit and hopefully, watching The Magdalene Sisters  will give you some insight into this horrific part of Ireland’s recent past.

8.  Laws of Attraction  (2004) dir. Peter Howitt

Language:  English  Run time: 90m 18% Rotten Tomatoes

C’mon, I  had  to throw in at least one crappy, wanderlust-inspiring rom-com , right? On every single one of my list of film recommendations there needs to be at least one God-awful romantic comedy! It’s the main rule around here.

On my list of films set in Dublin, it was  Love, Rosie  (2014) and on this list of films set in Ireland, it’s Laws of Attraction  starring Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan. They play New York City divorce lawyers each representing one half of a famous soon-to-be-divorced couple. Most of the action takes place in New York. But the settlement grinds to a halt when the couple can’t agree on who gets to keep their gorgeous castle in Ireland. So naturally, both lawyers travel across the pond to stay in the castle to sort it out and develop mutual feelings… In case you didn’t know where this was going.

The castle scenes were filmed in Humewood Castle – a grand estate you can actually stay in! Laws of Attraction  shot other Irish scenes in the Wicklow Mountains and a village called Roundwood , all in County Wicklow.

9.  The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006) dir. Ken Loach

Languages:  English, Irish, Latin  Run time: 126m 90% Rotten Tomatoes

If you want to watch more films about the Irish War for Independence in the 1920s and the Irish Civil War that followed in the 1930s , you couldn’t find a more essential film to watch than The Wind that Shakes the Barley.  It won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and became the highest-grossing Irish film at the time of the movie’s release. It might be a fictional story, but I think Ken Loach’s film perfectly captures the mood and the state of affairs for Irish people at the time.

Two brothers from County Cork join the Irish Republican Army (IRA) to fight the British in order to gain independence for Ireland. After the war, the brothers develop differing views on the new Anglo-Irish Treaty which forces them onto different sides of the Irish Civil War.

Most of  The Wind that Shakes the Barley shot in County Cork , except   Kilmainham Jail in Dublin was utilised for the prison scenes. Ballyvourney , Bandon , Timoleague and Coolea are all villages and towns in County Cork featured in the film.

10.  P.S. I Love You  (2007) dir. Richard LaGravenese

Language:  English  Run time: 125m 25% Rotten Tomatoes

You knew this film would appear on my list of top films set in Ireland eventually, didn’t you? Yep, for better or worst,   P.S. I Love You is one of the most popular films that travellers like to watch before visiting Ireland. 

After her Irish husband Gerry dies of a brain tumour, Holly begins receiving letters from beyond the grave helping her through her grief with instructions and words of encouragement to carve out a new life after his death. One of those missions takes her back to Ireland where the couple first met.

We all love a good travel romance story, I know I do. So it makes complete sense that P.S. I Love You  still has a big following despite being complete trash. Most of the scenes in Ireland take place around County Wicklow , specifically in the Wicklow Mountains .

You can read an entire blog post I wrote dedicated to all the Irish P.S. I Love You filming locations, including a map!

P.S. I Love You Filming Locations in Ireland

11.  The Secret of Kells  (2009) dir. Tomm Moore

Language:  English  Run time: 75m 91% Rotten Tomatoes

I struggled to choose between The Secret of Kells  and  Song of the Sea  (2014) for which animated film I should put on this list of films set in Ireland. They’re both beautifully hand-drawn animations by the same company, Cartoon Saloon, based in Kilkenny in Ireland. But  The Secret of Kells  won out because it was their first feature-length animation and I already have a couple of other films from 2014 in mind for this list… So here we are. You should watch them both, anyway!

The Secret of Kells  is about a young boy named Brendan living in 9th-century medieval Ireland. He lives in constant fear of Viking attacks until a wise old ‘Illuminator’ tells him about an ancient book, the unfinished book of Kells, that is said to turn darkness into light and it turns Brendan’s world upside down.

Sometimes, I think animated films do a better job at sparking our excitement about a new place than a lot of live-action films. They’re usually better art evoking the feeling  of a place rather than simply reflecting life on screen. The Secret of Kells  is a brilliant film, and a great choice if you have children.

12.  Ondine  (2009) dir. Neil Jordan

Languages:  English, French, Romanian  Run time: 111m 68% Rotten Tomatoes

Sticking with Celtic folklore,  Ondine  didn’t make many waves in cinemas despite starring famous Irish actor, Colin Farrell. He plays a trawler/fisherman nicknamed Circus who captures a naked young woman in his fishing net who says her name is Ondine. She’s a slightly peculiar woman and Circus’ daughter Annie suggests she may be a selkie.

Selkies are more common in Scottish mythology I believe, but I’m sure there are similar creatures in Irish mythology too. Selkies mean ‘seal folk’ and they have the ability to shed their seal skin to resemble humans. So, they’re basically mermaids and are usually women. I just love that there are so many Irish films set in the present day with some mythological elements thrown in, it’s awesome! Plus, Ondine was shot entirely on location in the Beara peninsula of County Cork .

13.  Leap Year  (2010) dir. Anand Tucker

Language:  English  Run time: 100m 23% Rotten Tomatoes

My apologies,  Laws of Attraction  is not the only disastrous rom-com set in Ireland on this list. Leap Year made the cut, too, I’m afraid and I don’t  love  the storyline but it’s an easy-breezy watch.

Amy Adams plays Anna, a woman with a successful real estate business but is growing increasingly frustrated that her boyfriend hasn’t proposed yet. She learns of an Irish tradition where men must  accept a proposal of marriage made on a Leap Day, February 29th. And since he just happens to be in Dublin for a conference on the date in question, she follows him to Ireland! Nothing at all unhinged about that! But the course of true love (and travel during a storm) never did run smooth and things don’t quite work out for Anna as she expected.

What this film lacks in good plot it makes up for in filming locations tenfold. The vast majority of Leap Year  is set and shot all over Ireland in County Wicklow, County Galway, County Kildare and Dublin. Through the medium of film, you can visit the Aran Islands , Temple Bar in Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains and picturesque towns like Enniskerry and Connemara .

14.  The Guard  (2011) dir. John Michael McDonagh

Languages:  English, Irish  Run time: 92m 94% Rotten Tomatoes

I’m so excited for you right now because we’ve reached the John Michael McDonagh Double Feature section of the list! If you love dark comedies and the deadpan delivery of a certain Brendan Gleeson then this film, The Guard,  and the film directly below,  Calvary,  will make for a cracking Friday night in. Especially if you’re visiting Ireland soon or hope to in the future. Grab a couple of Guinnesses and get comfy.

The Guard  stars Gleeson as your unfriendly neighbourhood police officer-with-attitude (or ‘Garda’) and Don Cheadle as a by-the-book FBI agent in Ireland investigating a drug-smuggling ring. The two must work together, but suffice to say they have very different methods. Do not watch this film if the ‘c’ word makes you squirm.

The Guard  shot mostly in County Galway , particularly Connemara , Barna , Salthill and Spiddal but the final fight scenes were filmed at Wicklow Harbour . I love how the beautiful rural towns with their patchwork-coloured rows of houses, well-worn fishing harbours and country pubs juxtapose against this very American action movie plot.

15.  Calvary  (2014) dir. John Michael McDonagh

Language:  English  Run time: 101m 89% Rotten Tomatoes

Then after you’ve finished watching  The Guard,  follow it with the slightly different-in-tone but still utterly brilliant film  Calvary.  This time, Gleeson plays a down to earth Catholic priest named Father James. He is visited in confession by someone who was horrifically sexually abused by a priest in his youth. This person promises to kill Father James in one week’s time and we don’t know who it is. Calvary documents the next week where James is reunited with his troubled daughter and wrestles with his impending appointment with death.

Okay, so it’s not as funny as  The Guard.  Obviously. But it’s not quite as doom-and-gloom as you might expect and I just think it’s a really f*cking interesting premise with some epic Irish scenery. Calvary was primarily filmed in County Sligo including Strandhill , Easkey , Streedagh beach , Rockwood Parade in Sligo and Sligo airport.

16.  Frank  (2014) dir. Lenny Abrahamson

Language:  English  Run time: 95m 92% Rotten Tomatoes

Sometimes the world seems too depressing, too serious and often feels like we’re forever rewatching sequels, reboots and reimaginings of the same film manufactured to make as much money as possible. Then I remember a film like Frank  exists, in which the dreamy Michael Fassbender covers up his lovely face with a Frank Sidebottom-esque papier-mâché mask. And suddenly the world seems wonderfully weird and full of possibilities again.

Jon is an English musician hoping to catch his big break. A series of events leads him to join an eclectic, synth-pop band headed up by Frank and they travel to Ireland to record their debut album in a remote, rural cabin. After Jon helps the band build a social media following, they’re invited to SXSW festival in Austin, Texas . But Jon soon begins to realise being part of this band might be more trouble than he anticipated.

The cabin is situated next to the serene Lough Dan in the Wicklow Mountains and unfortunately, it’s mainly surrounded by private property which is a bit of a shame.

17.  The Lobster  (2015) dir. Yorgos Lanthimos

Languages:  English, French  Run time: 118m 88% Rotten Tomatoes

Luckily, if you like weird and wonderful films set in Ireland then you have some choice.  The Lobster  is set in a slightly dystopian alternative world where single people must find a mate within 45 days at a special facility or they are turned into animals and sent into “The Woods.” Colin Farrell stars as David, an unlucky singleton who decides to escape into The Woods to try his luck with The Loners, people who either cannot or choose not to find a suitable mate.

The Lobster  has some utterly fantastic actors, including Olivia Coleman and Rachel Weisz. And though it’s a bit quirky and off-kilter, it’s something a bit different. And it’s an easier watch than some of director Yorgos Lanthimos’ other films. The Lobster  mainly shot in County Kerry and Dublin and I’ve written an entire blog post dedicated to the filming locations (plus a map) if that’s something you’re interested in!

The Lobster Filming Locations in Ireland

18.  Brooklyn  (2015) dir. John Crowley

Language:  English  Run time: 112m 97% Rotten Tomatoes

The final entry on my list of wanderlust-inspiring films set in Ireland is also my favourite. I absolutely adore  Brooklyn . Saoirse Ronan stars as a young Irish girl living in Enniscorthy, County Wexford in the 1950s. Unable to find decent employment, she is sponsored an American Visa by a priest in Brooklyn and sails across the Atlantic to start a new life. Tragedy brings her back to Ireland where it transpires that she is not the same scared, naive girl who left months before.

Brooklyn  is a film about finding where you belong, literally and figuratively. Which I’m sure is a notion that all avid travellers can relate to. Which is why it’s not only a great film to watch before travelling to Ireland but before travelling in general . And definitely  before moving to a new country as it touches on homesickness too.

I’m a broken record at this point, but I have written a separate post detailing all of the  Brooklyn  filming locations . Not just all the beautiful beaches and towns in Ireland, but in New York City and Canada too.

Brooklyn Filming Locations in Ireland, New York & Canada

Other films set in Ireland:  The Informer (1935), Poitín (1978), Taffin (1988), Far and Away (1992), The Playboys (1992), War of the Buttons (1994), The Secret of Roan Inish (1994), Circle of Friends (1995), Dancing at Lughnasa (1998), Garage (2007), Grabbers (2012), Philomena (2013)

And those are some of the best films set in Ireland! Have you watched any of these films or would you add any? Let me know in the comments below!

16 Awesome Films set in Dublin to Watch Before Your Trip

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

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31 Best Irish Movies To Watch (2024)

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Travel to Europe with the best Irish movies to take you there, teach you more, and enhance your next trip.

Ireland was one of our favorite countries to visit for the gorgeous libraries, fluffy sheep, scenic landscape, and of course, Irish whiskey and beer.

If you are headed to Ireland or wish to travel abroad via armchair, there are plenty of movies about Ireland to watch before you go.

For comedic Irish films – many laden with dark humor – we have tales of mutant, killer cows alongside uncoupled people threatened with becoming lobsters if they don’t find a partner.

For more serious films about Ireland, encounter movies that recreate pivotal historical moments and address Ireland’s most complex issues.

Explore inspiring films about overcoming hardship and war as well as Irish movies that will make your foot tap along to the beat.

Laugh, cry, and find love… and maybe a mythical creature or two.

So, what are the best Irish films to watch before you go? Of course, “best” is subjective, and we’d love to know your favorite Irish movie in the comments. Let’s get started!

If you love these Ireland movies, you may also enjoy these Irish books .

Grab your favorite books and movies set in Ireland here:

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Table of Contents

31 Best Irish Movies & Movies About Ireland

Author’s Note: This article includes films set in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Although Northern Ireland is officially part of the United Kingdom, it is culturally and historically Irish. And as several of the films below will show, there is a complex issue between the three.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)

In 1920s Ireland, medical graduate Damien is about to leave his village and travel to London to practice medicine.

During the journey, he witnesses abuse and cruelty at the hands of British soldiers stationed in his occupied homeland and decides instead to stay and join his brother Teddy as a member of the IRA.

Once conflict breaks out across the country, the brothers fight guerrilla warfare against the British.

When peace is brokered, a new crisis emerges amongst the Irish population; many want to accept the proposed terms to avoid more bloodshed, even though it means remaining part of the British Empire.

However, others say that there must be an independent Irish Republic instead.

With Damien and Teddy caught on opposite sides of the conflict, their brotherly bond will be sorely tested.

Bleak and uncompromising, yet one of the most beautifully shot films about Ireland brought to the big screen, this fictional historical drama occurs during one of Ireland’s most turbulent periods.

My Left Foot (1989)

When Christy Brown is born into a working-class family of 15 in 1930s Ireland, doctors informed his parents that he has severe cerebral palsy and will be unable to walk or talk.

But despite suggestions that he be committed to a hospital, Christy is brought home and cared for by his family.

One day, following an accident in which his pregnant mother is injured, Christy manages to attract the attention of neighbors who arrive in time to help.

He then astounds everyone by showing that he can in fact control one part of his body – his left leg – and that he can both read and write, despite having no formal education.

Following this, Christy becomes more involved in the community and begins a long path to becoming the artist and author he is remembered as today.

Based on Christy Brown’s own autobiography, My Left Foot is one of the most critically acclaimed Irish movies and features an Academy Award-winning performance from Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role.

Hunger (2008)

Set in Maze Prison, Northern Ireland, this is the dramatization of the 1981 hunger strike undertaken by Irish Republican prisoners during the Troubles.

Hunger focuses mainly on inmate Bobby Sands, the leader of the hunger strike.

Through not eating, and by using other physical methods such as “no wash” protests, Sands and the other striking inmates pit themselves directly against British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

As time wears on and the men become increasingly weak, the harsh conditions of the prison and the brutality of the treatment of the inmates lead the tension on both sides to breaking point.

Unflinchingly raw, intense, and uncompromising, this historical drama is one of the most serious and adult movies about Ireland on this list and acts as a deep exploration of the limits of the human body.

In the Name of the Father (1993)

On October 5th, 1974, at 8:30 pm, two bombs placed by the IRA are detonated at two pubs in Guildford, England.

At the same time, Irishman Gerry Conlan is nearby, having committed a small and unrelated robbery.

Despite having nothing to do with the bombings, Conlan is arrested and, along with three others who are also uninvolved, charged with terrorism offenses.

Due to the interrogation methods of the police, which involve torture and the threatening of Conlan’s father, Conlan signs a confession; the four are imprisoned.

Even with the false confession, the police arrest Gerry’s father Giuseppe anyway, as a further accessory to the bombings.

Eventually, the wrongly imprisoned captives are able to enlist the help of an English lawyer, and together they try to overturn this miscarriage of justice.

Adapted from Gerry Conlan’s autobiography, In the Name of the Father is one of the most critically acclaimed movies about Ireland ever made, and is considered one of the best Irish movies of the decade.

Brooklyn (2015)

Young Eilis Lacey is not enjoying her life in the 1950s in the small southern Irish town of Enniscorthy.

Uninterested in the local boys and working part-time under a spiteful employer, she is saved from her unhappy existence by her sister, who writes to an Irish priest in Brooklyn and arranges for Eilis to travel there for a new job.

Away from the people and the country that she knows, Eilis finds it initially hard to adjust to her new circumstances.

However, after a while, she begins studying for a career in accountancy and even begins a relationship with the Italian plumber Tony.

But when Eilis receives news that forces her to return to Enniscorthy, she finds that she may not be able to continue the new life she has made for herself in America.

Torn between two worlds – the old and the new – she faces a difficult decision that will have far-reaching consequences.

The Guard (2011)

International crime is heading for the Connemara district of West Ireland.

In an effort to stop the cocaine imports of an Irish drug trafficker, the FBI has sent straight-laced Agent Wendell Everett to work with the Irish police (known locally as Garda – the “Guard” of the title).

Agent Everett’s only obstacles to successfully solving this case lie in the initial lack of clues and evidence and the fact that his Garda partner for this project is the unscrupulous and irreverent Sergeant Gerry Boyle.

With Boyle’s subversive sense of humor and taste for prostitutes, it’s unclear whether Agent Everett will have to whip him into shape or if Sergeant Boyle needs to get Agent Everett to chill out a little.

Either way, those drug smugglers won’t know what hit them.

Movies in Ireland don’t usually have humor as dark as this.

Sergeant Boyle’s politically incorrect opinions – which he has no trouble or hesitation sharing with anyone around him – have the potential to shock, even if you do find yourself laughing regardless.

The Guard is a buddy cop movie for those with an acquired taste.

Leap Year (2010)

What do you do when your boyfriend of 4 years just won’t propose to you?

That’s the question on real estate agent Anna Brady’s mind. They’re both young, successful, and happy, so what’s taking so long?

Fortunately, Anna knows that her boyfriend Jeremy will be in Ireland at a conference on February 29th, and she also knows about the Irish tradition that if a woman proposes on a leap day, it must be accepted.

Soon, a plan is in action, and Anna is on her way from Boston to Dublin to surprise Jeremy and pop the question. But a storm forces her plane to be diverted, landing in nearby Wales instead.

With both time and her options running out, will she make it in time? And will her unlikely Irish chauffeur Declan teach her anything about love along the way?

This is absolutely an unapologetic by-the-numbers rom-com but, like many movies set in Ireland, it has an undeniable charm and a very likable cast.

Sing Street (2016)

Inner-city Dublin, 1985: Due to financial troubles and in order to save some money, Robert Lawlor decides to remove his youngest son Conor from his current expensive school and instead send him to Synge Street CBS; a much cheaper public school.

While trying to adjust to this big change, Conor is enchanted by a mysterious girl named Raphina, who also goes to the same school.

In order to get her attention – and prove to her that he isn’t a loser – he starts a band with some of the other students.

As they play more shows and Conor begins to write his own songs, it looks like he might be in with a chance of a relationship with Raphina. But can love triumph through the power of music?

The aesthetic of the 1980s is an instant draw for plenty of movie fans, and the best movies about Ireland often have music as a prominent feature.

For these reasons, Sing Street is a great choice if you’re in the mood for a feel-good Irish movie.

Good Vibrations (2012)

During the intense and volatile Troubles of 1970s Belfast, one man took it upon himself to try and create some harmony through the power of music.

This is the biographical story of Terri Hooley – founder of the Good Vibrations record store and music label.

Inspired by the effect of reggae music in politically turbulent Jamaica, Hooley opened Good Vibrations – a record store that could supply the people of Belfast with reggae music and perhaps spread some positivity.

By doing this, Hooley stumbles upon a newly emerging genre of music: punk rock.

With its youthful power and vibrancy galvanizing a new passion, Hooley starts to champion local bands by producing records and organizing gigs wherever he can, in an attempt to get the punk rock scene alive and thriving in one of Ireland’s darkest periods.

With some heartfelt and emotional moments, plus an iconic and highly memorable soundtrack, Good Vibrations is one of the best Irish movies about the punk rock music scene.

Angela’s Ashes (1999)

The McCourt family is struggling to make a living in 1930s Brooklyn.

After the death of their youngest child, they make the move across the Atlantic to the city of Limerick in the west of Ireland.

Enduring conditions of extreme squalor, the family suffers through continuous hardships.

Many of these hardships are brought about by the family’s father, Malachi McCourt, whose struggles with alcoholism combined with local prejudice against his Northern Irish accent lead to the McCourts’ near-starvation.

All of this is shown to us through the eyes of Frank, one of the older McCourt children, who carries much of his family’s stress on his shoulders as he tries to make sense of his family’s situation.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir by the real Frank McCourt, Angela’s Ashes has plenty of tragedy but comes with some humor and levity mixed in.

It is widely considered to be one of the best Irish films to be adapted from literature.

Watch even more great book-to-movie adaptations .

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Once (2007)

On the streets of Dublin, a man known only as “guy” regularly spends his spare time busking, playing his acoustic guitar, and singing.

He earns a living working in his father’s vacuum cleaner repair shop, but music is where his passion lies.

One day, while performing in the street, he attracts the attention of “girl” – a Czech flower seller – and the two begin a conversation.

When she learns that he can fix vacuum cleaners, she asks him to fix hers, and he learns that she is also a musician.

As their friendship blossoms and the two begin playing music together, they both begin to learn about each other’s previous relationships.

By turning to songwriting, they help each other experience and learn about love and life.

As romantic Irish movies about music go, this is possibly the most wholesome.

Lead actors Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová were both in a band previous to this film being made, and their original songs for the Once soundtrack earned them an Academy Award.

Michael Collins (1996)

This historical biographical drama gives viewers a glimpse into the life of prominent Irish political figure Michael Collins.

Following the 1918 Irish general election, the newly instated Sinn Féin party declares Irish independence, which begins the appropriately-named Irish War of Independence.

As Director of Intelligence of the IRA, Michael Collins begins a series of operations against the British government and British Intelligence.

These operations include guerrilla warfare tactics, such as targeted assassinations of informers and undercover agents.

After a ceasefire, Collins is sent to London to negotiate a truce. But when he returns with a treaty that merely divides Ireland without a Republic, he must now deal with the outbreak of civil war.

Liam Neeson anchors the film with a solid central performance as Collins.

While it takes some liberties with historical accuracy in favor of a more entertaining narrative, Michael Collins still stands as one of the best films about Ireland for those interested in Irish politics.

P.S. I Love You (2007)

Holly and Gerry are deeply in love. Some would say that they have a perfect life. So it comes as a shock when Gerry falls victim to illness and passes away so young.

Grieving and depressed, Holly feels as though she has lost the only person who knew her best. But on her 30th birthday, she discovers that Gerry did one last thing before he died.

Her birthday cake arrives with a tape recording from Gerry, offering advice and affection, and ending with the message “P.S. I love you.”

Over the course of the next few months, Holly continues to receive notes from the departed Gerry, all ending with “P.S. I love you.”

With the encouragement of Gerry guiding her forward, Holly gradually learns to appreciate and enjoy both herself and her life among the living.

When you add in the extremely attractive cast to this heartwarming premise, you have one of the world’s most famous romantic Ireland movies – and truly a romantic classic .

The Secret of Kells (2009)

In one of the most beautifully animated family-friendly movies about Ireland from the studio Cartoon Saloon, The Secret of Kells tells the story of Brendan.

Brendan is a young boy living in the remote Abbey of Kells in 9th-century Ireland.

Because of the threat of the Viking invasion, the abbot – Brendan’s uncle Cellach – wants to build a wall around the abbey in order to keep it safe.

During this undertaking, Brendan hears of the upcoming arrival of Brother Aidan, the mysterious creator of the powerful, yet unfinished, Book of Iona.

When Brother Aidan arrives in Kells, Brendan finds himself at the beginning of a fantastical journey, which will see him enter a magical forest, meet faeries and wolf-girls, and come up against barbarian hordes in a dangerous quest to complete the unfinished book.

Will he be brave enough to use his light and knowledge to defeat the darkness and despair?

Song of the Sea (2014)

Conor and his pregnant wife Bronagh live with their young son Ben and their dog Cú in a lighthouse in 1980s Ireland.

One night, Branagh gives birth to a daughter, Saoirse, but mysteriously disappears, and is presumed dead.

Years later, with Saoirse now six years old, Conor is a broken man and Ben feels animosity towards the mute Saoirse because of the disappearance of his mother.

When their grandmother comes to visit, she decides the lighthouse is no place for children, and after an incident, Ben and Saoirse are taken to live in the city.

However, the incident was far from normal; it turns out, Saoirse is a selkie – a mythical creature of the sea!

With the help of a sealskin coat and a magical seashell horn that used to belong to their mother, Ben and Saoirse are pulled into a magical world full of dangerous beings. Is their mother alive after all?

Song of the Sea is the second of Cartoon Saloon’s animated films about Ireland on this list. Fortunately, it is just as visually arresting and entertaining.

Watch even more fantastic fantasy animation movies .

Bloody Sunday (2002)

On January 30th, 1972, a protest march against internment without trial took place in the city of Derry, Northern Ireland.

In one of the worst atrocities of the Troubles, during that protest, British soldiers fired on unarmed civilians, killing 14 people and wounding more than a dozen others.

Named “Bloody Sunday,” the event has been dramatized in this 2002 feature film, adapted by writer/director Paul Greengrass from the book Eyewitness Bloody Sunday by Don Mullan, who was himself taking part in the protest and witnessed the events firsthand, aged 15.

As a depiction of the brutal events that transpired, Bloody Sunday stands as one of the most powerful and intense movies about Ireland ever made.

Philomena (2013)

Having lost his job working as a government advisor, journalist Martin Sixsmith is approached by a woman who asks him to write about her mother, who was forced to give her infant son up for adoption fifty years ago.

Upon meeting the mother, whose name is Philomena, Sixsmith travels with her to the convent in Roscrea, Ireland where she was sent by her father for becoming pregnant out of wedlock.

There they find that the records of her son were lost in a fire some years ago.

Despite the lack of leads, Sixsmith arranges to write about Philomena’s search.

Through their investigations, the two find themselves journeying across the Atlantic, as they learn more about both Philomena’s son and each other.

A powerful drama based on the real Sixsmith’s book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee , fans of poignant yet funny Irish movies will enjoy this unlikely buddy dramedy.

Breakfast on Pluto (2005)

After being abandoned as a baby in the late 1970s, and having come of age in a town near the border of Northern Ireland, protagonist Kitten flees when she comes out as transgender.

She embarks on a search for her birth mother. While on this emotional odyssey, she experiences a rollercoaster of unusual situations.

She has encounters with a whole host of strange characters, from glam rock musicians and IRA gun smugglers to costumed children’s entertainers, prostitutes, stage magicians, and British soldiers.

Breakfast on Pluto has moments of the surreal, the shocking, the comedic, and the heartfelt.

Based on the novel of the same name by Patrick McCabe, you’re unlikely to find many Irish films as distinctive as this.

The Lobster (2015)

Sometimes there comes a movie so unusual that it’s almost worth knowing absolutely nothing about it before watching it. The Lobster is one of those movies.

However, for those who would like at least a little preparation, The Lobster is set in a dystopian near-future, where single people are forced to find a partner or be taken to a facility and transformed into an animal of their choice.

One such newly single person is David, whose wife has recently left him for another man, triggering his move to such a facility.

Once arrived, he is told he has 45 days to match with one of the residents of the facility or be transformed. If he fails, David asks to be made into a lobster.

If you’re on the same wavelength you will enjoy The Lobster greatly. It is certainly one of the most creative Ireland movies of recent years, but it is definitely an acquired taste.

Watch even more unique and dark romantic movies about love, war, and family, including bestselling books made into movies.

Handsome Devil (2016)

At Wood Hill College, life revolves around rugby. Every student at this elite, all-boys boarding school is obsessed with rugby, except Ned.

Ned doesn’t care about rugby at all, and would much rather be writing or listening to music.

So when Ned gets a new roommate – the star rugby player Conor – it seems like life at Wood Hill can only get worse.

But the two boys eventually start to forge a close friendship, and before long they’re starting to find their own voices amongst the crowd, thanks in part to the encouragement of English teacher Mr. Sherry.

The only problem is the school rugby coach, Pascal. He thinks that Ned and Conor might be more than just friends – and he’s not going to stand for it.

Handsome Devil is a sporty comedy drama perfect for anyone looking for queer, coming-of-age movies set in Ireland.

Omagh (2004)

This powerful drama focuses on a family’s attempts to find answers and come to terms with the loss of their son following a terrorist attack.

Following the Good Friday Agreement that brought about a ceasefire towards the end of the Troubles, on August 15th, 1998 a splinter group of the IRA (known as the Real IRA) detonated a car bomb on a crowded street in Omagh, Northern Ireland.

The blast killed 29 people and injured over 300, and caused mass outrage that brought momentum to the Northern Ireland peace process.

Through the eyes of Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was one of the casualties, we see the gritty realism of the deadliest single incident of the Troubles.

With strong acting performances and a difficult subject, Omagh can be considered a companion piece to writer/producer Paul Greengrass’ film Bloody Sunday , and one of the best movies about Ireland sure to move viewers.

Calvary (2014)

While taking confession at his Catholic church, Father James is told by an unseen man that he will be killed in one week’s time in retribution for the unknown man’s suffering and abuse at the hands of a priest as a child.

With supposedly one week to live, Father James spends his time attending to the needs of the community and attempting to reconcile with his daughter.

She had attempted suicide after she felt abandoned by her mother’s death and her father’s entry into the church.

During this week, he talks with a couple experiencing marital troubles, a grieving widow, a convicted cannibal murderer, a directionless millionaire, an aging American writer, and a number of suicidal people.

As a meditation on guilt, depression, and forgiveness, Calvary works as an effective character drama.

Brendan Gleeson’s central performance as Father James cements it as one of the best Irish films.

A Film With Me In It (2008)

They say that when it rains, it pours, and this is unfortunately true for out-of-work actor Mark. His basement apartment is a wreck, he’s behind on the rent, and his girlfriend is leaving him.

Then, in the space of a few minutes, he has multiple bodies on his hands – all of them from separate innocent accidents, but it really does look suspicious.

Enlisting the help of his neighbor Pierce – himself an out-of-work writer – Mark attempts to try and work out how to avoid going to prison for a very long time.

They’d originally hoped to make a movie together, but now real life seems to be much more exciting than anything they could have imagined.

Hopefully, their luck won’t continue to be this bad… right?

In the continued tradition of Ireland producing black comedies with very dark subject matter, A Film With Me In It gets right to the ghoulish jokes and is one of the best funny Irish movies for those with a morbid sense of humor.

Pixie (2020)

Pixie is looking to get even. In order to avenge the death of her mother, she’s going to rob some drug-peddling gangsters and frame a couple of her former lovers in the process.

Then she’ll be able to afford to head to San Francisco and the art school of her dreams.

But as these things usually turn out, the heist goes wrong. Now, she’s on the run, with a stash of drugs and a body in the trunk, and two idiots from the local pub.

It’s up to her brains, beauty, and cunning to get out of this alive.

This crime comedy movie has a lot of dark humor.

The screenplay borrows a lot of things from a lot of different references; there are shadows of Quentin Tarantino, the McDonagh brothers, and Guy Ritchie movies in the mix to name but a few.

Sure, it’s not the most innovative movie ever made, but if you’re looking for fun gangster films set in Ireland, this one will keep you entertained.

Isolation (2005)

On a remote Irish farm, a bio-genetics firm is working to increase the breeding and growth rate of cows, in order to speed up the cattle production business.

Local farmer Dan is enlisted by the firm to have his cows participate in some experiments.

While performing an inspection, veterinarian Orla is bitten by one of Dan’s cows, and later that night Dan is also bitten by a calf he is delivering.

After that, the cows begin to act strangely. They behave very aggressively, and the calf that was birthed the night before is found to have what looks like fangs.

Before long, things begin to escalate, and everyone living both on and near the farm is in danger from a threat no one could have seen coming.

Ok, unlike the characters, you may have seen it coming. This is an unashamedly gruesome horror-filled Irish movie with mutant cows.

If that sounds like one of the Irish films you might enjoy, you probably don’t need any more information than that. But take a little precaution if you’re squeamish.

Ondine (2009)

While out fishing one day, Corke fisherman Syracuse finds a woman tangled up in his nets. Calling herself Ondine, he brings her back to shore, though she hides from other people.

On a visit to his daughter Annie, who lives with her mother, Syracuse tells her a story of a woman brought onto land by a fisherman.

Annie tells Syracuse that the woman in the story is a selkie – a mythical sea creature – and will bring good luck to the fisherman.

During his next trip out to sea, Ondine accompanies him and sings in an unknown language, which causes Syracuse to catch more fish than ever before.

He knows he shouldn’t believe in fairytales, but as he spends more time with Ondine, Syracuse begins to wonder if she really is a selkie.

Ondine is one of those romantic Irish movies that received mixed reviews for its strong performances, messaging, and charm but somewhat flawed execution.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

If you’re after funny movies about Ireland – and everyday Irish life – and you have a very dark sense of humor, The Banshees of Inisherin could be one of your new favorite films.

During the Spring of 1923, towards the end of the Irish Civil War, rural life on the island of Inisherin is suddenly disrupted by an unusual domestic dispute.

Colm and Pádraic have been friends and drinking buddies for almost their entire lives, yet one day Colm abruptly breaks off his friendship with Pádraic entirely.

He has decided that Pádraic is boring and is holding him back from focusing on the artistic accomplishments he wants to achieve so that he will be remembered after his death.

Pádraic, confused and angry, refuses to accept that their friendship – which has lasted decades – can be ended by Colm just like that, and continues to try and make amends.

This leads to an ultimatum that will have brutal and devastating consequences, both for the two men and for their community.

On its release in 2022, The Banshees of Inisherin was a contender for the Best Picture Academy Award and is considered one of the best Irish films of recent years.

Watch even more gripping movies about best friends .

Aisha (2022)

The story of the young Aisha parallels the stories of many immigrants trying to find a new place of safety in the world.

With her father dead and she and her mother brutally treated, Nigerian worker Aisha Osagie has made her way to Ireland with the hopes of being able to settle there.

However, for years she has been shuffled around the Irish immigration system, repeating her tragic story at hearing after hearing to people who see her as just another source of paperwork.

The one light in the darkness comes when she befriends ex-convict Conor Healy, who works as a security guard at a shelter.

But their friendship is threatened when Aisha’s ability to stay in Ireland comes into question.

With strong performances from the two leads, Aisha is one of the most topical and poignant Irish movies in the context of today’s world.

The Commitments (1991)

Whilst living as an unemployed young man in northern Dublin, Jimmy Rabbitte dreams of bigger and better things.

He happens to be a music fanatic and decides one day to form one of the less likely musical groups that a working-class Irishman might form: an American-style soul band.

With the help of his family, friends, and an unlikely series of strangers, Jimmy pulls a group together, under the name “The Commitments.”

From there, it’s time to hit the rocky road to stardom, beginning with persuading the local community center to give them their first gig.

The trouble is, Jimmy’s ambition might outstrip the band’s talents.

This very relatable musical comedy-drama is one of the best Ireland movies for anyone who needs a feel-good lift with a fantastic soundtrack.

The Young Offenders (2016)

Inspired by the true story of one of Ireland’s largest drugs-based events, The Young Offenders takes place in 2007, following the two friends, Conor and Jock.

When a boat carrying smuggled drugs capsizes off the coast of West Cork, dozens of bales of cocaine end up in the ocean.

The police manage to seize the record-breaking amount of narcotics, but word spreads that one bale is missing.

Given that the bale would be worth 7 million Euros, young delinquents Conor and Jock steal some bikes and set off on a road trip that could mean the end of their troubled lives.

It should be said that the humor and atmosphere of this comedy crime caper are very Irish, but if you’re in tune with those kinds of films about Ireland, you’ll be laughing right through to the end.

Nocebo (2022)

In one of the creepier Irish films on this list, we are introduced to the successful fashion designer Christine, who is suffering from a mysterious debilitating illness.

Despite the efforts of her doctors, no one knows exactly what is causing Christine’s sickness, and her family is struggling because of it.

Then one day, a mysterious visitor arrives. Her name is Diana, and she claims to be a caregiver hired by Christine to care for her.

Christine has no memory of hiring Diana, and her husband Felix and daughter Bobs are also suspicious of her.

However, with Diana’s help, Christine begins to recover. But Diana’s methods appear to be highly unusual, perhaps even supernatural …

Fans of the psychological thriller genre will have much to enjoy in this unsettling and atmospheric horror movie.

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Dagney McKinney

Dagney (pronouns: any) is a neurodivergent writer and book nerd who is drawn to all things weird and macabre. She also loves anything to do with fast cars, unhinged anti-heroes, and salt. When she isn’t working or reading, you’re likely to find her eating Indian food, playing board games, or hiding out somewhere dark and quiet, stuck down an internet rabbit hole. The easiest way to win her over is through cats and camels.

How can you not have the hardest working soul band. The Commitments. One of the best films in Ireland.

Thanks for sharing your recommendation, Keith.

The Quiet Man is the best movie ever to come out of Ireland.

Thanks for sharing, Tom!

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28 of the Best Irish Movies to Watch for an Escape

Come for the scenery, stay for the stories.

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While some of the best Irish movies feature folktales ( Ondine ) , most look at Irish life through the eyes of ordinary people, from the Revolution in the '20s ( The Wind that Shakes the Barley ) to the Troubles in the '90s ( The Crying Game ). Biopics like My Left Foot and Hunger are riveting portraits of the individuals who made Irish history. We've also included coming-of-age movies like Circle of Friends , and comedies such as Maeve Higgins's Extra Ordinary and Waking Ned Divine —actually, just play that one right now if you need a pick-me-up.

Ranging from classic to modern, take a peek at some of the best Ireland-set and Irish-themed movies that you can stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.

Brooklyn is the story of one woman's crossroads: To stay in her new home, or return to the old one? An immigrant in 1950s New York, Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) feels lonely and alienated—until she meets Tony (Emory Cohen) and is welcomed into his warm family. When called back to Ireland, though, she's comforted by home. Adapted from ColmTóibín's novel of the same name, Brooklyn has it all: A juicy love triangle, remarkable acting, and gorgeous shots of Ireland.

In the Name of the Father

This oft-nominated 1993 drama is based on the true story of the Guildford Four, who were wrongly convicted of an IRA bombing that took the lives of off-duty British soldiers and a civilian. Daniel Day-Lewis and Pete Postlethwaite play a father and son imprisoned and fighting for their lives.

Sing Street

Directed by Once 's John Carney, Sing Street is also a musical extravaganza. Seeking an escape from his home life in 1980s Dublin, a teenage boy (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) starts a band. Sing Street will have you humming along.

This romantic fantasy features an unforgettable meet-cute: A fisherman named Syracuse (Colin Farrell) pulls up a woman in his fishing net. Her name is Ondine (Alicja Bachleda), and she may not be fully human—but she certainly brings good luck. Ondine is a riveting blend of ancient folklore and modern sensibilities.

If you've seen Once already, then you're probably already singing the title song to yourself. A breakout indie hit when it came out in 2007, Once is an aching love story between two musicians in Dublin, played by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Over the course of a week, they write the music that describes their unusual position, and their undeniable feelings for each other. The movie's success is not a surprise: It's remarkably genuine.

When Desmond Doyle's (Pierce Brosnan) wife left him in 1953 Ireland, his children were sent to orphanages. Based on a real-life series of court cases, Evelyn tracks Desmond's fight to win back his children at a time when men weren't considered capable of raising kids alone.

Extra Ordinary

Rose Dooley (Maeve Higgins) can see ghosts, but she chooses not to see them—it's too much trouble. Instead, she lives a quiet life as a driving instructor. In Extra Ordinary , she's reluctantly drawn into a local haunting, leading to a hilarious horror comedy that blends supernatural, slapstick humor, and portals to hell.

The Quiet Man

John Wayne traded in cowboy hats for the rolling fields of Ireland in The Quiet Man , a 1950s classic filmed in County Mayo. Wayne plays a retired boxer who returns to his ancestral home in Ireland and falls for a local, played by Maureen O'Hara. The movie is known for its depiction of an idealized village in 1920s Ireland. You'll understand why Wayne's character was instantly charmed.

The Commitments

Along with Once and Sing Street , The Commitments combines catchy original songs and Irish accents. In The Commitments , a group of working class Dubliners come together to form a larger-than-life soul band.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Learn about the Irish Revolution and the Irish Civil War through the eyes of two brothers—Damien (Cillian Murphy) and Teddy O'Donovan (Pádraic Delaney)—who joined the Irish Republican Army. Ken Loach's film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006.

Michael Collins

In this riveting biopic, Liam Neeson plays Michael Collins, the leader of the Irish Republican Army during the country's struggle for independence against the English.

My Left Foot

Daniel Day-Lewis earned his first Oscar for playing Christy Brown, a real-life painter with cerebral palsy who created works of art using only his left foot. Day-Lewis later teamed up with director Jim Sheridan once again for In the Name of the Father .

Losing over 40 pounds, Michael Fassbender committed to the role of Bobby Sands, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) member who led a hunger strike in 1981 while imprisoned. Directed by Steve McQueen, Hunger is a transfixing and hard-to-watch depiction of one man's sacrifice.

Good Vibrations

At a time when Belfast was entrenched in sectarian violence that disrupted city life, DJ Terri Hooley (Richard Dormer) decided to open up a record shop. Warm and effusive, Good Vibrations lives up to its title. The best part? It's based on a true story .

The Magdalene Sisters

The Magdalene Sisters is set within a cruel institution which persisted throughout the 20th century: The Magdalene Laundries, where "fallen" women and girls were sent to work without pay, and were unable to leave. According to the New York Times , the final laundry closed in 1996, but not before at least 30,000 women had passed through their doors.

Brandon Gleeson and Don Cheadle co-star in this buddy cop movie which, in 2011, became the highest-grossing independent Irish film in history (a record it still holds ). Gleeson is a garda (a member of the Irish police force) in western Ireland; Cheadle is an FBI agent sent to deal with a drug shipment that might take place on his turf.

In the opening scene of Calvary , Father James (Brendan Gleeson) takes the confession of a man who reveals he had been sexually abused by a priest as a child. Now, that man plans to exact revenge on the church—by killing Father James. The movie then introduces Father James's parishioners and their various problems, which he helps them through.

Waking Ned Divine

When Ned Divine dies from shock after winning 7 million pounds in the lottery, two of his neighbors decide to impersonate him. First, though, they need to convince the entire village to go along with the scheme. Waking Ned Divine will speak to the rabble-rouser and mischief-maker within.

Circle of Friends

Based on a book by prolific Irish novelist Maeve Binchy, Circle of Friends is about a trio of young women on the cusp of adulthood in 1950s Ireland. Simple but often profound, Circle of Friends is the definition of a gem.

The Snapper

After 20-year-old Sharon Curley ( Tina Kellegher ) becomes pregnant out of wedlock, she and her family become the talk of their close-knit community. The Snapper is an uproariously funny movie—and the second adaptation of author Roddy Doyle's Barrytown trilogy ( The Commitments , another all-time great, is the first).

Elena Nicolaou is the former culture editor at Oprah Daily. 

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Best Movies Set in Ireland (You Must Watch Before You Visit)

Before visiting a new country, a great way to get excited about your forthcoming trip is to watch some movies set in the country you are going to. And Ireland is no exception. There are a huge array of Irish films and in this post, we are sharing with you the best movies set in Ireland to watch before you visit. These are some of the best films set in Ireland to watch, even if you aren’t going to Ireland!

Agnes Brown

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From love stories set in Ireland to movies based on fiction books set in Ireland, getting ready to visit Ireland has never been easier from the comfort of your own living room. Watching a film based in a country you are about to visit can be a great way to build excitement for your forthcoming trip.

With this list of some of the best movies set in Ireland, you will soon be eager to jump on that plane bound for the Emerald Isle. Let’s dive in to find out our choice of best films set in Ireland that you need to watch before you go!

Best movies set in Ireland to watch before you go

The quiet man.

This 1952 classic starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara sees a Pittsburgh Irish-American, Sean, travel to his birthplace to purchase his family’s former farm. He falls in love with a beautiful red-haired woman, Mary Kate, whose brother is set against their union. The film follows the story of their love and the trials and tribulations of their relationship with the meddling of her brother. Enjoy scenes of the lush green landscape of Ireland.

Buy it here in the US or here in the UK.

Ryan’s Daughter

This 1970’s romantic drama is set on Ireland’s Dingle peninsula. The film follows the story of the only daughter of a publican who is bored with life in the sleepy Irish village she calls home. When an English officer is the only customer in her father’s pub on her first day serving, an affair soon starts which leads to lives unravelling and betrayal of the worst kind. Although this is a British film, this had to be included in my list thanks to the beautiful Dingle Peninsula scenery. This film was a double Oscar winner and starred Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles and Christopher Jones.

My Left Foot

One of my all-time favourite Irish drama films set in Ireland, My Left Foot is a double Oscar winner from 1989 with Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker winning awards for their amazing performances as Christy Brown and his mother Mrs Brown, respectively. The movie follows the story of Christy Brown, a boy born with cerebral palsy and both his and his family’s struggles. From being thought of as mentally slow as a child, Christy is nurtured by his mother and a dedicated teacher to become a talented artist and writer using only his left foot. This film is based on the real-life story of Christy Brown. Watch out for my favourite scene involving some profanities with his doctor.

Buy it here in the US and here in the UK.

In the Name of the Father

Another film starring Daniel Day-Lewis, and also featuring Pete Postlethwaite and Alison Crosbie, this 1993 Jim Sheridan movie follows the story of the Guildford Four, wrongly accused and convicted of the bombing of a London pub in Guilford in 1974 and their fight to prove their innocence despite signing a confession under duress. With Gerry Conlon (Day-Lewis) and both his father Guiseppe (Postlethwaite) in prison for the bombings (Guiseppe on charges of making the bomb used in the attack), it falls on Gerry’s mother to find a new lawyer to take on the case. What follows is the true story of the fight to prove the Guildford Four and the Maguire Seven’s innocence. Despite being set mostly in London, this is a must-watch film.

As one of the best dramatic comedy movies set in Ireland, The Guard is a 2011 film starring Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle and Mark Strong. With scenes from Connemara, the film sees a small-town Irish cop (Gleeson), or Garda Siochana, with an unorthodox approach to policing, not helped by his confrontational and subversive humour, partnered with an FBI agent (Cheadle) to investigate a large international drug-smuggling ring. Gleeson is the perfect actor to plays this cantankerous member of the Gardai and his performance is great.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley

The Wind that Shakes the Barley is a 2006 film starring a young Cillian Murphy (famous now for The Peaky Blinders TV series), Padraic Delaney and Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones). Set during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, the film follows the story of two brothers from County Cork, who join the Irish Republican Army to fight against the British Army for Irish independence. Despite a treaty being signed with the British, peace is short-lived, and a civil war ensues which sees countrymen pitted against countrymen, and even brothers against brothers. The film takes its name from the song of the same name which is set during the 1798 rebellion in Ireland and which is featured early on in the film.

The Commitments (The Snapper and The Van)

Fiction books set in Ireland, and which have been turned into great films, include The Commitments, The Snapper and The Van, known as the Barrytown Trilogy. All three novels by Roddy Doyle were turned into comedy movies (set in Ireland). The Commitments, a 1991 film, is the most famous of the trilogy which follows the rise and fall of a Dublin-based soul band, The Commitments.

Buy The Commitments here in the US and here in the UK.

Michael Collins

The 1996 Neil Jordan film, Michael Collins, is a biographical period drama film starring Liam Neeson as the historical Michael Collins, the man who lead the Irish National Army during the Irish Civil War and helped negotiate the creation of the Irish Free State. Enjoy scenes in Cork and famous spots across Dublin City.

Angela’s Ashes

Based on the Frank McCourt memoir of the same name, Angela’s Ashes details McCourt’s childhood after his family are forced to move from the United States back to Ireland because of financial difficulties, mostly caused by his father’s alcoholism. The film chronicles his young life in the 1930s and 1940s in Limerick, the difficulties the family faced and Frank’s struggle to earn money to return to America. The film was released in 2000 and features scenes shot in mostly Limerick and Cork, with some from Dublin and Wicklow too.

I Went Down

I Went Down is a 1998 film featuring Brendan Gleeson and Peter McDonald. Despite only being released from prison, Git (McDonald) rescues a former friend from a beating at the hands of loan sharks. Now in trouble with a mob boss, Git is sent by the boss to Cork with another shark, Bunny Kelly (Gleeson) to find a man and deliver him to someone else. This tough assignment is sometimes more than they can handle as they race from place to place trying to catch the “friendly face” they’ve been tasked with finding. Might not be to everyone’s tastes but features scenes in Dublin, Kildare and Offaly.

Currently unavailable in the US. Buy it here in the UK.

Dancing at Lughnasa

This 1998 film, adapted from the 1990 Brian Friel play, is told by a young boy. He tells the story of growing up in a fatherless home with his unmarried mother and her four spinster sisters in 1930’s Ireland. A star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon, Cathy Burke and Rhys Ifans, it was mostly shot in County Wicklow.

PS I Love You

PS I love you is a novel by Cecelia Ahern and was the first of her books that I read and loved. It has since been adapted and turned into a great romantic movie set in Ireland. When Holly’s husband Gerry dies of an illness, she travels to his homeland of Ireland with two friends where she is gradually met by ten letters he has left her which help her slowly move forward after her devastating loss. Each one ends with “PS I Love You”. While in the film only Gerry is Irish, in the book both Holly and Gerry are Irish. It is a heart-warming story featuring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler and was filmed mostly in County Wicklow.

Intermission

This 2003 film, with a cast that includes Colin Meaney, Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy and Kelly McDonald (from Trainspotting), follows the trials and tribulations of urban love with some hilarious comedy scenes shot around Dublin and Wicklow. From break-ups and make-ups to a botched robbery, Intermission is a great Irish film to watch.

Waking Ted Devine

This hilarious comedy from 1998 sees a coastal village in rural Ireland sent spinning when two elderly friends find out someone in the village has won the Irish lottery. When they discover the winner has died as a result of the shock, they and the rest of the village go to great lengths to dupe the lottery officials so everyone can share in the winnings. With twists, turns and close calls, it’s one of the best comedy films set in Ireland, although it was shot on the Isle of Man.

The Secret of Roan Inish

A 1994 film based on the novel by Rosalie K. Fry, the story follows a young 10-year-old girl who is sent to live with her grandparents in a small fishing village in Donegal, near the island of Roan Inish. While there she learns the story of the island, which local legend says the Selkie live, seals who can turn into humans. Years earlier, her brother washed out to sea in his cradle as a baby and the family believe he is being raised by Selkies. The girl sets out to discover if it is true.

The Crying Game

Starring among others Stephen Rea and Forest Whitaker, The Crying Game is a 1992 film by Neil Jordan. Fergus (Rea) is a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and has been tasked with guarding a kidnapped British soldier (Whitaker). When the hostage-taking goes wrong, Fergus escapes to London where he becomes involved in the life of the British soldier’s lover. The lover knows nothing of Fergus’ IRA involvement but nor does she share a secret of her own with him. The film features scenes from County Armagh in Northern Ireland and County Meath in the Republic of Ireland.

Far and Away

A 1992 film that features Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, the plot sees a young Irish couple in the 1890’s flee Ireland for America with a dream of owning land in the big land giveaway in Oklahoma. However, they struggle to survive, retain land and are then faced with the woman’s parents arriving from Ireland to take her back with them. Includes scenes shot in County Kerry, Wicklow and Dublin.

Veronica Guerin

One of my favourite Irish crime-drama films, this movie tells the real-life story of reporter Veronica Guerin. Released in 2003, and starring Cate Blanchet as Veronica Guerin, this film follows the life and death of Guerin, a journalist for the Sunday Independent newspaper in Ireland. Guerin reports on the escalating drugs problems in Dublin and Ireland and as result comes to the attention of the crime lords involved. Despite warning shots at her family home, she continues her pursuit to uncover the gangs and their leaders involved in the illegal importing of drugs into Ireland. In 1996, Guerin was murdered, and I remember the news reports of her murder while still living in Ireland. A great crime film which shows some of the seedier parts of Dublin and the drugs problems which the city has faced for decades.

Borstal Boy

A 2000 film centred around 16-year-old IRA volunteer Brendan Behan (political activist and writer) who, in 1941, embarked on a bombing mission from Ireland to Liverpool. When his mission is thwarted, he is arrested and imprisoned in a Borstal, a reform institution for young offenders. During his time in borstal, he is forced to live with people he considers “the enemy”. The film follows his journey and the twists and turns that force him into self-examination.   

The General

Another film featuring Brendan Gleeson as the main figure, this 1998 film set in Dublin,  Ireland tells the real-life story of Martin Cahill aka The General, a Dublin crime boss who pulled off two daring robberies in Ireland with his team which resulted in unwanted attention from the Irish police (Garda Siochana), the IRA (Irish  Republican Army) and the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force). The film depicts his rise and fall. For me, Brendan Gleeson will always be The General.

Based on the Irish novel “The Mammy” by Brendan O’Carroll, this 1999 dramatic romantic comedy set in Ireland tells the story of Agnes Brown. After the unexpected death of her husband and left with seven children ranging in ages from 2 to 14 years of age, Agnes and her family are forced into emotional and financial crisis. The story follows the family’s trials as they borrow from a loan shark and then face having to pay him back. With Angelica Houston as Agnes and featuring an appearance from singer Tom Jones, Agnes Brown is a great Irish film set in Dublin to watch before you go.

So, there you have it, some amazing movies set in Ireland to watch before you go. While some are set between both Ireland and another country, all feature scenes filmed in the country and are based on the story of Irish people and their lives.

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10 Extraordinary Movies Set In Ireland That Will Inspire You To Visit!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Travel Via Cinema , Ireland

Sofia De Vera combines a heartfelt passion for cinema with over 15 years of critiquing for esteemed film publications, wielding academic credentials from the University of Southern California and New York University, to serve as your personal guide through the enchanting worlds of film and television.  Her full guest bio can be found here.

Films are a great way to travel to a different country from the comfort of your own couch. While Hollywood is the famous epicenter of most movies, there have been many incredible films that were shot in Ireland.

Ireland is rich in cinematic settings. It has breathtaking scenery, historic buildings, quaint villages, and many more beautiful locations that can, and were, used in a wide variety of movies. Not to mention world-famous pubs and more iconic landmarks than you could shake a stick at – from spooky goals and gravesites to striking castles and historical abbeys.

We love this because one of the reasons why we watch movies is that they are a perfect way to travel to different places while being at home. It is what inspired us to visit Las Vegas , Japan , and Austria among many other places. Some other times you can visit different locations and feel like you were inside the movie (thus the popularity of visiting Middle Earth / New Zealand or James Bond’s Skyfall ).

In this article, we are going to list ten movies that were movies set in Ireland. Well, most of them are, and all use Ireland’s wonderful architectural and natural splendor. And some of the movies on this list might even surprise you.

With so many great classic and blockbuster films set here, however, just be sure not to overdose with an all weekend Netflix binge. Or do – we always thought moderation was overrated anyway.

So off we go with our list of ten movies set in Ireland…

Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or elsewhere.

You can get one month free of Amazon Prime (or a 6-month trial for students ) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.

Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions . Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best. 

While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.

Page Contents

The Crying Game (1992)

The princess bride (1987), grabbers (2012), lassie (2005), p.s. i love you (2007), braveheart (1995), ella enchanted (2004), saving private ryan (1998), the italian job (1969), bloody sunday (2002).

The Crying Game is a thriller film written and directed by Neil Jordan and starring Stephen Rea, Miranda Richardson and Forest Whitaker. The film tells the story of Irish Republican Army member Fergus (Rea) who forms an unexpected bond with kidnapped British soldier Jody (Whitaker), who is in his custody.

Jody makes Fergus promise he’ll visit his girlfriend in London, and when Fergus flees to the city, he seeks her out. Hunted by his former IRA colleagues, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the enigmatic and surprising girlfriend.

The Crying Game was mostly shot in London, but the opening fairground scenes were filmed in Laytown, a village in County Meath, located on the R150 regional road and overlooking the Irish Sea. Some of the locals from the Laytown, Bettystown, and Mornington areas were used as extras.

The Princess Bride is a fantasy/adventure film directed by Rob Reiner and based on the William Goldman novel, starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, and the late André the Giant, who was a professional wrestler at the time of filming.

This cult classic fairy tale tells the story of a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find and save her after a long separation. To be able to be reunited with each other they must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin.

The Princess Bride was mostly shot in the United Kingdom, but some filming was also done in Ireland, and this movie was actually one of the first to feature the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, or the ‘Cliffs of Insanity’, as they are called in the film, located in County Clare, in the Mid-West Region and the province of Munster. This is the only Irish location that can be seen in the movie, but because it is such a stunning location and the first time it was used as a cinematic setting we decided to include this movie on this list.

You may also recognize the cliffs as the rocky shore where Dumbledore takes Harry to find the Horcrux in Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince (2009).

Grabbers is a horror/comedy film directed by Jon Wright and stars Richard Coyle, Ruth Bradley, Russell Tovey and Bronagh Gallagher. It is a co-production of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Erin Island is a nice little (and fictional) fishing village off the coast of Ireland, where the charming Ciaran O’Shea is tasked with greeting Lisa Nolan, a straight-laced young officer who visits from the mainland when strange things start happening. The entire crew of a fishing boat disappears, whales wash up dead onshore, and a local lobsterman catches a strange creature with tentacles. Soon it becomes clear to O’Shea and Nolan that an alien invasion is upon them, and there is only one way for the villagers to stay alive: Get drunk.

Grabbers is a nice little horror-comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. When you watch it you get the impression the director was going for a Tremors on the coast-like movie, but instead, the tone of the movie more resembles John Carpenter’s The Fog at times, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Erin Island is a fictional village, and production took full advantage of the beautiful Irish west coast, where the movie was filmed.

A large portion of the movie was shot on Rathlin Island, an island and civil parish off the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Most of the beach scenes were shot in Donegal, a small town located in County Donegal. Another location that can be seen in the movie is the beautiful Inishowen,  the largest peninsula of Ireland.

Lassie is an adventure film based on Eric Knight’s famous novel Lassie Come-Home published in 1940. The film was directed and written by Charles Sturridge and stars Peter Dinklage, Peter O’Toole, and Edward Fox.

The movie tells the story of Young Joe Carraclough and his family, who love their faithful collie named Lassie. When Joe’s father gets fired from his mining job he has no choice but to sell the dog to the Duke of Rudling (O’Toole), who wishes to give Lassie to his granddaughter. When the duke moves to northern Scotland to avoid the dangers of World War II, Lassie escapes and starts on a 500-mile journey to reunite with her family.

Filming on Lassie took place in Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Ireland. Some of the Irish locations include Clancy Quay, a residential development of houses and apartments in Islandbridge, Dublin, The Grand Lodge of Ireland, the second most senior Grand Lodge of Freemasons in the world and the oldest in existence, and Killruddery House, a large country house on the southern outskirts of Bray in County Wicklow.

Back in early 2005, the then Minister for the Arts John O’Donoghue announced that Ireland had been chosen as the prime filming destination for the film and thus its position on this list of extraordinary movies set in Ireland.

Fun fact: Lassie is a remake of the film Lassie Come Home released in 1943, and the seventh movie about everyone’s favorite collie.

P.S. I Love You is an American romantic comedy film directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, and Lisa Kudrow. The screenplay was written by LaGravenese and Steven Rogers based on the Cecelia Ahern novel of the same name published in 2004.

Swank won the 2008 People’s Choice Irish Film and Television Award for Best International Actress for her role in the film. The story revolves around Holly Kennedy (Swank) whose husband Gerry (Butler) dies from an illness. But Gerry planned ahead anticipating how hard Holly would take his death.

As soon as Holly turns 30 she receives the first in a series of letters written by him, designed to ease her grief and encouraging her to move on with her life.

P.S. I Love You was mainly filmed in Ireland and features some beautiful and stunning scenery of the countryside of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Some of the locations that can be seen in the movie are the Sally Gap, one of two east-to-west passes across the Wicklow Mountains, the Blessington Lakes, and Whelan’s Bar located in Dublin , which in the movie stands in for the local pub.

If there is one movie that will make you want to take the trip to Ireland, this is it. And if you do like to visit the glorious locations featured in the movie it’s as easy as just hiring a car and driving south of Dublin, or book one of the organized tours.

Braveheart is an American war/drama film directed by Mel Gibson, who also co-produced the movie and played the lead role. The film tells the story of the legendary thirteenth-century Scottish hero Sir William Wallace (Gibson), a late-13th-century Scottish warrior.

After he suffers a personal tragedy from English soldiers Wallace rallies the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I. He tries to bring together a group of amateur warriors that are stronger than any English army.

Soon after the movie was released the tourism industry of Scotland recorded a boost of over 100 percent – with the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye being swamped. Little did these tourists know however that most of the battle scenes were actually filmed in Ireland. Scenes taking place in London were filmed at Bective Abbey, a Cistercian abbey on the River Boyne in Bective, County Meath. The Battle of Stirling Bridge was filmed on the Curragh Plains, One of the oldest and most extensive tracts of semi-natural grassland in Europe .

Other Irish locations that were used for filming are The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, a medieval church building located in Galway, Dunsoghly Castle, a National Monument, and a castle located in the civil parish of St. Margarets, Fingal, and the Coronation Plantation in the Sally Gap, Wicklow Mountains.

A lot of scenes were also shot in Scotland , but since this article is about movies set in Ireland, so we will leave the Scottish locations for another time.

Ella Enchanted is a romantic fantasy film directed by Tommy O’Haver, written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, and starring Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, and Cary Elwes. The film tells the fairytale-like story of Ella (Hathaway) who lives in a magical world.

When she was a baby, she was enchanted by a fairy. Ella’s gift, or curse, is that of obedience. She does whatever she is told. As a result, Ella is unable to refuse orders and is therefore at the mercy of all kinds of strange characters. In an attempt to regain control of her life, Ella sets off on a mission where she finds herself in a world of man-eating giants, deranged stepsisters, and talking books.

And with a bit of luck, she will also find the prince of her dreams.

Ella Enchanted was mostly filmed in Ireland, in and around Dublin and Wicklow. Appearing in the film are the Powerscourt Estate & Gardens, a large country estate which is noted for its house and landscaped gardens, located in Enniskerry, County Wicklow.

You can also spot the famous Fancy Mountain, which official name is Luggala, and is the 230th-highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale. Other scenes were filmed at Killruddery House, a large country house on the southern outskirts of Bray in County Wicklow, and the quaint village of Kiltegan.

Saving Private Ryan is an American war film directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Robert Rodat and starring Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore and Edward Burns. The movie revolves around Captain John Miller (Hanks), who takes his men behind enemy lines. Their mission: to find Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed during combat.

Set on the brutal stage of war each man embarks upon a personal journey and discovers their own strength to triumph over an uncertain future with honor, courage and decency.

A lot can, and has, been written about this Spielberg epic, so for the sake of this article we will focus solely on the Irish shooting location featured in the opening of the movie. To authentically depict the Omaha Beach landings in France, Spielberg wanted an almost exact replica of the Omaha Beach landscape for the movie, including sand and a bluff similar to the one where German forces were stationed at the time.

A very near match was found in Ballinesker Beach, Curracloe Strand, Ballinesker, just east of Curracloe, in County Wexford. Production of this sequence cost a whopping US $12 million and involved up to 1,500 extras, some of whom were members of the Irish Reserve Defense Forces.

Filming on the beach began in 1997 and lasted for two months, after which every trace of the set was removed, and the beach painstakingly restored to its previous state.

The Italian Job is a British crime/comedy film, directed by Peter Collinson, written by Troy Kennedy Martin, and starring Michael Caine, Noel Coward, and the famous British comedian Benny Hill. It tells the story of ex-con Charlie Croker (Caine) who has a plan for a grand theft in Turin, Italy.

The plan comes from Mr. Bridger (Coward), who has masterfully worked everything out while being incarcerated.

Together with other former prisoners, Charlie starts organizing a plot to steal a lot of gold by staging the biggest traffic jam of the century. A daring plan, especially since the mafia in the area is controlling everything and everybody.

The Italian Job was filmed in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Some scenes in the movie are set within the Wormwood Scrubs prison located in London. This was actually filmed at the Kilmainham Gaol prison at Inchicore, located just outside of Dublin. The prison was not in use at the time of filming.

It can be seen in the opening scene in which Charlie Croker leaves the prison and later on in the movie when Bridger triumphantly walks down the central staircase once the robbery has been successfully executed. Today the former prison houses a museum.

The fake funeral scenes, which Bridger staged for his Great Aunt Nellie, and where he gives Croker and his mob one final briefing, were filmed on the outskirts of Dublin at the Cruagh Cemetery.

Bloody Sunday is a British-Irish film written and directed by Paul Greengrass and starring James Nesbitt, Tim Pigott-Smith and Gerard Crossan. The film is based around the Bloody Sunday shootings that happened in 1972 in Derry, located in Northern Ireland.

A peaceful protest march led by civil rights activist Ivan Cooper (Nesbitt) turns into a slaughter. British soldiers opened fire on a defenseless crowd, killing 13 people and wounding 14 more. This film follows Cooper throughout the day like it’s a documentary, and it chronicles the events leading up to the horrific incident and the bloody aftermath that followed.

While the film is set in Derry, it was mostly shot in Ballymun, an outer suburb of Dublin, located at the northern edge of the Northside. Some filming was indeed done at Derry, however, at locations that were on the actual route of the march in 1972. The Guildhall for instance, is a guildhall in which the elected members of Derry City and Strabane District Council met. Other scenes were shot at Creggan, a large housing estate.

And that concludes our list of top ten movies set in Ireland. We hope this list will inspire you to watch some of these great films, and that in turn might inspire you to actually take the trip. There are plenty of reasons to visit Ireland. As we already mentioned, the Cliffs of Moher are a sight to be seen by itself. But Ireland is also perfect for hiking, taking road trips, exploring castles, eating seafood and drinking some of the finest whiskeys.

And then there are the many buzzing cities to visit, or you could explore the natural wonders and quaint villages that make up the countryside. If you are based in the UK, you can easily take your car and catch the Holyhead to Dublin ferry or be inspired by these Irish Ferries Holidays for a larger European movie location tour – perhaps with France , Germany , and the Netherlands ?

There is plenty to see and do in Ireland, and watching some of the great movies set in on this list should whet your appetite quite a bit.

12 Best Irish Movies On Netflix In March 2024

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2024

This is a guide to the best Irish movies on Netflix . And, I’ll level with you… there aren’t many!

In years past Netlflix had some of  the best Irish films ever made available to watch but, as of March 2024, it’s pretty slim pickings.

However, there are some decent Irish films on Netflix, including  ‘My Sailor My Love’  (set on Achill Island) and the comedy  ‘Hard Times’ .

Table of Contents

The best Irish movies on Netflix

Photos via Tourism Ireland press pack

We’ve done our best below to bring together a mix of the best Irish movies Netflix has to offer. Unfortunately, you won’t find old-school favourites, like The Commitments, as it isn’t part of their catalogue.

You will, however, find a heap of movies that you (hopefully) haven’t watched/heard of that’ll keep you gripped from start to finish, like ‘Waking The Titanic’ .

1. Hard Times

One of the few Irish comedy films on Netflix is  ‘Hard Times’ . The film is set in the fictional village of Kilcoulin’s Leap – an area that’s down on its luck.

A group from the village decide the best way to bring prosperity back to the town is to steal a consignment of ‘blue pills’ and then sell them in Amsterdam.

However, things take a turn when they store the stolen pills in the village’s Holy well. I watched this recently and very much enjoyed it!

The need-to-knows about the movie:

• Genre: Comedy-drama
• Release date: 2009
• Starring: John Lynch, Linda Hamilton, Cornelius Clarke and Lochlainn O’Mearain
• Plot in a nutshell: In an attempt to bring prosperity to their town, villagers steal a consignment of ‘blue pills’

2. My Sailor My Love

Photos via Shutterstock

One of the more overlooked Irish movies on Netflix is  ‘My Sailor My Love’ , set on Mayo’s Achill Island.

The story follows a retired sea captain who lives on his own in a scenic but rural part of Ireland that has lost his way, letting both himself and his home deteriorate.

That is until his daughter hires a local woman to help him around the house and love (eventually) blossoms. If you’re after Irish romance movies on Netflix, give this a bash.

• Genre: Romance-drama
• Release date: 2022
• Starring: James Cosmo, Brid Brennan and Catherine Walker
• Plot in a nutshell: Story follows a retired sea captain living alone on an island who starts a relationship with a local widow

3. Apocalypse Clown

One of the more unusual Irish films on Netflix is  ‘Apocalypse Clown’ , which was filmed in Dublin and Kildare.

The story follows a clown called  ‘Bobo’ who, along with some other clowns and a reporter called  ‘Jenny’ try to uncover what caused Ireland’s technology to collapse.

The world has gone into a spin and chaos has hit Ireland – this is the clowns last chance to ‘Make it big’ . This sounds a bit mental. Hit play above. It  looks  mental, too!

• Genre: Comedy
• Release date: 2023
• Starring: David Earl, Natalie Palamides and Amy De Bhrún
• Plot in a nutshell: Ireland’s technology is mysteriously brought to a halt and chaos ensues, forcing a group of clowns to give their dream one last short

4. The Irish Wish (arrives March 15th)

One of the newest Irish movies on Netflix lands on March 15th – ‘The Irish Wish’ , starring Lindsay Lohan was recorded in Dalkey, Temple Bar, Wicklow and in parts of Clare.

It follows a book editor, played by Lohan, who’s set to be a bridesmaid at her friends wedding. However, a few days before the big day, she wishes she  was  the bride.

She wakes up the next day and, Voilà, she’s the bride. The plot doesn’t  sound  great but, as it’s being released around St. Patrick’s Day, it’ll likely become one of the most popular Irish romance movies on Netflix by month end.

• Genre: Romantic-comedy
• Release date: 2024
• Starring: Lindsay Lohan
• Plot in a nutshell: A book editor, played by Lindsay Lohan, wishes to be the bride at her friend’s wedding and wakes up the next day to find her wish magically granted

5. Waking The Titanic

This is  not  a documentary about the Titanic – it’s so much more! ‘Waking The Titanic’  tells the story of 14 people from the village of Addergoole in County Mayo who sought a better life.

Out of the 14 boarded the Titanic, only 3 survived. The movie tells the tale of the loss experienced by those who’s loved ones were lost to the sinking of the Titanic.

• Genre: Docu-drama
• Release date: 2012
• Starring: Rachel Duffy, Caroline Hegarty and Miriam Kelly
• Plot in a nutshell: The documentary tells the story of 14 people that left a small village in Ireland in search of a better life

Arguably one of the better known Irish films on Netflix is  ‘Belfast’ , starring Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan.

It follows the lives of a working-class Protestant family living in Belfast and facing the challenges experienced during the Troubles in Belfast.

The movie is seen through the eyes of  ‘Buddy’  who’s father has gone to England for work. Life for the family becomes increasingly unsafe and they are forced to make a life-changing decision.

• Genre: Drama
• Release date: 2021
• Starring: Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan
• Plot in a nutshell: It follows the challenges faced by a working-class family in Belfast during the Troubles

7. Black Ice

One of the older Irish movies on Netflix is  ‘Black Ice’ , starring Killian Scott and Jane McGrath. It’s set in Donegal but the movie was filmed in Leitrim and Sligo.

It looks at the world of underground car racing in rural Ireland. The story follows siblings Alice who’s brother lost his life during a race. She is in a relationship with Jimmy (Scott) who is well-known on the car racing scene.

The pair attempt to break into the legitimate rally scene, but things aren’t as straightforward as they may seem

• Release date: 2013
• Starring: Jane McGrath, Killian Scott, Dermot Murphy and Marian Quinn
• Plot in a nutshell: Siblings Tom and Alice escape small town boredom by rallying around rural Irish roads

8. Derry Girls

Right, it’s not a movie, but it’s one of the only Irish series on Netflix at the minute and, as you’re probably aware, it’s a belter!

Derry Girls was created and written by Lisa McGee and is set in County Derry in Northern Ireland during the 1990s.

The show follows Erin and her friends as they battle the highs and lows of teenage life in Derry.

If you’re in search of a great show and you’re not bothered about whether or not it’s Irish, dive into our guide to the 17 best series on Netflix Ireland .

The best eh-they’re-only-kinda Irish films on Netflix

I define an ‘Irish movie’ as one that’s set in Ireland. If you disagree with that then fair enough! 

There’s an absolute clatter of movies on Netflix that are widely regarded as ‘Irish movies’, as they feature Irish actors or because they are partly set in Ireland.

Below, you’ll find three of the most popular Irish films on Netflix that are very debatably Irish.

1. The Foreigner

The film follows Ngoc Minh Quan’s (Jackie Chan) search for answers and justice when his daughter is caught up in an IRA attack.

Quan ultimately decides to seek vengeance instead of waiting for the perpetrators to be caught. Travelling to Ireland, he pursues and attempts to confront former Provisional IRA member, Liam Hennessy (Pierce Brosnan) who is now the Deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland and knows more than he lets on. 

Director Martin Campbell has crafted a nail-biting action movie and also stars Charlie Murphy.

2. P.S. I Love You (25% on Rotten Tomatoes)

P.S. I Love You is based on a book of the same name by Cecelia Ahern, who penned it when she was just 21, in 2004.

Now, if horrific Irish accents trouble you, avoid this one . Whoever gave the OK for Gerard Butler’s Irish accent needs a good kick up the backside.

Holly and Gerry are happily married. Then tragedy strikes and Gerry passes away. Holly discovers that Gerry has left her letters that she receives at random intervals. One takes her to Ireland.

This is arguably one of the most notable movies set in Ireland on Netflix, with many visiting Ireland every year to see the filming locations.

3. The Siege of Jadotville (64% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Set in 1961, during the United Nations Operation in the Congo, this action film is the story of how an Irish Army peacekeeping unit fends off an attack by a group of mercenaries hired by mining companies who support a new Congolese government.

Directed by Richie Smyth, and leading the charge is Jamie Dornan, as Commandant Pat Quinn, with Guillaume Canet as the mercenary Rene Faulques, and Mark Strong as zealous Conor Cruise O’Brien who try to prevent an escalation in the conflict.

FAQs about the best Irish movies on Netflix

We’ve had a fair few emails about this guide since it first went live, like ‘Why isn’t x movie included?’.

Below, we’ll attempt to answer the most FAQ, but shout in the comments if you have one that hasn’t been tackled.

What are the best Irish films on Netflix?

In our opinion, the best Irish movies on Netflix are Hard Times, My Sailor My Love, Waking The Titanic and Black Ice.

Are there any comedy Irish movies on Netflix?

As of March 2024, the only Irish comedy on Netflix is Hard Times. Netflix have removed a lot of great movies over the past year.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Tuesday 21st of March 2023

Rick J Lynch

Wednesday 3rd of November 2021

carol barron

Wednesday 20th of January 2021

Calm with horses

Monday 18th of January 2021

In the name of the father. One of the most important Irish movies made.

Sunday 25th of October 2020

Song of the Sea!!!

Wednesday 17th of March 2021

Song of the sea is awesome

The 45 Best Irish Movies to Make Your St. Patrick's Day Celebration Complete

Spend March 17 watching your favorite Irish actors in these new and classic films.

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You can always head home and watch a good Irish movie. (Or maybe stay on the couch in the first place? Green beer is overrated.) With such a rich cinematic tradition, film fans are spoiled for choice. If you're having a hard time a narrowing it down, these are the best Irish films to watch on St. Patrick's Day in 2024. Some of them will give a look into Ireland's history, including some of the national heroes. There are comedies, horror films, dramas, great rom-coms , musicals and even the occasional sci-fi flick. Many are award winners, tallying up several Oscar and Golden Globe nominations apiece. Basically, you can find a good, Irish film no matter what you're in the mood for.

Looking for more great ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:

The Best Irish Movies & TV Shows on Netflix | The Best Irish Songs | St. Patrick's Day Traditions

Flora and Son (2023)

This film comes from John Carney, an Irish director known for making music-centric films like Sing Street and Once (both also on this list). This one follows a single mother who gets her son a guitar when the police advise her to find him a productive hobby. When she starts to take lessons from a guitar teacher in Los Angeles, they all learn how music can be a way to bond. The film stars Eve Hewson, the daughter of a pretty popular Irish musician: U2's Bono.

Nocebo (2022)

This is one for the horror fans: A fashion designer (Eva Green) falls ill after being bitten by a tick, and doctors are unsure how to help her. When her new nanny offers to use folk healing methods, it seems to do the trick — but is there something else going on?

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The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

When it came out, this film got eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. It walked away with none of them — fitting, given the themes of the movie — but it did win the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Comedy. It's easy to see how it racked up so many accolades; the film is built around two tour-de-force performances from two incredible actors: Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. In it, they play two one-time best friends who have to re-assess their relationship, and their approaches to their lives in general, when one turns a cold shoulder to the other.

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Belfast (2021)

Director Kenneth Branagh based this black-and-white movie on his own experiences growing up in Ireland, so it's meaningful that this film earned him the Oscar for Best Director. Belfast takes place against the backdrop of skirmishes between Catholics and Protestants in 1969, when a 9-year-old boy has his eyes opened to the inner lives of his family and neighbors.

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Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)

The film is based on the play Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley, writer of Moonstruck and writer/director of Doubt . (Shanley also directed this one.) In it, Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt star as neighbors and childhood friends. As their parents age, they have to decide what to do with their land, and if they want to honor their at-odds families' intentions and rules for the properties. The decision gets complicated when they factor in their feelings for each other, and the way they view themselves.

Wolfwalkers (2020)

The movie was made by the acclaimed Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, which often interprets Irish folklore in movies like this one, Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells (both also on this lst). In this one, an English hunter and is rebellious daughter, Robyn, are sent to a village in 1650s Ireland. Their mission: To clear out the woods, including a wolf pack that has been terrorizing the locals. Robyn is eager to join on the hunt, until she meets a friend who may or may not belong to the pack, which possibly assumes human form by day and wolf form at night.

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Sea Fever (2020)

For science fiction fans, this one has elements of both underwater and outer-space movies. It follows a scientist who embeds herself on a fishing trawler to study marine biology. When the crew starts to get mysteriously ill, she finds evidence they've come in contact with a life form that no one has seen or experienced before.

The Hole in the Ground (2019)

If you can't get to this one in time for St. Patrick's Day, you can always make it your Mother's Day movie : It's about a mom who suspects her son's been replaced with an imposter. (Creepy!) When it opened in 2019, this was the highest-grossing Irish movie.

Ordinary Love (2019)

Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville play a married couple whose relationship is rocked with a diagnosis of breast cancer. What follows is a story of enduring love in the face of adversity.

Black '47 (2018)

This is a dark revenge drama that plays out against the backdrop of the Irish Famine. And, though it takes place in Ireland, many critics say the gritty pulpiness makes it feel more like an American Western.

Bad Day for the Cut (2017)

This is another one for people who like gritty revenge thrillers: It follows a farmer who sets off on a mission to avenge the murder of his elderly mother. But, as we have to wonder with all revenge movies, is all that violence justified?

Cardboard Gangsters (2017)

In this crime-centered underdog story, a group of amateur gangster try to take over their town's drug trade. When it came out, it was a box-office phenomenon in Ireland, making it the highest grossing Irish film of the year.

Sing Street (2016)

Adapted into a Broadway show, this movie is so many crowd-pleasing things at once: It's an underdog story, a coming-of-age-tale and a musical all rolled into one. It takes place in 1980s Ireland, where a young, socially outcast boy decides he wants to start a band to help make friends and — what else? — impress a girl.

A Date for Mad Mary (2016)

Mary is recently released from prison — just in time to be the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding. When the bride says Mary wouldn't be able to find a date in time, Mary takes it as a challenge and starts a hapless search for love. The movie won an Irish Film and Television Award for Best Irish Film of 2016.

Brooklyn (2015)

Saoirse Ronan stars as an Irish immigrant in 1950s New York City, and she has to decide between a life in Brooklyn or her old one back home. (Warning to those feeling homesick: It will make you want to call your family.) The film was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Song of the Sea (2015)

This movie is another entry from the acclaimed Cartoon Saloon, and this one is equally magical. It follows a lighthouse keeper and his two kids who, isolated on the seashore, live a life full of adventures with mystical beings — some working for good, and some for evil.

Philomena (2014)

Based on the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee , this movie tells the story of journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), who is approached to help a woman, Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), find the son she gave up for adoption in Ireland. In researching the story, Sixsmith uncovers a much larger story about women coerced into giving up their babies. When it came out, it was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress.

Calvary (2014)

In this pitch-dark comedy, an Irish priest played by Brendan Gleeson receives a death threat, and he has a week to figure out if it's for real. He spends the next seven days getting his affairs in order while visiting with parishioners who may be evocative of the seven deadly sins.

The Irish Pub (2013)

If you're a pint-drinker, chances are you've been in one, or a facsimile of one, but what makes the aura and the atmosphere of an Irish pub so special? This documentary sets out to answer that questions by talking to pub owners all over Ireland.

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The Guard (2011)

An American FBI agent, played by Don Cheadle, is called into Ireland to help solve a murder and drug case. Getting nowhere with the locals, he has to team up with a brash member of the Garda. Can the two of them overcome their odd-couple mismatch to solve the crime?

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} The Best Movies to Watch

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Laura Linney, Maggie Smith Make a Pilgrimage to Lourdes in ‘The Miracle Club’ – First Look (EXCLUSIVE)

By Manori Ravindran

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Executive Editor of International

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Variety can reveal a first look at Maggie Smith and Laura Linney in the new drama “The Miracle Club,” which has wrapped production in Ireland and is now in post.

The Dublin-shot film, which also stars Kathy Bates, centers on four Dublin women who come together on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Lourdes in France, where they discover the solidarity in their friendship and unveil their own personal miracles.

Directed by Thaddeus O’Sullivan, “The Miracle Club” wrapped over the summer at Ardmore Studios in Dublin.

Popular on Variety

“The Miracle Club” is an official co-production between Chris Curling‘s London-based Zephyr Films and Larry Bass’s Dublin production banner ShinAwiL.

It is produced by Josh Maurer and Alix Witlin of City Films Entertainment and Curling. Bass, Aaron Farrell, and John Gleeson and Oisín O’Neill (both from Irish financier BCP) are also producers.

Meanwhile, Embankment, the sales arm of newly formed Free Range Entertainment, are handling worldwide sales and arranged financing, which is provided by Ireland’s BCP, Ingenious Media, Screen Ireland and the BFI. Louise Nathanson and Anna Vincent are executive producers for Hianlo.

Embankment have pre-sold the film to a number of international distributors, including Lionsgate in the U.K.

Tim Haslam, co-founder of Embankment, said: “Perhaps the miracles we are searching for are actually right in front of us –– and today, after a couple of years sustained by total determination, Thaddeus and our ladies now perform their own miracle – served up with their own delicious humour.”

First look below:

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17 Romantic Irish Movies on Hallmark, Netflix & Amazon

Stay in tonight and enjoy one of these romantic Irish movies! After all, it’s never been easier to do a movie marathon with the best Irish films being available on streaming options!

With its sweeping landscapes and towering castles, the country of Ireland can be such a romantic place.

Whether you’re searching for an Irish love story to watch with your significant other on Valentine’s Day or hoping to add a little romance to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration at home, romantic Irish movies are a great option!

And since there are a variety of amazing stories that come out of this romantic country, you’re sure to find a movie or two to add to your watch list for your next movie date night.

17 Romantic Irish Movies on Hallmark, Netflix, & Amazon

From romantic movies set in Ireland to American stories featuring Irish roots, there are plenty of beautiful love stories to choose from on this list of Irish movie ideas!

And the best part is that you can stream all these titles on your favorite platform – including Amazon Video / Amazon Prime, Hallmark Movies, and Netflix!

After waiting for her boyfriend to pop the question, Anna decides to take matters into her own hands. She books a trip to Ireland where she plans to propose on Leap Day -- because according to Irish tradition, a man who receives a proposal on Leap Day must accept it.

This movie stars Amy Adams and Matthew Goode.

Finding You

This is one of our favorite coming-of-age-movies you may have never seen! Based on Jenny B. Jones' book, a young violinist woman goes to an Irish coastal village to study abroad.

She connects to her Irish host-family that run a bed-and-breakfast in the small town in Ireland. There is where she meets a handsome actor, Beckett.

It stars Rose Reid, Jedidiah Goodacre, and Katherine McNamara.

P.S. I Love You

After her husband dies, a young widow discovers that he wrote her a series of letters to help guide her through her grief and rediscover herself in this inspiring romantic drama.

This movie stars Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler.

The Quiet Man

An American boxer returns to his hometown in Ireland to win the hand of a spirited Irish woman in this classic Irish comedy starring John Wayne, Maureen O' Hara, and Barry Fitzgerald.

A young Irish woman is an immigrant that arrives in Brooklyn in the 1950s. This is the city where she falls in love with a local.

When her past catches up to her, she's forced to choose between her two countries and the life she led in each location.

This film stars Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, and Emory Cohen.

Wild Mountain Thyme

A headstrong Irish farmer is smitten by her neighbor, Anthony Reilly, who is seemingly cursed when it comes to love.

After an American family member is poised to buy Reilly's farm, he's forced to pursue his dreams in this romantic Irish comedy.

This romantic Irish movie stars Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, and Jon Hamm.

Love, Rosie

Alex and Rosie have been friends since they were kids. But when Alex's family moves from Ireland to America, the pair are forced to keep their romance alive across the years and miles between them.

This film stars Lily Collins, Sam Claflin, and Christian Cooke.

After an Irish fisherman discovers a woman caught in his fishing net, his daughter is convinced she's a selkie, a seal who turns into a human on land.

To help protect the woman and appease his dying daughter, the man agrees to hide her away in a cottage where the two grow close.

Colin Farrell, Tony Curran, Stephen Rea star in this thrilling romance.

Laws of Attraction

Two opposing New York divorce attorneys are forced to work together to reconcile the separation of a celebrity couple.

After the pair travel to Ireland to dissolve the couple's estate,, they wake up to find themselves married to each other in this charming romantic comedy.

This film stars Julianne Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and Parker Posey.

Tristan & Isolde

Set during the Dark Ages, this romantic drama features a doomed romance between the second in line to Britain's throne and the princess of the feuding Irish.

This Irish movie features a young James Franco, Sophia Myles, and Rufus Sewell.

Far And Away

When a young Irish couple immigrates to Boston in the 1890s, they struggle to earn enough money to travel west in hopes of the American Dream.

This epic Ron Howard film stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

If you love Nancy Meyer's The Holiday, we have a strong suspicion you may also enjoy this house-swapping drama.

This movie stars Andie MacDowell, Olivia Williams, and Maria Doyle Kennedy.

Ryan's Daughter

When a married Irish woman has a dangerous affair with a British soldier during World War I, she's immediately accused of betraying her country in this Irish romantic drama.

This classic stars Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles, and John Mills.

A Dublin street musician begins a friendship with a street hawker, and the pair come together to write and record a series of songs.

As they make music together, their relationship grows past friendship and into something more in this popular Irish romance movie.

Irish Hallmark Movies

Forever in My Heart

In this Hallmark original, Jenna and Charlie fell in love during their time in Ireland, but life drove them apart. Five years down the road, the pair reunite, and Jenna is forced to decide between her new life at home and love in Ireland.

This movie stars Merritt Patterson and Jack Turner.

Love's Portrait

When a museum curator uncovers a painting that looks exactly like her, she travels to Ireland to seek out the artist.

While she's there, she meets a charming man who offers to help her find the painter and rediscover love along the way.

This Hallmark original stars Aubrey Reynolds and Richard McWilliams.

As Luck Would Have It

Hoping to fulfill her life-long dream, Lindsey travels to Ireland to purchase land that would be perfect for a resort.

While she's in town, she enters a matchmaking contest to prove her passion for the project and win over the heart of a handsome local.

This Irish Hallmark movie stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Allen Leech.

We hope this list of best romantic Irish movies helped you escape to the Emerald Isle — even if it’s only through a romantic film.

You may also like:

• Lucky St. Patty’s Day Brownies
• 17 St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
• 25 Best Romantic Movie Date Night Ideas

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25 Must-Watch Irish Movies: From Brooklyn to The Quiet Man

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Top 15 Interesting Facts about The Renaissance

1. brooklyn (2015).

2. Once (2007)

3. The Quiet Man (1952)

4. The Commitments (1991)

5. kisses (2008).

Photo by Diogo Palhais on Unsplash

6. In the Name of the Father (1993)

7. hunger (2008).

8. Calvary (2014)

9. Bloody Sunday (2002)

10. the crying game (1992), 11. p.s. i love you (2007).

12. Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)

13. Leap Year (2010)

14. Waking Ned Devine (1998)

15. Far and Away (1992)

16. Angela’s Ashes (1999)

17. the secret of kells (2010).

18. The Hole In The Ground (2019)

19. The Guard (2011)

20. In America (2003)

21. the snapper (1993).

Photo by Noom Peerapong on Unsplash

22. Sea Fever (2020)

23. The Boxer (1997)

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24. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2007)

25. ondine (2010).

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14 Best Romantic Movies Set in Ireland

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These romantic movies set in Ireland are the perfect thing to watch before a family trip to Ireland or for a fun St. Patrick’s Day movie night at home.

When you’re planning a big trip that is months away, it is fun to take advantage of the waiting time to get excited about the adventure and learn more about your destination.

These romantic movies set in Ireland have been on my watch list as we plan our big trip to Dublin, Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day in March.

Some of the classic movies like The Quiet Man have long been some of my favorites, but there have been so many new movies to come out that were filmed in Ireland that I’ve added to the list.

Most of the Irish movies have plots that actually take place in Ireland, too. However, some start in Ireland and move to New York or the other way around.

I did include one documentary filmed in Ireland about the Irish Pubs that looked especially fun to watch before a trip, too.

Queue up one of these romantic movies set in Ireland for St. Patrick's Day or to get yourself excited ahead of a trip to Ireland! Each of the movies was filmed on location and includes romantic Irish characters.

As Luck Would Have It

Lindsey travels to Ireland to acquire land that is perfect for a resort. She decides to enter the town's matchmaking festival to prove her investment and win over a handsome local. Starring JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Allen Leech.

The Quiet Man

A tired American ex-boxer returns to his native hamlet in Ireland to win the hand of a spirited young woman.

Starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, this is one of my husband's favorite romantic movies set in Ireland!

Finding You

An unlikely romance is sparked when an aspiring violinist encounters a heartthrob movie star filming his new fantasy-action film in an Irish coastal village.

Wild Mountain Thyme

Rosemary is set on winning Anthony's love. Anthony, stung by his father's plan to sell the farm in Ireland to his American cousin, is finally jolted into pursuing his dreams.

Dare to Be Wild

Lost and Found

Seven interconnecting stories center around the lost and found office in an Irish train station.

In this charming love story based on the best-selling novel, a young Irish immigrant (Saoirse Ronan) travels to New York City and is torn between two countries and two men.

A street musician and a young mother discover each other's talents and push one another to realize their dreams.

Once was shot in Dublin, Ireland. Filming locations included Simon's Place, Dublin Airport, St. Stephen's Green, Dunnes Stores, and Mountjoy Square East.

P.S. I Love You

A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her 10 messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life.

Far And Away

Director Ron Howard tells the story of a young Irish immigrant couple who land in 1890s Boston, struggling to earn enough money to continue west for a wild and wooly Oklahoma land run.

Laws of Attraction

Sparks fly in this breezy rom-com about rival lawyers hired to represent opposite sides in a celebrity divorce case.

Laws of Attraction was filmed at Humewood Castle in County Wicklow, Ireland along with spots in Dublin, Ireland and other local Irish spots.

The Irish Pub

The Irish Pub is a eulogy to the greatest institution in Irish society, the pub or more specifically the traditional Irish publicans who run them. The characters in this exceptionally endearing film all run and own pubs that have been in their families for generations and it is through their warmth, wit and wisdom that we gain an insight into the heart and soul of The Irish Pub.

More Irish Travel Tips

If these romantic movies set in Ireland have you eager to plan a trip of your own, don’t miss the 20 books on Ireland to read before you go and this perfect 7 Days Ireland Itinerary !

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Irish actor joins the cast of the latest “Knives Out” movie

Andrew scott has joined the cast of "wake up dead man," the latest installment in the wildly successful "knives out" series..

Andrew Scott has joined the cast of “Wake Up Dead Man,” the latest installment in the “Knives Out” whodunnit series, according to Variety.

Scott, a native of Dublin, will feature in the new film alongside Josh O’Connor and Cailee Spaeny, while Daniel Craig is reprising his role as Benoit Blanc.

It'll be an on-screen reunion for Scott and Craig, who both featured in the 2015 James Bond film "Spectre."

Details on Scott’s role in "Wake Up Dead Man" are under wraps at the moment.

Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish!

Scott joining the "Wake Up Dead Man" cast is the latest step in the Irish actor's rise to fame. Last month, the limited series "Ripley," in which he stars as Tom Ripley, cracked the top 10 on Netflix.

Earlier this year, Scott landed a Golden Globe nomination for his role opposite Paul Mescal in "All of Us Strangers." It was his second Golden Globe nomination following the nod for his turn as the 'Hot Priest' in the smash hit series "Fleabag."

Also this year, Scott became the first person to win the Critics’ Circle Best Actor prize in both theatre ("Vanya") and film ("All of Us Strangers") in the same year.

Scott has won two IFTAs ("Black Mirror" and "Sherlock") and has been nominated for several others, and was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his spot on "Black Mirror."

• Irish actor becomes first to win UK film and theatre critics’ awards in same year

Meanwhile, Rian Johnson, who is returning to write and direct the new "Knives Out" film, revealed the title of the new flick on X on May 24:

The next Benoit Blanc mystery, the follow-up to Knives Out and Glass Onion, is called Wake Up Dead Man. pic.twitter.com/pdDXRDmwcI — Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) May 24, 2024

Before announcing the new title, Johnson said on X: "I love everything about whodunnits, but one of the things I love most is how malleable the genre is.

"There’s a whole tonal spectrum from Carr to Christie, and getting to explore that range is one of the most exciting things about making Benoit Blanc movies."

Johnson said production was about to begin on "Wake Up Dead Man" with an anticipated release of 2025.

Variety notes that Lionsgate released the original 2019 film "Knives Out," which impressively grossed $312 million against a $40 million budget. (It also saw an Aran sweater, donned in the film by Chris Evans, go viral .)

Netflix then bought the rights to the "Knives Out" series for more than $450 million and debuted the sequel “Glass Onion" in 2022. "Wake Up Dead Man" will be heading for Netflix as well.

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This Morning's Dermot O'Leary lands exciting new show

The presenter will be taking in Ireland's gastronomic offerings!

The former X Factor host will soon be embarking on a tour of his family’s homeland for Dermot’s Taste of Ireland , a five-part series from ITV which will see the presenter discover the country’s “best kept delicious secrets”.

“From traditional Irish stew to soda bread, fresh seafood, and boxty potato pancakes – Dermot will taste his way across the island, meeting the chefs and locals that champion and celebrate Ireland’s gastronomic heritage,” reads the logline.

Related: This Morning 's Cat Deeley leads tributes to late co-star

Dermot’s travels will see him visit Kinsale, the ‘Gourmet Capital of Ireland’, as well as major cities such as Dublin and Cork. There will be a trip to Wexford for some “home-grown comfort food”, with the final leg taking him into Northern Ireland and the “bustling” city of Belfast.

“I can't wait to embark on this trip, to explore two of my great loves, Ireland and food,” said Dermot in a statement. “The food scene in Ireland is so exciting and to meet the people and try the produce will be a real treat.

“It's exciting to see modern Ireland through second generation eyes – and to show that Ireland's food is more than cabbage and stews... although all their cabbage and stews are also great!” he continued, adding that the series is set to be a “delight” for foodies.

“We are thrilled to be commissioning this brand new series, Dermot’s Taste of Ireland with one of our much-loved talents here at ITV,”said Leanne Clarke , Assistant Commissioner of Entertainment & Daytime. “We can’t wait to learn more about the history and culture that Ireland has to offer.”

Related: X Factor star reveals Simon Cowell will walk them down the aisle at wedding

Charlotte Davis , Creative Director for Rock Oyster Media, said in a statement: “We’re delighted to be working with Dermot as he explores his passion for Ireland and food in this fantastic new series for ITV.

“ Dermot O’Leary’s Taste of Ireland will showcase all the very best of Irish produce, people and landscapes… as well as Dermot’s not inconsiderable cooking abilities! It promises to be a real treat.”

There is no release date for Dermot O’Leary’s Taste of Ireland .

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.  

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