From Page to Screen Journey

Northern Ireland’s dramatic scenery has long inspired storytellers - and today, it’s where some of the world’s most beloved books come to life. From classic tales by Charles Dickens and Mary Shelley to modern hits by Sally Rooney and George R.R. Martin, these filming locations celebrate the enduring connection between page and place. Each site offers a glimpse into where imagination meets reality, as historic landmarks and wild coastlines transform into cinematic worlds. Explore these suggestions to step inside the stories that have captured readers’ hearts and now shine brightly on screen.

Discover Northern Ireland’s Literary Landscapes on Screen

Breakfast on Pluto – Patrick McCabe | Belfast – Crumlin Road Gaol

Irish acting powerhouses Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea and Brendan Gleeson bring Patrick McCabe’s Booker Prize–nominated Breakfast on Pluto to life at Belfast’s historic Crumlin Road Gaol. The imposing prison walls perfectly reflect the novel’s gritty narrative. This cinematic location has also hosted Starred Up, Love Hate, Dublin Murders, The Frankenstein Chronicles, The Secret and Doing Money, making it a must-visit for fans of literature-inspired drama and crime storytelling.

Nearby check out: The MAC, Crown Liquor Saloon, St Anne’s Cathedral

Conversations with Friends – Sally Rooney | Belfast – Queen’s University

Step into the world of Irish author Sally Rooney’s Conversations with Friends at Queen’s University, where the adaptation captures the novel’s nuanced exploration of love, friendship and ambition. Belfast’s prestigious campus has also been a filming site for Good Vibrations, Dalgliesh, Bloodlands, The Deceived, Torvill & Dean, Special Couple, Dave Allen at Peace and A Patch of Fog, blending contemporary literary storytelling with the city’s cinematic charm.

Nearby check out: Ulster Museum, C.S Lewis Square, Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich

Dalgliesh – P.D. James | Whitehead

Whitehead’s striking coastal setting provides the backdrop for Dalgliesh, based on P.D. James’ internationally bestselling Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries. Spanning over a dozen novels, the series blends classic whodunnit tradition with sharp psychological insight, earning P.D. James a reputation as the Queen of Crime. Whitehead has also featured in Ordinary Love, The Keeper and The Lovers, giving visitors a mix of literary heritage and cinematic allure along the Causeway Coast.

Nearby check out: Whitehead Railway Museum, Carrickfergus Castle, Blackhead Lighthouse 

Four Letters of Love – Niall Williams | Murlough Bay

Based on Irish author Niall Williams’ celebrated debut novel, Four Letters of Love is a lyrical story of fate, faith, and the enduring power of love. Brought to life against the breathtaking backdrop of Murlough Bay in County Antrim, the film captures the sweeping romance and poetic spirit of Williams’ prose. This stunning coastal site, with its rugged cliffs and panoramic sea views has also featured in Game of Thrones® and How to Train Your Dragon, underscoring its timeless cinematic allure.

Nearby check out: Rathlin Island, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Glenariff Forest Park

Artemis Fowl – Eoin Colfer | Portrush 

Disney’s Artemis Fowl brought Irish author Eoin Colfer’s bestselling fantasy series to life, adapted from the first cycle of eight novels in his eleven-book Fowl Adventures. Portrush’s dramatic cliffs, Dunluce Castle and the sweeping sands of White Rocks Beach provided a cinematic backdrop for the young genius’s magical adventures. The area has also featured in Derry Girls, Series 2 of Krypton and Cold Feet, giving visitors a mix of literary magic and modern television charm.

Nearby check out: Mussenden Temple, Magheracross View Point, Giant’s Causeway

Game of Thrones® – George R.R. Martin | Binevenagh

Step into the North as envisioned by George R.R. Martin in his international bestselling A Song of Ice and Fire series, a sweeping saga of power, politics, and prophecy in the Seven Kingdoms. The dramatic cliffs of Binevenagh brought Martin’s world to life on screen, serving as the Dothraki Grasslands in Season 5 of Game of Thrones®. This epic adaptation turns the landscape into a must-visit destination for fantasy fans and lovers of visually stunning storytelling.

Nearby check out: Downhill Forest, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Downhill Strand

The Woman in White – Wilkie Collins | Florence Court

Florence Court captured the suspense and elegance of The Woman in White, adapted from Wilkie Collins’ groundbreaking 1860 novel, widely regarded as one of the first mystery and sensation novels. Collins’ story of secrets, identity and deception comes alive against the estate’s historic architecture. County Fermanagh has also hosted productions including Game of Thrones®, Blandings, Morgan and Miss Julie, offering visitors a blend of gothic intrigue and period drama within a stunning Northern Irish setting.

Nearby check out: Castle Coole, Crom Estate, Boatyard Distillery, Marble Arch Caves

Death and Nightingales – Eugene McCabe | Armagh

Armagh provides a haunting backdrop for Death and Nightingales, adapted from Eugene McCabe’s acclaimed novel of love, betrayal and political unrest in 1880s Ireland. McCabe, celebrated for his unflinching portrayals of Irish history and rural life, remains one of the island’s most powerful literary voices. The area has also hosted productions such as The Woman in White, Tom Jones, The Frankenstein Chronicles and Puffball, weaving together gothic drama and historic Northern Irish scenery.

Nearby check out: Armagh Robinson Library, Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, Oxford Island Nature Reserve, Navan Centre & Fort

Philomena – Martin Sixsmith | Mourne Mountains

The rugged beauty of the Mourne Mountains provides the backdrop for Philomena, adapted from Martin Sixsmith’s book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee and brought to life on screen with a moving performance by Judi Dench. This story of resilience and truth shares its cinematic stage with productions like Your Highness and The Race, making the Mournes both a literary and filmic landmark.

Nearby check out: Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, Bagenal’s Castle, Kilbroney Park, Killowen Distillery

Dublin Murders – Tana French | Tollymore Forest

Based on Tana French’s critically acclaimed and award-winning Dublin Murder Squad novels, the BBC’s Dublin Murders was filmed in the shadowy woodlands of Tollymore Forest. The first series adapts two of the bestselling books, In the Woods and The Likeness, blending psychological tension with the forest’s haunting atmosphere. Visitors can also spot locations from Game of Thrones®, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, Robot Overlords, Halo: Nightfall, Death and Nightingales, Morgan, Wreck, How to Train Your Dragon, Dracula Untold, Your Highness, Wilderness, Bloodlands, The Fall, Season 2 of Krypton and Stranger with a Camera, making Tollymore Forest a true hotspot for both literary and cinematic storytelling.

Nearby check out: Murlough National Nature Reserve, Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House, Castlewellan Forest Park

Tom Jones – Henry Fielding | Downpatrick

Downpatrick’s historic streets and scenic countryside brought Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling to life on screen, capturing the wit, romance, and social satire of this classic story. The area has also welcomed productions such as Dalgliesh, The Lost City of Z, Derry Girls, The Secret, The Frankenstein Chronicles, The Truth of Murder, The Woman in White, Whole Lotta Sole, A Patch of Fog, The Wipers Times and Stranger with a Camera, making it a rich destination for both literary and cinematic exploration.

Nearby check out: Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Montalto Estate, Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House

The Frankenstein Chronicles – Mary Shelley | Strangford

Strangford’s brooding scenery set the tone for The Frankenstein Chronicles, a gothic crime drama inspired by Mary Shelley’s 1818 masterpiece Frankenstein, the novel that reshaped horror and science fiction. Shelley’s story of creation and consequence echoes through the series, which reimagines Victorian London against Northern Ireland’s striking landscapes. Other productions filmed here include Mrs Wilson, Bloodlands, Dracula Untold and The Dig, adding further drama to the village’s cinematic reputation.

Nearby check out: Castle Ward, Down County Museum, The Saint Patrick Centre, Strangford Lough Ferry

Small Island – Andrea Levy | Portaferry

Portaferry’s coastal charm set the stage for Small Island, adapted from Andrea Levy’s award-winning novel exploring migration, identity and the Windrush generation. Levy, one of Britain’s most important contemporary voices, used the book to chart the intertwining lives of Jamaicans and Londoners in the aftermath of the Second World War. The area has also welcomed productions including The Woman in the Wall, The Invisibles, Bloodlands, The Bookshop and The Journey, adding literary depth to its cinematic appeal.

Nearby check out: Echlinville Distillery, The Portico of Ards, Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary 

The School for Good and Evil – Soman Chainani | Mount Stewart

The School for Good and Evil is the debut novel by Soman Chainani as the opening title in his bestselling fantasy series. The story follows best friends Sophie and Agatha, who are swept into a magical world where children are trained to become fairy-tale heroes or villains. The movie was brought to life at Mount Stewart, with historic architecture providing the perfect fantastical backdrop. The estate has also featured in Dalgliesh, Christopher and His Kind, Dracula Untold, The Frankenstein Chronicles and The Woman in White, combining magic, history and literary storytelling.

Nearby check out: Ulster Folk Museum, Ballycopeland Windmill, Ulster Transport Museum, Copeland Distillery

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby – Charles Dickens | Belfast – Belfast City Hall

Nicholas Nickleby, or The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, is the third novel by Charles Dickens, originally published in serial form between 1838 and 1839. It tells the story of young Nicholas, who must support his mother and sister after his father’s death. This classic tale was brought to life at Belfast City Hall, an iconic Edwardian landmark celebrated for its grand architecture and historical significance. The site has also hosted Series 3 of Marcella, Line of Duty, The Fall, 37 Days, The Lost City of Z, The Wipers Times, Special Couple and Made in Belfast, showcasing Belfast’s versatility as a cinematic backdrop.

Nearby check out: W5, HMS Caroline, Belfast Zoo, Titanic Belfast

City of Ember – Jeanne DuPrau | Belfast – Cave Hill

Belfast’s Cave Hill brought Jeanne DuPrau’s 2003 novel City of Ember to life on screen, capturing the post-apocalyptic city and its desperate struggle for survival in striking panoramic vistas. DuPrau’s story, praised for its imaginative world-building and themes of courage and ingenuity, provides the foundation for this cinematic adaptation. The location has also appeared in Closing the Ring, with aerial shots featured in Dracula Untold and Line of Duty, offering visitors sweeping views alongside a rich literary and cinematic experience.

Nearby check out: Belfast Zoo, Belfast Castle, St George’s Market

Follow the words that leapt off the page and onto Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes, where timeless stories find their real-world home. Wander through these inspiring locations, relive your favourite tales, and let each stop spark a new chapter in your own adventure.