The beauty of our scenery often steals the scenes in major blockbuster films, so it's no wonder that the A-listers are swapping Hollywood for Holywood as more movies and TV shows are filmed in Northern Ireland.
It’s strange to say, but it’s becoming quite the norm to see superstars of the big screen taking a break from filming and enjoying the delights of Northern Ireland’s cities and beauty spots.
In recent years, we have had everyone from Tom Hiddleston, Luke Evans and Jessica Chastain to Judi Dench, Bill Murray and Gillian Anderson work on films and television series being shot on location here.
Northern Ireland has provided scenic backdrops as dramatic as the plotlines themselves for some of the biggest ever productions. Here, we've compiled a list of places which have played a central role in iconic movies and television series.
How to Get to Heaven From Belfast Filming Locations
Belfast
Belfast acts as both the starting point and features in the name of the series, setting the scene for the friends’ reunion and many key moments in the story. The city appears throughout, particularly in nightlife scenes filmed at the iconic Duke of York pub located in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter which offers a wide selection of amazing pubs to have a pint. The Titanic Quarter also features, with locations including Titanic Belfast and the Maritime Mile, while the world famous Harland & Wolff cranes also appear on screen. Other scenes were filmed in indoor locations across the city, including the Grand Central Hotel, and the Lyric Theatre.
Derry~Londonderry
Several locations in Derry~Londonderry also feature across the series. The historic 17th Century City Walls and the Peace Bridge appear in a number of scenes as characters move through the city. The series also visits The Ponderosa, famously known as Ireland’s highest bar, which is used as the meeting point later in the series between the characters played by Bronagh Gallagher and Saoirse-Monica Jackson.
Carnlough, Co. Antrim
Carnlough appears in the series as a stand-in for the fictional town of Knockdara, set in County Donegal within the storyline. The coastal village provides the setting for several scenes, including the site of Greta’s wake, early mysteries, and the central hotel antics - filmed at the Harbourview Hotel.
St John’s Point Lighthouse, Co. Down
St John’s Point Lighthouse features in the series as a remote coastal setting in County Down and is used during scenes involving Booker’s getaway. The area around the lighthouse offers several coastal paths, making it a great spot for a scenic walk while taking in views of the shoreline. Nearby villages such as Dundrum are only a short drive away and offer a range of places to eat, making it an easy stop as part of a wider trip. Visitors can also stay in accommodation beside the lighthouse, offering a unique chance to experience this stunning filming location up close.
Galboly Hidden Village, Co. Antrim
The Hidden Village of Galboly appears in the series as the setting for the climactic final showdown in episode eight. The location is also known for its appearance in Game of Thrones, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Amongst Thieves, and other productions. Surrounded by open hills and countryside, Galboly offers striking views for anyone visiting. Conveniently located along the CCR it’s the perfect hidden location to add to your itinerary.
Game of Thrones® Filming Locations
Fair Head, Co. Antrim
Standing in for Dragonstone Cliffs, the place where iconic scenes occurred with Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons, Varys and Melisandre in Season 7, Northern Ireland’s tallest and most beautiful cliff face is near Ballycastle on the Causeway Coastal Route. Steeped in myth and legend, this is a big cliff with a big atmosphere. A series of sublime walking routes offers striking vistas of Ballycastle, Murlough Bay, Rathlin Island, Scotland and more.
Toome Canal, Co. Antrim
There was a distinct buzz around Toomebridge when the Old Valyrian Canal scenes were filmed for an episode in Season 5, when the disgraced Jorah Mormont takes Tyrion prisoner, throwing him into a stolen boat and setting sail for Meereen. The canal leads off into the huge expanse of Lough Neagh, which borders five of Northern Ireland’s six counties. Apart from the spectacular views Toome Canal is a lovely place for a walk, a jog or to sit and have a long conversation about your favourite characters.
Pollnagollum Cave, Co. Fermanagh
As a part of the wonderful Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, this site, featured as Hollow Hill, in Season 3 was the hideout of Beric Dondarrion and the Brotherhood without Banners. You can follow the Belmore Forest walk from the car park, taking the black route on the waymarked posts. You will come to a short gravel path that takes you to a viewing platform to see the cave.
Derry Girls Filming Locations
Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry
The historic speech made by US President Bill Clinton in 1995 outside the Guildhall on Guildhall Square provided the setting for the memorable finale to Series 2. It’s here where James, caught up in the emotion of the day, exclaims “I am a Derry Girl!” Fashioned in a neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the city, and also located close to the Peace Bridge – a spot you can’t miss on your next visit. Now is the perfect time to re-watch this iconic series, while you enjoy a cup of tea and a Fifteen.
Bishop’s Gate, Derry~Londonderry
Bishop's Gate is one of the original four gates of the city walls. Look out for a stairway to take you onto the historic walls where you can walk along the top of the walls around the city. This area appeared in Derry Girls as the backdrop to an army checkpoint where the gang pursue Erin’s thought-to-be dead dog Toto, after having claimed to have seen a church apparition…just to get off doing an exam.
Artemis Fowl Filming Locations
Whiterocks Beach, Portrush, Co. Antrim
Directed by Northern Ireland native Sir Kenneth Branagh and featuring an all-star cast, Disney’s Artemis Fowl is based on Irish author Eoin Colfer’s best-selling young adult book of the same name. Filmed on location along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast in the summer of 2018, you will notice some familiar natural beauty spots like Whiterocks Beach, Portrush. A great film to enjoy with the whole family, you will be inspired to find adventure in the stunning locations.
The Fall Filming Locations
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
Another instantly recognisable Belfast location featured in The Fall is The Botanic Gardens. Viewers can revisit the series to identify the specific areas within Botanic Gardens that appear, perhaps inspiring a walk through its scenic pathways to trace the footsteps of characters like Paul Spector, played by Jamie Dornan.
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
The Fall is a psychological thriller set around Belfast and showcases many of Belfast’s most recognisable spots. The Merchant Hotel, known for its extravagant Victorian architecture and luxuirious rooms, is prominently showcased in the series. Fans of the show can spot this historic landmark, which serves as a memorable setting for key scenes involving Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, portrayed by Gillian Anderson.
The Last Right Filming Locations
Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim
Filmed in Northern Ireland at the end of 2018, The Last Right is the story of two brothers that set off to travel the length of the island of Ireland, from Clonakilty to Rathlin Island, with a coffin on the roof of their car. Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island and home to a diverse array of wildlife, located five miles north of Ballycastle. Amidst the rugged landscape of this beautiful island let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.
Dublin Murders Filming Locations
Tollymore Forest, Co. Down
Without giving away any spoilers, one of the main filming locations for the psychological thriller Dublin Murders takes place in Tollymore Forest Park. Based on Tana French’s internationally bestselling Dublin Murder Squad novels, this television series is set during the height of the Celtic Tiger financial boom and focuses on two murder investigations. With panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and the sea at Newcastle, Tollymore Forest Park is a spectacular location and perfect for a day out enjoying our natural beauty.
The Frankenstein Chronicles Filming Locations
The Frankenstein Chronicles is a period crime drama series filmed across Northern Ireland. Starring Sean Bean, or well-known as Ned Stark from Game of Thrones®, you’ll recognise many filming locations including Armagh Gaol in County Armagh, Castle Ward in County Down and the Ulster Folk Museum and the Ulster Transport Museum in County Down. All these locations have an incredible story to tell and are unmissable on your next trip across Northern Ireland.
The Ulster Folk Museum and the Ulster Transport Museum, Co. Down
Castle Ward, County Down
Armagh Gaol, County Armagh
These are just a few of the movies and TV shows filmed around these parts, and our landscapes have inspired writers, directors and producers to use them as stunning locations or backdrops. So, you’ll always find somewhere nearby which becomes your gateway to discovering your next favourite screen legend.