Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
We’re setting the scene
Northern Ireland’s breathtaking locations are perfect settings for iconic movie and TV productions
THE beauty of our scenery often steals the show in blockbuster films but that doesn’t stop the A-listers swapping Hollywood for Holywood as more movies and TV programmes are made here.
It’s becoming quite the norm to see superstars of the big screen taking a break from filming to enjoy the delights of Northern Ireland’s cities and beauty spots.
In recent years, we have had everyone from Tom Hiddleston, L u ke Ev a n s a n d Jessica Chastain to Judi Dench ,
Bill Murray and Gillian Anderson work on films and television series being shot on location here.
Our wee country has provided scenic backdrops as dramatic as the plotlines themselves for some of the biggest ever productions.
So Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of places which have played a central role in iconic movies and television series.
Fair Head, Co Antrim GAME OF THRONES
Standing in for Dragonstone Cliffs – the place where iconic scenes occurred with Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons Varys and Melisandre in season seven – 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 drop with a big atmosphere. A series of sublime walking routes off striking vistas of Ballycastle, Murlough Bay, Rathlin Island, Scotland and more.
Toome Canal, Co Antrim GAME OF THRONES
There was a distinct buzz around Toomebridge when the Old Valyrian Canal scenes were filmed for an episode in season five, 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, this 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 GAME OF THRONES
As a part of the wonderful Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, this site featured as Hollow Hill in season three and 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.
Whiterocks Beach, Portrush, Co Antrim and Dunluce Castle, Bushmills, Co Antrim ARTEMIS FOWL
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 the Causeway Coast in the summer of 2018, you will notice some familiar natural beauty spots such as Whiterocks Beach, Portrush and Dunluce Castle. A great film to enjoy
HISTORIC Castle Ward with the whole family, you will be inspired to find adventure in these stunning locations.
The Merchant Hotel and Botanic Gardens, Belfast THE FALL
The Fall is a psychological thriller set around Belfast and showcases many of the capital’s most recognisable spots such as The Merchant Hotel and Botanic Gardens. The series, starring
Gillian Anderson as Det Supt Stella Gibson and Holywood actor Jamie Dornan as serial killer Paul Spector, was written by Allan Cubitt. Now is a great time to rewatch the series from the start and make a list of all the hotspots you can revisit in Belfast in accordance with the latest restrictions.
Rathlin Island, Co Antrim THE LAST RIGHT
Filmed in Northern Ireland at the end
TREE-MENDOUS Tollymore Forest
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 stunning island, let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.
Guildhall Square, Derry DERRY GIRLS
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 two. 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 rewatch this iconic series, while you enjoy a cup of tea and a Fifteen.
Bishop’s Gate, Derry DERRY GIRLS
Bishop’s Gate is one of the original four gates of the city walls. Look out for a stairway to take you on to the historic walls where you can walk along the top all 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.
Tollymore Forest, Co Down DUBLIN MURDERS
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 Ulster Folk Museum and the Ulster Transport Museum, Co Down; Castle Ward, Co Down and Armagh Gaol, Co Armagh
THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES
The Frankenstein Chronicles is a period crime drama series filmed across Northern Ireland. Starring Sean Bean, also known as Ned Stark from Game Of Thrones, you’ll recognise many filming locations including Armagh Gaol in Co Armagh, Castle Ward in Co Down and the Ulster Folk Museum and the Ulster Transport Museum in Co Down. All these locations have an incredible story to tell and are unmissable on your next trip across Northern Ireland.