If you loved: The Banshees Of Inisherin Go set-jetting to: Ireland
Ireland’s beautiful, rugged landscapes are like catnip to makers of films and TV shows, helped in no small part by a generous tax incentive offered for productions shot there. The Oscar-nominated 2022 film The Banshees Of Inisherin, starring Colin Farrell (right) as Padraic and Brendan Gleeson as Colm, features Co Mayo and Co Galway on the rural west coast. Most of the filming took place on peaceful Achill Island, known for its tall sea cliffs and pristine beaches, with other scenes shot on the rocky Aran Islands, which have a population of just 1,200. Padraic’s house was based on the largest of these, Inishmore, close to the ancient hillfort of Dún Aonghasa. One of the biggest TV shows of recent years, Game Of Thrones, also highlighted Ireland’s striking scenery, including the Dark Hedges, a twisted avenue of beech trees in Ballymoney, and the Giant’s
Causeway, an impressive natural phenomenon featuring interlocking basalt columns. In 2021, actor-turneddirector Kenneth Branagh made Belfast in Northern Ireland’s capital, based on his experience as a child living through the Troubles; and you can take a Black Cab Tour around the city to learn more about the history and politics of this period (from £25pp, belfastblackcabtours.co.uk).
GET THERE Explore Ireland’s stunning West Coast region with Macs Adventure (macsadventure.com), which offers a seven-day Walking Ireland’s West Coast package from £765pp, excluding flights. Game of Thrones Tours (gameofthronestours.com) will take you to some of the most popular locations in Northern Ireland from
£45pp. ireland.com