Kildare ranks sixth among Ireland’s most popular filming locations

Recent data reveals that Kildare has become a favourite among film makers, thanks to its stunning landscapes and unique charm, making it the perfect spot for filming movies and TV shows.

Virgin Media Ireland, Ireland’s leading telecommunications and entertainment provider, conducted research analysing over 250 top movies and TV shows filmed in Ireland using IMDb data to reveal the most popular filming locations.

Kildare ranks sixth, proving it's not only a prime filming location but also a rising hub for talent like Paul Mescal, best known for his breakout role in the hit TV series, Normal People.

The top filming hotspots are: Dublin; Wicklow; Cork; Galway; and Donegal.

Dublin is a top spot for filmmakers, with 104 films and TV shows choosing it as their backdrop. From the charming cobbled streets of Temple Bar to Trinity College Dublin, where Marianne and Connell's complicated relationship unfolds in Normal People. The city’s mix of old and new makes it an ideal filming location.

Famous films and TV shows like Kin, Lies We Tell, and The Quiet Girl were all shot here.

Wicklow, often called the “Garden of Ireland,” ranks second with 40 films and TV shows shot there. Its lush forests and historic castles make it an ideal setting for rom-coms like The Irish Wish starring Lindsay Lohan, as well as gripping psychological thrillers like The Wonder, which was nominated for Best Film at the 2023 Irish Film & Television Awards.

Cork, known as the “Rebel County,” takes third place with fifteen films and one TV show filmed there. Cork is quickly becoming a rising star in the film industry. From the stunning coastlines of West Cork to the lively city streets, like Oliver Plunkett Street, films like The Young Offenders and the hit TV show Bodkin, which became the 6th most-watched series on Netflix globally, highlight the county’s charm.

Galway and Donegal round out the top five counties for filming locations.

Galway has appeared in 14 productions, earning a special place among filmmakers. From the breathtaking backdrop of The Banshees of Inisherin to Leap Year, where Amy Adams' character sets out to propose to her boyfriend but unexpectedly falls for an Irishman, Galway's charm shines through on screen.

Not far behind, Donegal ranks with 13 productions, drawing attention to its wild, untamed landscapes. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and untouched beaches, Donegal has been featured in films like Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.

The epic Slieve League cliffs and the beaches of Malin Head, which famously appeared in Star Wars, prove that Donegal isn't just a star in Ireland, it's a star in the galaxy.

From lively cities to stunning natural landscapes, Ireland has something special to offer. As more filmmakers look for unique and beautiful places to shoot, Ireland’s popularity as a filming location will only continue to grow.

With its rich history and amazing scenery, Ireland will remain a go-to spot for movies and TV for years to come.

For more information visit: https://www.virginmedia.ie/play/irelands-most-filmed-counties-ranked/

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