Irish films are famous around the world. Here are 5 of the top iconic movies filmed on the island from coast to coast.


The Field
One of Ireland’s most iconic films, the Field is based on the 1965 John B. Keane play and the main character the Bull McCabe was played by Richard Harris who was nominated for an Oscar for his role. The film was directed by Jim Sheridan and also starred John Hurt, Sean Bean, Tom Berenger and Brenda Fricker. It was filmed on location in Aasleigh and Leenane, County Galway and the locations still remain a tourist attraction as they are truly some of the most beautiful parts of the West of Ireland.

The Quiet Man
The Quiet Man is one of the most classic films ever shot in Ireland and the romantic drama directed by John Ford featured superstars John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. The film put the village of Cong, County Mayo on the map and the beautiful scenery still draws huge numbers of tourists each year who want to revisit the locations of scenes from the movie.

John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in The Quiet Man

Once
One of the big surprises at the Oscars in 2007, the movie Once won the top award for Best Original Song. The movie, which was written and directed by John Carney, was filmed on the streets of Dublin and featured Glen Hansard of Dublin band The Frames and Czech musician Marketa Irglova. The surroundings, particularly the scenes filmed around Grafton Street, showcase Dublin city and its many facets.


Ryan’s Daughter
This epic romantic drama, Ryan’s Daughter, which was filmed back in 1970 and directed by David Lean was set in 1916 and tells the story of a married Irish woman who has an affair with a British officer, against the background of World War 1. The film received two Academy Awards and was a commercial success. The film is famed for its amazing scenery filmed around the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry – once voted by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on earth’.

The Wind That Shakes The Barley
This 2006 Irish war drama film, The Wind That Shakes The Barley, was directed by Ken Loach and remained as the highest grossing Irish-made independent film ever until it was surpassed by the film The Guard. The film is set during the Irish War of Independence (1919 to 1922) and the Irish Civil War (1922 – 1923) and tells the story of two County Cork brothers who join the fight for independence. The film was shot in County Cork at various locations including the beautiful countryside around Ballyvourney and Timoleague.

The Wind That Shakes The Barley

What are your top 5 famous Irish films?