by country
Ireland movie tour
Day 1
Dublin
Arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2
Dublin
Today go to Kilmainham Jail. This old Dublin jail features in Jim Sheridan’s 1994 biographical film “In the Name of the Father" which is based on the true life story of the Guildford. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role. Kilmainham Jail was also used in the original “Italian Job”, a 1969 British caper film, written by Troy Kennedy Martin. Continue with a visit to Drimnagh Castle, used in the making of the movie “Ella Enchanted”. Based on the Newberry Honour Book by Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted is a charming fairy tale about a young woman who finds herself romance as she seeks to undo a curse that has plagued her since infancy. Drimnagh Castle was also used in making the “The Tudors”, a Canadian/Irish produced historical fiction television series created by Michael Hirst. Back to Dublin to see the many sites made famous by film association including “The Commitments”, “Far and Away” and “Into the West”. Have some free time and overnight.
Day 3
Dublin - Wicklow (56km/1h) – Wexford (85km/1h20min)
Today take a trip to county Wicklow to visit the 6th Century Monastic Settlement at Glendalough. From here, visit Kilruddery House, a beautiful historic house used in the filming of movies such as, “My Left Foot”, “Far and Away”, “Oliver Twist” and “The American”, and many TV Programmes. Continue to the rugged Wicklow Mountains, used in the filming of movies “Braveheart”, “Michael Collins” and “King Arthur”. On this beautiful route, you will see the pretty towns of Avoca and Rathdrum, both used in the making of movies and TV programmes. Later, transfer to county Wexford where you will stay overnight.
Day 4
Wexford - Tipperary (143km/2h20min) – Limerick (42km/1h)
Today drive to Curracloe Beach to see the beautiful strand used in the filming of the opening scenes of “Saving Private Ryan” a 1998 American war film directed by Steven Spielberg. Continue to the historic town of New Ross to visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship and continue to Tipperary. Here take a tour of the attractive 18th Century Swiss Cottage to see how it has been restored to its former glory before transferring to the heritage towns of Cahir and Cashel. Tour in the towns pretty sites and visit both Cahir Castle and the famous Rock of Cashel, both of which were used in the filming of “Excalibur”. Excalibur is a 1981 fantasy film that retells the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. Drive to the Medieval City of Limerick where you will stay overnight.
Day 5
Limerick - Dingle Peninsula (140km/2h20min) – Killarney (72km/1h) – Limerick (112km/2h)
Depart Limerick and drive to Dingle Peninsula. Here see the lovely Dingle town and continue to Dunquin, known locally as “the next parish to American”. You may recognise Dunquin as it was used in the filming of “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far and Away”. Continue the tour to Killarney and visit Killarney National Park. This park is home to gorgeous lakes, towering mountains, exquisite gardens and a variety of wildlife. Also visit Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall and Muckross House and Gardens before returning to Limerick city where you will stay for the night.
Day 6
Limerick - Clare (43km/50min) – Galway (80km/1h20min)
Limerick City is the setting of the book and the film “Angela’s Ashes” written by the Irish American author Frank McCourt. Today have a walking tour of the city to learn more about life in Limerick. Afterwards, depart Limerick and drive to Clare city and visit the striking Cliffs of Moher, used in the filming of the movie, “Hear my Song”. Later, visit Coole Park located in Gort County Galway. Arrival at Galway. Overnight.
Day 7
Galway – Connemara (78km/1h20min) – Leenane (16km/20min) – Cong (35km/45min) – Galway (43km/50min)
Transfer to Connemara and explore some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery. First visit Roundstone, a little seaside village used in the filming of “The Matchmaker”. Afterwards, have a guided tour of the Connemara History and Heritage Centre. Continue to the picturesque village of Leenane, used in the filming of the infamous Irish film “The Field”. In the afternoon, travel to Cong and visit Cong Abbey, a beautiful Augustinian Abbey founded in the 12th Century. Cong is also home to one of Ireland’s most famous films “The Quiet Man”. Have a guided tour of Cong and visit some of the sites featured in the movie, as well as The Quiet Man Museum and The Quiet Man Cottage. Return to Galway for the night.
Day 8
Galway – Dublin (208km/3h)
Drive to Dublin and transfer to the airport for a final departure.
