Recently updated on May 13th, 2024 at 12:02 pm
Iconic Television and Movie Sets in Ireland and Scotland
From Game of Thrones to Star Wars, Ireland and Scotland’s unforgettable backdrops have been stealing the show in movie and tv productions for years. Here are some of our favorite set-jetting experiences and filming locations to add to your Celtic travel bucket list.
Downpatrick, Northern Ireland – Game of Thrones
Famed for its extraordinary sets, the brilliant minds behind the Game of Thrones scoured the globe in search of the most breathtaking backdrops on earth… and they found what they were looking for in Ireland. Immerse yourself in the story on a guided tour, fully adorned in costume, as you transform into the characters of the show at Winterfell Castle. Then, unleash your inner warrior and try your hand at archery or axe-throwing inside its 18th century medieval walls.
Featured on the Archery and Axe Throwing at Winterfell experience.
Edinburgh, Scotland - Outlander
Dreaming of the full Outlander experience? Dinna fash! Guided by a Local Specialist just as passionate and knowledgeable about this amazing show as you are, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled through the stones andare walking in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie Fraser. See the setting of Clan Mackenzie’s Castle Leoch at Doune Castle, then visit the battlefield of Culloden and Linlithgow Palace, which set the scene as Wentworth Prison.
Featured on the Outlander Film Location Day Tour.
Killarney, Ireland – Star Wars
The Ring of Kerry’s spectacular mountain road will make you feel like you’re in a galaxy far, far away. Imagine you’re aboard the millennium falcon as you set jet in style on a comfortable coach, visiting famous locations used in the Star Wars films.Head to Skellig Michael, where the final scene of Star Wars: The Force Awakens was filmed and visit Malin Head where scenes from The Last Jedi were shot. May the Force be with you.
Featured on the Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney.
Shannon, Ireland – The Princess Bride, Harry Potter
Enjoy a one-hour exploration of the Cliffs of Moher (or the Cliffs of Insanity for our fellow Princess Bride fans) and its surrounding climes. The breath-taking views from below are truly inconceivable. If you’re lucky you may also have the chance to witness ocean life including dolphins, seals, puffins and basking sharks. Harry Potter fans on board may even recognize the Aill naSearrach, the sea cave where parts of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince were filmed.
Featured on the Cliffs of Moher Cruise.
Fort William, Scotland – Harry Potter
All aboard! Even if you’re not a fan of the Harry Potter series, we’re sure you’re familiar with the stunning train scenes on the Hogwarts Express. Considered to be one of the greatest railways in the world, you’ll travel past the greenest landscapes you’ve ever seen along the way. For those who are fans of the wizarding world, this is a bucket list must-do. Prepare in advance with wands in-hand for a unique photo-op that you can share with everyone back home.
Featured on the following experiences: The Jacobite Steam Train Ride.
Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland - Derry Girls
The hit comedy show may have come to an end, but Derry Girls fans can still reminisce and experience scenes from the most memorable episodes. Feel the 90s nostalgia as you head out on a one-hour walking tour through Derry. Filmed across Derry, you’re bound to recognize at least a few iconic filming locations. Make sure to snap some selfies in front of landmarks like the City Walls, the Guildhall, the Bogside and much more.
Featured on the Derry~Londonderry Walking Tour.
Galway, Ireland - The Banshees of Inisherin
Even with a dream team cast, the true star of this award season favorite is Ireland’s west coast. If you’ve seen it, you probably added these beautiful Irish countryside landscapes to your must-see travel list. Inisherin might be fictional, but the views are very real in Ireland’s Aran Islands (where filming took place). Explore the island where Colm, Pádraic and Jenny the donkey lived as you bask in stunning scenery, visit golden beaches and take in archaeological antiquities.
Featured on the Aran Islands Excursion.
Cong, Ireland - Quiet Man
Calling all movie buffs and John Wayne fans! Take a stroll through the small, quaint Cong village and tour the real-life filming locations used in the Quiet Man. Explore the fictional town of Inisfree including an exact replica of the thatched cottage, Pat Cohan’s Bar, the Dying Man’s house, the Reverend’s house, the Quiet Man statue and more. After the tour visit the Quiet Man Museum and take in some of the local history.
Featured on the Quiet Man Tour.
Wicklow, Ireland - Vikings
Set in England, Denmark and other northern parts Europe, but did you know most of the lush landscapes you see in the hit TV series Vikings were filmed in Ireland? Tour the backdrops of Ragnar Lothbrok’s adventures in the picturesque coastal town of Wicklow, just south of Dublin. Some stops you might recognize from the show include the Wicklow mountains, Glendalough, Glencree Valley, Guinness Lake and Sally’s Gap.
Featured on the Wicklow Day Tour from Dublin.
Other Notable Filming Locations in Ireland and Scotland
- Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland – Artemis Fowl: Fans can experience the world of this hit book and Disney Series on the Giant’s Causeway Experience.
- Dingle, Ireland – Ryan’s Daughter: Explore the fictional world of Kirray on a guided half day Hike around Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula.
- Belfast, Northern Ireland – Game of Thrones: See the stunning scenery first-hand on the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour.
- Stirling, Scotland – Game of Thrones, Outlander, Monty Python: Explore Doune Castle, also known as Winterfell Castle and Castle Leoch.
- Meath, Ireland – Game of Thrones: On a Boyne Boat adventure fans can experience boats used by the Iron Islanders.
- Glasgow, Scotland – Harry Potter: Some of the stops on the Glasgow Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour will be achingly familiar to Harry Potter fans.
Charlotte Swart
Charlotte Swart has been writing professionally since 2013. She loves a good cup of tea, spontaneous road trips with her four-legged travel companion, musicals and one of her favorite travel experiences is watching the humpback whales in Canada’s east coast.
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