7 minute read
Set-Jetting in Ireland
Ireland and Northern Ireland has played host to cinema’s most famous battle scenes, unforgettable love stories and everything in between. There are wide stretches of golden sandy beaches and dramatic clifftops to explore, and you can get a taste of the action with Dream Escape’s once-in-a-lifetime experiences...
Find mystical romance on the Cliffs of Moher
Yet another Harry Potter gem, the Cliffs of Moher are not only one of Ireland’s most famous natural sights, with spectacular vistas across the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, but they also play a key role in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The cliffs act as the foreboding cave where Harry and Dumbledore go in search of Salazar Slytherin's Locket, one of the seven Horcruxes.
If classic romance is more your thing, Academy Award-winning Ryan’s Daughter also called ‘action’ on the cliffs. The opening scene sees Rosy lose her parasol on the coast before the story of unrequited love unfolds.
The area is great for exploring on foot –with safely carved trails along the clifftops – but a Dream Escape private charter boat or helicopter flyby really is the ultimate way to take in its natural glory.
Channel your inner warrior in Country Kildare
The Curragh Plain is a breathtaking 5,000-acre natural grassland and has lent itself to many an epic battle scene throughout film history. You might recognise the infamous Battle of Stirling Bridge from Braveheart and imagine the battle cries of Mel Gibson’s unforgettable depiction of Sir William Wallace.
Or, remember the scenes from King Arthur’s legendary Battle of Badon. Dream Escape can offer private experiences across the area, so if history makes you tick, this is the trip for you.
Feel the force in County Kerry & Donegal
Malin Head in the rugged north-west of Ireland, and the ancient monastery on the island of Skellig Michael off the coast of County Kerry were used as major movie sets in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. In fact, it was at Malin Head that production teams built a real-life version of Star Wars’ fastest aircraft, Millennium Falcon.
On the tip of the Inishowen Peninsula, the Star Wars cast and crew filmed at Hell’s Hole. The wild ravine is carved into the surrounding rocks by wild Atlantic waves. Dream Escape has links with the Star Wars production crew and now offers private tours to learn about the beautiful area and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.
Discover war-torn sagas in County Wexford
Curracloe Beach in County Wexford stretches for miles and is famous not only for its soft, fine sand but it was also featured in Brooklyn and Stephen Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. You might recognise it in the scenes of the war film’s D-day sequence, due to its similarity to Omaha Beach in Normandy – an epic battle scene that took two months to shoot. Now, you can visit to take in the atmospheric shores, and even book a unique horseriding experience to find the equally beautiful Ballinesker Beach, also featured in the film.
Celebrate a romance for the ages in County Wicklow
The historical series Vikings shines a spotlight on the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Find the Luggala Estate (and former Guinness family home), the stunning Blessington Lakes, and Powerscourt Waterfall, where Dream Escape can arrange private tours of the garden and Powerscourt Whiskey Distillery. Even better, you can learn sheep herding and explore the best hiking trails with local experts.
Then, there’s the classic love story, P.S. I Love You – the film adaptation of Irish writer Cecilia Ahern’s million-copy bestseller starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. This wonderful film was shot across Wicklow, and you can find the famed bridge location at Sally Gap. You’ll never get as lost as Swank though, with private hiking and tours led by knowledgeable guides.
Get a very famous education in Dublin
The streets of Dublin have hosted many hit films but perhaps the most well-known was Educating Rita.
Though set in Liverpool, it was shot entirely in and around Dublin, with Trinity College acting as the unnamed English university. A more recent series was shot here too – Normal People was adapted from Sally Rooney’s bestseller and puts Dublin front and centre.
Trinity College plays a big role in Connell and Marianne’s haunting romance, and here you can enjoy a private tour outside of opening hours to see the treasured Book of Kells. Or discover the world’s greatest storytellers at the Museum of Literature, before taking a bespoke walking literary tour through Dublin’s streets – a must for avid readers.
But theatre lovers will be happy too, as Dream Escape offers behind-the-scenes tours of Abbey Theatre, with rare access to the theatre’s important archives. Tread the boards and enjoy a masterclass with one of the Abbey Theatre's directors.
Hang with the girls in County Londonderry
Perched on the River Doyle, Derry in Londonderry is Northern Ireland’s only surviving walled city and is full of history and character. But this modern city is also the home of Channel 4’s most successful series, Derry Girls.
Take an exclusive Dream Escape tour and find the eye-catching mural featuring the main characters in the heart of the walled city.
The county is also famous as the backdrop for Game of Thrones’ most significant landmarks. The beautiful seven-mile stretch of sand at Downhill Strand is also the home of Dragonstone. And further inland is Ballyscullion Park, where key scenes were filmed for season three. It's the home of Richard and Rosalind Mulholland, who give fascinating talks about the history of the park, coupled with exclusive tours of the house and garden.
Live like a Stark in County Down and County Antrim
The Game of Thrones theme continues in County Down where the 18thcentury mansion Castle Ward doubles as Winterfell, home of House Stark. Then, go in search of Magheramorne Quarry in County Antrim – the filming location of Castle Black. While the entrance is real, the huge ice wall was created digitally – but it’s easy to imagine the ominous great Wall towering before you.
The Dark Hedges, also in County Antrim, has fast become one of the most popular Northern Ireland touring spots, so be sure not to miss it off your list. This mysterious narrow road is bordered by twisted beech trees, which create the illusion of a tunnelled hedge.
This is where Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing, and the ethereal location appears during seasons one and two as King’s Road.
Take in Belfast’s all-out drama
It’s easy to fall in love with Northern Ireland’s capital city – the prominent skyline is mesmerising by day and night and is dotted with cathedrals, galleries and traditional pubs. And it has plenty of ties to cinema and television.
If you love crime dramas, you’ll be pleased to know that The Fall, starring the formidable Jamie Dornan; and the hugely successful police drama, Line of Duty, were both shot in and around the city. But perhaps most fascinating of all is the award-winning Titanic Museum, right by the slipways where the RMS Titanic was built and launched. Take a special private tour, outside of opening hours, and imagine the incredible scenes of James Cameron’s Titanic film.
WORDS | AMY BONIFAS
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