The small screen serves as a visual portal to Ireland for thousands of people around the world. For many, television provides a first look at the Emerald Isle’s rocky cliffs, green hills and wild coastline. Not only is this country filled with adventure, culture and excitement, it also acts as a beautiful backdrop for some great shows. Before you travel to Ireland, there are a few shows we highly recommend watching. Their locations are definitely worth the visit, too!
1. Game of Thrones
See the filming locations of the seven kingdoms in beautiful Northern Ireland after binge watching this HBO favorite. From coasts to castles,
Northern Ireland is the perfect location to host the nine noble families all fighting for control of this mythical land. Here is a list of a few sights that are worth checking out:
- The Mourne Mountains: Where Sansa and Littlefinger made their way to Eyrie and also the inspiration for Narnia
- Tollymore Forest Park: The Haunted Forest
- Castle Ward (Home of House Stark)
- Titanic Quarter: The location of the Game of Thrones studio and a great historical destination where the R.M.S. Titanic was built.
Where to Watch: You must have an HBO account or access through your current television provider.
2. Vikings
Even though it is supposed to be set in medieval Scandinavia, Ireland is home to all the filming for The History Channel’s series, Vikings. Most of the filming took place at Lough Tay, the setting for the mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior. Some great Vikings locations to see in Ireland:
- Valley of Glendalough
- Lough Dan
- Blessington Lake
- Wicklow Way
Where to Watch: The History Channel or Hulu
3. Ripper Street
Visit Dublin to walk the streets of Whitechapel, supposed to be based in London, and follow the story of the infamous murders of Jack the Ripper.
Filming Locations include:
- Clancy Barracks, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
4. Father Ted
If dramas aren’t your cup of tea, then sit back and watch this classic comedy about 3 priests and their housekeeper who live on “Craggy Island”. Though the filming locations aren’t actually on an island, there is plenty of opportunity to visit the sites of many key locations from the show.
What you can visit:
- The Very Dark Caves: Ailwee Cave
- Ireland’s Biggest Lingerie Department: Dunnes Store in Ennis
- The Site of the Holy Stone of Clonrichert : The Cliffs of Moher
- Campsite from Hell: Fanore Caravan Park
- The Scenery in the Opening Titles: the Aran Islands
- Mrs. O’Reilly’s House
- The Chinese Pub
Where to Watch: Hulu
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