Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Films That Were Shot in County Kerry

Ryan's Daughter

What an advertisement for Kerry tourism. This film was mostly shot on Upload And Download Speed on the stunning Dingle Peninsula. At the time there was great excitement in Kerry with the thoughts cheap high speed internet a Hollywood blockbuster being filmed almost on our own front door. Add to that the "A-listers" of the day streamyx package it was guaranteed front-page "Kerryman" news.

Although cinema has come a long way since the 1970's - Ryan's Daughter still makes good viewing.

Keep an eye out for Coumeenoole Strand, Dunquin, Maoilinn na Ceathrun, Dunquin (this was the site of the temporary set for the village), Inch Strand and other breathtaking vistas along the Dingle Peninsula.

Far and Away

Back in the late '80's and early '90's Golden Couple and husband and wife combo, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman couldn't do any wrong in the film world.

Far and Away was shot on location mostly in Ireland and of course the rugged Dingle Peninsula featured strongly in the film. Dunquin, Dingle and Clogher Head are the Kerry starring locations in this film.

Playboy of the Western World

John Millington Synge's famous 3-act play was adapted for screen by Brian Desmond Hurst. The principal characters in this 1962 version of Pegeen Mike and the 3 broadband are played by Irish Actress internet names Mc Kenna and English actor Gary Raymond.

The entire film was shot on location in beautiful Inch Strand, which is situated on the Dingle Peninsula. The music of Sean O'Riada is also featured.

Excalibur

Derrynane, home of the famous 19th century Irish politician, Daniel O'Connell (known as The Liberator) was the setting for some of the scenes of Excalibur.

Famous names among the cast included Helen Mirren, Cherie Lunghi, and our own Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson.

Derrynane located on the Iveragh Peninsula has a Dolmen in the village, which is thought to date back to 3000 BC.

Its main claim to fame would be Derrynane House, the home of Daniel O'Connell.

The Dawn

Killarney, County Kerry, one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in Ireland is the setting for l938 flick, The Dawn.

Although a Black and White film, I'm sure Killarney's good looks are still easily identifiable in this historic drama.

So that's it, keep your eyes peeled the next time you are watching any of the above movies and if you think the locations are all a bit familiar, then you are only too right!

Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com

Visit GoIreland.com for all you need to know about Kerry, like what to see and where to go. Check out our quality approved Kerry accommodation now and find yourself a great deal!