REVEALED: Kilkenny ranked highly among Ireland's most popular filming locations

Ireland has long been a favourite of Hollywood directors wanting to create the next big Oscar-nominated hit and binge-worthy series, and Kilkenny has been ranked in the country’s top 10 most popular filming locations.

Kilkenny has become a favourite among filmmakers, thanks to its stunning landscapes and unique charm, making it the perfect spot for the movies and TV shows you love.

After analysing over 250 top movies and TV shows filmed in Ireland using IMDb data to reveal the most popular filming locations, Virgin Media Ireland’s data revealed Kilkenny as the ninth most popular filming location in Ireland.

Kilkenny has been featured in films such as The Poster Boys, Circle of Friends, Wolfwalkers, and more, and not only is it a prime filming location, but also a rising hub for talent like Rory Fleck Byrne known for Vampire Academy, The Foreigner and This Is Going to Hurt.

As expected, Dublin is a top spot for filmmakers, with 104 films and TV shows choosing it as their backdrop. From the charming cobbled streets of Temple Bar to Trinity College Dublin, where Marianne and Connell's complicated relationship unfolds in Normal People.

The city’s mix of old and new makes it an ideal filming location. Famous films and TV shows like Kin, Lies We Tell, and The Quiet Girl were all shot here.

Wicklow, often called the “Garden of Ireland,” ranks second with 40 films and TV shows shot there. Its lush forests and historic castles make it an ideal setting for rom-coms like The Irish Wish starring Lindsay Lohan, as well as gripping psychological thrillers like The Wonder, which was nominated for Best Film at the 2023 Irish Film & Television Awards.

Cork takes third place with fifteen films and one TV show filmed there, and is quickly becoming a rising star in the film industry.

From the stunning coastlines of West Cork to the lively city streets, like Oliver Plunkett Street, films like The Young Offenders and the hit TV show Bodkin, which became the 6th most-watched series on Netflix globally, highlight the county’s charm.

Galway and Donegal round out the top five counties for filming locations. Galway has appeared in 14 productions, earning a special place among filmmakers. From the breathtaking backdrop of The Banshees of Inisherin to Leap Year, where Amy Adams' character sets out to propose to her boyfriend but unexpectedly falls for an Irishman, Galway's charm shines through on screen.

Not far behind, Donegal ranks with 13 productions, drawing attention to its wild, untamed landscapes. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and untouched beaches, Donegal has been featured in films like Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. The epic Slieve League cliffs and the beaches of Malin Head, which famously appeared in Star Wars, prove that Donegal isn't just a star in Ireland it's a star in the galaxy.

From lively cities to stunning natural landscapes, Ireland has something special to offer. As more filmmakers look for unique and beautiful places to shoot, Ireland’s popularity as a filming location will only continue to grow. With its rich history and amazing scenery, Ireland will remain a go-to spot for movies and TV for years to come.

According to the data, Ireland’s top 10 most popular filming locations are: Dublin (104), Wicklow (40), Cork (16), Galway (14), Donegal (13), Kildare (9), Kerry (7), Clare (6), Kilkenny (6) and Offaly (6).

READ MORE | Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan confirmed for iconic roles in upcoming Beatles movies