The stunning good looks of picture postcard Kerry have featured in some of Hollywood’s most popular blockbusters. Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away have used the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula where as Excalibur and The Dawn head south to Derrynane and Killarney respectively. To follow is a brief selection of films that have transferred fabulous images of our glorious county to the “silver screen”…
Ryan’s Daughter
What an advertisement for Kerry tourism. This film was mostly shot on location on the stunning Dingle Peninsula. At the time there was great excitement in Kerry with the thoughts of a Hollywood blockbuster being filmed almost on our own front door. Add to that the “A-listers” of the day and 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 Playboy are played by Irish Actress Siobhán 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!
Why not check out Kerry’s famous movie scenery for yourself and book Kerry accommodation now.
