Donegal destination ranked among Ireland’s top 10 filming locations

Malin Head is among Ireland’s most popular locations that have famously featured onscreen, according to new data. 

The research looked at Google search data and Instagram posts to determine the most popular locations. 

Malin Head ranked seventh with an index score of 53.95 out of 100. The coastline recorded 34,500 Instagram posts and a Google search average of 15,464 per month worldwide. 

Malin Head is mainland Ireland’s most northerly point, and its dramatic vista painted an unforgettable picture for Star Wars moviegoers after its inclusion in The Last Jedi (2017). Over three days parts of the movie were filmed at Hell’s Hole in Malin Head.

As a place steeped in folklore, Malin Head was also the perfect backdrop for The Northman (2022) and its depiction of Norse mythology. Scenes of the Northman were shot at Malin Head and the Five Finger Strand. 

Ireland’s film sector has boomed exponentially in the last decade, producing various critically acclaimed films, television series and 15 Academy Award nominations in the past two years alone. According to Screen Ireland, the total production spend in the Irish economy reached a record high of €500 million in 2021, despite challenges facing the industry due to the pandemic.  The data has been compiled by sports betting and casino site Tonybet. 

The Cliffs of Moher took the top spot, with an index score of 100.  The vast and rugged landscape is emblematic of Ireland’s natural beauty and will be recognizable for many movie fans, with the scenic spot appearing in beloved classics such as The Princess Bride (1987) and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009). 

The Wicklow Mountains were identified as the second most popular location, with a score of 73.24, followed by Achill Island, with 69.01.       The mountain range ranked second in Instagram popularity with 213,000 posts and produced an average of 27,413 monthly searches worldwide. They’ve commonly featured on screen, and can be spotted in P.S. I Love You (2007), Braveheart (1995) and the TV show Vikings.  Ranking third was Achill Island, this corresponded to 66,900 Instagram posts and a global average of 47,158 Google searches per month. The picturesque area is home to tranquil beaches and a distinct coastline that recently provided the setting to 2022 film The Banshees of Inisherin – which went onto become a critical hit and receive nine Oscar nominations. 

Powerscourt followed in fourth with an index score of 68.26 out of 100. The historic county estate recorded 71,500 Instagram posts in total, and a Google search average of 40,865 per month worldwide.  Located in County Wicklow, Powerscourt Estate is notable for its landscaped gardens spanning 19 hectares and the sprawling white mansion overlooking the grounds. The estate is perhaps best known for providing the interior for several scenes in Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon (1975) and has lately appeared in films such as Cocaine Bear (2023) and Irish Wish (2024). 

Rounding out the top five was Ashford Castle, receiving an index score of 67.43 out of 100, with 42,600 Instagram posts and an average monthly search count of 58,736 searches globally. The medieval fortress sits near Cong on the County Mayo-Galway border and has operated as a hotel since the mid-20th century. While it serves more contemporary purpose now, it has provided the historic setting on films such as The Quiet Man (1952) and television period drama Reign. 

 In sixth place was Skellig Michael, with an index core of 60.92 out of 100. The twin-pinnacled crag appeared in 36,000 posts and produced an average of 32,708 monthly searches worldwide. Also known as Great Skellig, the rocky terrain is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland – and while the slopes are notoriously difficult to navigate, that hasn’t stopped film crews from capturing its unique beauty. Star Wars films The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017) catapulted the island to prominence after it featured as Luke Skywalker's sanctuary planet.  Number seven, Malin Head was also a filming location. 

Following in eighth was Lough Tay, receiving an index score of 53.02 out of 100, with 18,400 Instagram posts and an average monthly search count of 24,220 searches globally.  The lough, also known by the name of Guiness Lake, is situated in County Mayo and Its most famous onscreen appearances include films such as Braveheart (1995), Excalibur (1981) and TV series Vikings. 

Taking the ninth spot was Trim Castle, which received an index score of 52.29 out of 100. This was based on 23,500 Instagram posts and a global average of 17,995 Google searches per month.  The ancient fortress is based along the south bank of the River Boyne in Trim, County Meath, and is another Irish location that featured extensively in Braveheart (1995) and set the scene for Mel Gibson’s historical epic drama, contrary to the film’s Scottish setting.   

 Completing the top 10 was Inis Mór, with an index score of 50.41 out of 100. Also known as Inishmore, it attracted 27,500 Instagram posts and generated a monthly average of 12,667 Google searches globally. 

Inis Mór is the largest of the Aran Islands, located in Galway Bay, and was another charming area to be included among the filming locations of The Banshees of Inisherin (2022).