Kerry on the Big Screen: 6 Famous Film Locations You Can Visit

With our mountains, wild coastline and scenery around every corner, it’s hardly surprising that Kerry has caught Hollywood’s eye over the years.

From Luke Skywalker’s hideaway to the windswept beaches of Ryan’s Daughter, some very familiar scenes were filmed right here in Kerry.

Here are six you can visit for yourself.

1. Skellig Michael – Star Wars (2015)

Probably the headline act. Skellig Michael became Ahch-To, Luke Skywalker’s remote island refuge, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with filming returning for The Last Jedi. Even without the film connection, it’s one of Kerry’s extraordinary places.

2. Ceann Sibéal, Ballyferriter – Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

When filming on Skellig Michael became impractical, the filmmakers recreated elements of the island setting on the spectacular cliffs around Ceann Sibéal. It’s a brilliant addition because guests can experience the landscape without actually travelling to the Skelligs. Discover Ireland’s Dingle Film Walk specifically includes Ceann Sibéal as a Star Wars location.

3. Coumeenoole Beach – Ryan’s Daughter (1970)

One of the most dramatic little beaches on the Slea Head Drive and a genuine location from David Lean’s Ryan’s Daughter. This is exactly the sort of place to check out, film fan or not. Simply Stunning.

4. Clogher Head – Far and Away (1992)

The spectacular Dingle landscape around Clogher was transformed into the village setting for Ron Howard’s Far and Away, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Discover Ireland specifically identifies Clogher Head as the village location.

5. Inch Beach – Ryan’s Daughter & The Playboy of the Western World (1962)

Only 30 minutes drive, we have another instantly visitable location. The five-kilometre stretch of strand featured in both Ryan’s Daughter and the film adaptation of J. M. Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World. 

6. Parknasilla, Sneem – The Lobster (2015)

Yorgos Lanthimos’s wonderfully strange, darkly comic film starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman, Léa Seydoux and John C. Reilly, was filmed extensively around Sneem. The hotel itself became the film’s eerily beautiful “Hotel”.

Kerry’s starring role on the big screen continues this October, when the Kerry International Film Festival (KIIF) returns from 15th–18th October. 

Four days celebrating great films and filmmakers and a lovely excuse to enjoy a little movie magic right here in Killarney.