Holiday time is a great opportunity to relax, take some time to yourself and curl up with a great film or TV series. And if you’re looking for something truly enchanting, Ireland offers the perfect backdrop — its magical landscapes have been showcased on screen in so many captivating stories – from lands of dragons through to heartfelt comedy and vibrant musical tales. This festive break is the perfect chance to discover or revisit some of your favourite Irish shows.
As the world is gearing up to watch the new George RR Martin phenomenon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (launching on HBO Max and Sky in January), why not revisit Westeros by re-watching Game of Thrones? Featuring stunning landscapes from across Northern Ireland, view the original series and remember why you fell in love with the lands of the Stark, Lannister, Baratheon and Targaryen Houses. Filmed across Northern Ireland, the sweeping landscapes can be in real life, and visitors to The Game of Thrones Studio Tour can even sit on a replica Iron Throne.
Another series due a rewatch is the hilarious Derry Girls. Written by Lisa Magee (whose new series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast will be available on Netflix in February), now is the perfect time go back and revisit the unique humour and warmth of the original series. The Derry/Londonderry showcased in the series can be seen today as vibrant fun city, famous for its nightlife, music and creativity. Key locations in the series include The Walls, Bishop’s Gate, The Guildhall, all must visit locations, along with the Derry Girls Experience in The Tower Museum, and the iconic Derry Girls mural in the heart of the city.
For music fans, a John Carney film is always worth a rewatch. Carney’s musical trip around Dublin, Once, featuring Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová became a global phenomenon – winning an Oscar for best song before becoming a hit stage show. Or why not revisit the charming musical coming-of-age drama Sing Street, which will put movie fans perfectly in the mood for John Carney’s new film Power Ballad. The 2026 release will see Paul Rudd soaking up the musical vibes of Dublin, a hub of musical heritage on the island of Ireland. There are many other films that showcase Ireland’s musicality, not least of them the iconic Dublin set film The Commitments, and Belfast set Good Vibrations.
The land of Saints and Scholars has produced some amazing authors, and with Northern Ireland born author Maggie O’Farrell’s book Hamnet being adapted to screen with a stellar Irish cast, why not explore some more amazing adaptations of Irish literature? Colm Tóibín’s award-winning book Brooklyn was given the Hollywood treatment in 2015; acclaimed Irish actors Saoirse Ronan and Domnhall Glesson’s chemistry whilst walking along the white sands of beaches in Co. Wexford will warm the heart of all who watch it.
If you’re looking for a romantic comedy full of Irish wit, why not re-watch Lily Collins from before she was ‘Emily’ in Paris, as Rosie in Love Rosie. Adapted from the Cecelia Ahern novel Where Rainbows End, the film is set in Dublin. Another Cecelia Ahern adaptation to watch as part of a festive double bill would be P.S. I Love You, starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler, and showcasing the stunning Wicklow landscape, known as the garden of Ireland.
For those who fancy a bit of nostalgia over the holidays, the iconic 1952 film The Quiet Man showcases Co. Mayo in a bygone era. With Pat Cohan’s and Ashford Castle still there for visitors in the town of Cong, it is a stunning part of the world. Or you can opt for the rugged landscapes of Co. Kerry in David Lean’s romance Ryan’s Daughter, or perhaps Stanley Kubrick’s epic Barry Lyndon which was filmed in Dublin, including in Trinity College.
Whatever your genre, Ireland will be your perfect holiday watch.
ARTICLE CREDIT; TOURISM IRELAND MEDIA
