Ireland’s western isles have captivated the imaginations of filmmakers and tourists alike with their rugged beauty and timeless atmosphere. From Achill Island to the Aran Islands, the Last of the Naomhóg, and the Skellig Islands, Hollywood has found a unique cinematic setting for epic movies. Over time, these islands have come to symbolize a wild beauty that can’t be found anywhere else. But what makes these isles so unique? And how can curious visitors best explore them? In this article, we explore Hollywood’s love affair with Ireland’s western isles and all they have to offer.
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Discover Achill Island
Hollywood filmmakers have long been drawn to the alluring charms of Ireland’s western isles. The wild and rugged beauty of Achill Island in particular has inspired several feature films, most notably Martin McDonagh’s 2003 cult classic Banshees. Set on a fictional Atlantic island, Achill was used as a stand-in for the movie and it certainly provides an idyllic backdrop.
Achill Island is located in County Mayo on Ireland’s west coast. From verdant hills to rocky beaches, there are plenty of breathtaking sights around the island. Life moves at a slow pace here, with sheep dotting the landscape and quiet pubs serving delicious seafood dishes. There is also plenty of traditional fiddle music to be heard around the island, adding to the atmosphere.
There are also many historical sites scattered across Achill Island. For instance, one of its main attractions is the Deserted Village on Slievemore – a collection of ancient stone houses that are believed to date back to the 1800s. At Kildavnet, visitors can explore an old tower and graveyard which holds clues to the island’s past inhabitants. Finally, there is Pirates’ Cove – a small beach at Keem where legend has it that pirates once gathered.
All these elements combine to make Achill Island one of Hollywood’s most beloved filming locations and it’s easy to see why filmmakers are still so enamoured with this western isle. Whether you’re looking for real-life pirate stories, medieval ruins or simply stunning scenery, Achill Island has it all – and more!
Admire the Beauty of the Last of the Naomhóg
The Blasket Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, resemble a school of whales from afar and are believed to have been inhabited until the 1950s. The islands – particularly Great Blasket – have long been associated with a wealth of folklore, with one particular legend inspiring many Irish movies: the Celtic legend of the selkie – a shape-shifting mermaid.
Selkie stories feature in multiple Irish movies, such as The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) and Song of the Sea (2014). It is believed that the ancient tale was inspired by the grey seal colonies that live in the Blaskets rocky shores. In Song of the Sea, the story of selkies and fairies is set amid islands that resemble Blasket: dark cliffs, golden beaches, rolling emerald meadows, and shipwrecks.
Visitors can still catch a ferry or private boat tour from the mainland to Great Blasket today. There is much to explore on this mysterious island including an old church, graveyard and several abandoned houses. You can also see for yourself why it’s known as ‘the last of the Naomhóg’; ancient ruins that are believed to be part of their old Gaelic way of life still remain.
The legends put forth by the mysterious land continue to captivate audiences around the world. Whether you plan to pay a visit to this special corner of Ireland or simply admire its beauty from afar, it’s easy to fall in love with Hollywood’s romance with Ireland’s western isles.
Explore the Wild Beauty of the Aran Islands on a Hollywood-Worthy Adventure!
The Aran Islands—Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr—are located near the mouth of Galway Bay, off the west coast of Ireland. These small islands have captivated Hollywood filmmakers for decades with their sparse and treeless landscape and a wealth of ancient ruins. Reaching these isles requires a ferry from the mainland, but the journey is well worth it for travelers in search of an authentic Irish experience.
Inis Meáin is perhaps the least visited of the three Arans, yet it has plenty to offer those who venture there. It is known for its trademark white cable sweaters, which are hand- knit by locals using traditional designs. Those who stay overnight can enjoy minimalist-chic guest rooms at the Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites or multi-course dinners using local fish and vegetables from their onsite restaurant.
The Banshees of Inisherin was filmed on Inis Meáin, offering viewers a glimpse into the life of an isolated island community struggling to survive. Other points of interest include J.M. Synge’s cottage on Inishmaan, Kilmurvey beach and fort, Dun Aengus fort, and Teampall Bheanain chapel—all vestiges of a much older time period when Gaelic was commonly spoken on the Arans.
Visitors to this remote corner of Europe will be enchanted by its stories, legends, and wild beauty—and now, Hollywood has taken notice as well. From the Blasket Islands to Achill Island to the Arans, Ireland’s western isles have long held a special place in the hearts of filmmakers looking for unique locations to capture on film.
Explore a Spectacular Cinematic Setting on the Skellig Islands!
The Skellig Islands are a must-see for any visitor to the western isles of Ireland. Located eight miles off the southwestern coast of Valentia island, these two small islands feature unique spires rising out of the Atlantic Ocean. They are home to a medieval monastery, two lighthouses, and summer nesting grounds for puffins and gannets. In recent years, they have also become famous for their role in the Star Wars movies The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
The islands were used for filming in 2014 and 2015, when director J.J Abrams chose them as an ideal location to portray Luke Skywalker’s isolated refuge on a distant planet. Visitors can now visit the rocky beaches and sky-scraping cliffs that were featured in the movies. A ‘May the 4th Be With You’ festival is even held on a beach near the islands every year to celebrate the franchise’s iconic phrase.
Boat tours leave from Valentia Island in the summer, giving visitors the opportunity to explore this cinematic setting firsthand. Once ashore on its smaller sister island, Little Skellig, guests can climb 618 steps up to visit the monastery’s rock huts – though only with permission from local bird wardens, since it is also an important bird sanctuary. This mystical gem has been a source of inspiration for countless filmmakers over the years; as such, it is no wonder why Hollywood has developed such a passionate love affair with Ireland’s western isles.
Ireland’s western isles are a perfect destination for any Hollywood-worthy adventure, and with every village, beach, and rocky shore that is discovered, it is easy to see why it has become a favorite of filmmakers and a dream destination for many. The ancient beauty, wild terrain, and striking views of the western isles are sure to leave any traveler with a lasting impression of the magic of the Emerald Isle. A visit to the western isles of Ireland truly is an experience that will live in the hearts of many for years to come.
Frequentle Asked Questions About Ireland’s Western Isles
What are the islands of the west coast of Ireland?
The islands of the west coast of Ireland include: Inishbofin, Inishturk, Inishark, Clare Island, Achill Island, Aran Islands (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr), Skellig Michael, Valentia Island, the Blasket Islands (Inis Tuaisceart, Inis Mhic an Daill, An Blascaod Mór, An Blascaod Beag, and An Tiaracht), Great Blasket Island, and the Stags of Broadhaven.
Are the Aran Islands Scottish or Irish?
The Aran Islands are located off the west coast of Ireland and are part of the Republic of Ireland.
What are the remote islands off west coast Ireland?
The remote islands off the west coast of Ireland include the Aran Islands, Inishbofin, Inishturk, Achill Island, the Blasket Islands, Clare Island, and the Skellig Islands.