Located in the western part of Europe, Ireland is full of picturesque coasts and well-known cities such as Dublin, Galway, Belfast, and Cork. Along with being a travel destination, Ireland has been the focus of quite a few films, too. If you want to take a virtual vacation and enjoy the many wonders and sights of the country, check out these six best movies set in Ireland now.
6. Ryan’s Daughter (1970)
Starting our list of movies set in Ireland is Ryan’s Daughter. Created by David Lean, who is known for Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia, the film is set during World War I on the Emerald Isle. Sarah Miles plays a married Irish woman who is having an affair with a British soldier, which becomes troublesome as her village is filled with Irish nationalists.
–IMDb score: 7.4
5. Brooklyn (2015)
Fifth on our list of movies set in Ireland is Brooklyn. While it may sound like the movie isn’t Irish, the film does begin in Enniscorthy, Ireland. Saoirse Ronan stars in the film as a young woman who decides to emigrate from her small Irish town to the titular New York borough. Ronan earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in the film, embodying everything essential about an Irish immigrant.
–IMDb score: 7.5
4. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
Next on our list of movies set in Ireland is The Wind that Shakes the Barley. The war drama is set during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War in rural Ireland. It revolves around brothers from County Cork who join the IRA to fight against the United Kingdom for independence. Several locations are featured in the film, including County Cork, Bandon, Ballyvourney, and Timoleague.
–IMDb score: 7.5
3. The Quiet Man (1952)
Rounding out the top three movies set in Ireland is The Quiet Man. While it premiered all the way back in 1952, the film is still a hit decades later. After its premiere, director John Ford won Best Director for the film, which was also nominated for Best Picture. The story follows Sean Thornton, a retired boxer who returned from America to Ireland and falls in love, though the girl’s father is not amused by Thornton.
–IMDb score: 7.7
2. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Second on our list of movies set in Ireland is The Banshees of Inisherin, the most recent film on our list. While director Martin McDonagh may be misanthropic and cynical, this film is a favorite for fans. The story revolves around two friends having a falling out, and it managed to pull in eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. While it didn’t snag any awards, fans still praise the film years later.
–IMDb score: 7.7
1. Sing Street (2016)
Last but not least on our list of movies set in Ireland is Sing Street. If you want a film with more charm, this film centers around Irish schoolboy Conor, who dreams of starting a rock band, trying to impress the glamorous Raphina. Set in the 1980s, the soundtrack is inspired by Duran Duran and Hall & Oates, with the songs getting better as Conor and his bandmates figure out their sound. The crowing jewel? “Drive It Like You Stole It,” which is bouncy, catchy, and worth listening to on repeat.
–IMDb score: 7.9