For international production, Ireland is a world-class location. It’s a key centre for film, television, and animation production due to its highly experienced crew base and well-established studios, as well as its breath-taking landscape and competitive tax credit.

“Ireland has become a capital of filmmaking, establishing itself as one of the world’s most attractive production environments.”

Variety Magazine

Wicklow has a long history of collaborating with production companies. The County continues to serve as the setting for a number of films and television series.

Screen Wicklow is a one-stop-shop for all your production needs. We offer full assistance to film and television projects based in the County.

Our dedicated online resource portal is a comprehensive guide to filming in the Garden County. Scroll down further to access additional resources, links and support information.

Why Wicklow

Wicklow, called "Europe's Hollywood" by Jane Seymour, is home to a slew of well-known film and television locations, from Michael Collins (1996, featuring a crucial scene in Rathdrum Square) to Dancing at Lughnasa (1998) and Camelot (2001). Killruddery House and Gardens (The Tudors, Camelot, Far and Away, and My Left Foot, among others) and Powerscourt are two of the best big house movie locations.

“We are really fortunate to be filming in Wicklow for a lot of reasons, the most notable of which being the range of landscapes available in close proximity to the studios. It is a very accommodating world.”

Michael Hurst, Creator of Vikings

Shot in Wicklow

Wicklow is the backdrop for Netflix’s number one show - Vikings: Valhalla.

Cocaine Bear, Elizabeth Banks’ dark comedy, was filmed in Wicklow. During the summer 2021, Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams visited the County while filming in Greystones and Enniskerry for the upcoming Disney sequel Disenchanted.

Netflix’s teen fantasy drama Fate: The Winx Saga, which will return for its second season to the streaming platform along with screen adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s 2016 novel The Wonder – a psychological thriller set in a small Irish village seven years after the Great Famine ended were shot in County Wicklow recently.

Find out more about recent productions filmed in County Wicklow here.

Why County Wicklow is a fantastic location for filming…

  • The untamed Wicklow Mountains and rugged coastline, secluded cottages and urban streetscapes, stately country homes and modern architecture all combine to provide a spectacular range of variety of locations to choose from.
  • Locations in County Wicklow have seamlessly doubled as many international locations such Scandinavian settlements in Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla (Michael Hirst), gothic Victorian streets in Penny Dreadful (John Logan) and The Man Who Invented Christmas (Bharat Nalluri).
  • Wicklow is home to world-class film studios, including Ardmore Studios and Ashford Studios.
  • Local crew with worldwide recognition and experience.
  • Film, television, and animation are eligible for a tax credit.
  • You have access to a wide range of pre- and post-production services.
  • Dublin City, Dublin Airport, and Dublin Port are all within easy reach (less than 20 kilometres).
  • Wicklow County Council is devoted to welcoming, assisting, and supporting you.

Screen Wicklow launches 5-year film strategy

County Wicklow Screen Sector Development Strategy 2022 – 2026 sets out the recommendations for the county’s objectives and actions supporting the growth of its local film and television production cluster over the next five years. Download the strategy report (2MB, pdf).

Latest News

 

Wicklow County Council Purchases 21-Acre Site Overlooking Magheramore Beach

Wicklow County Council is pleased to announce the successful purchase of a 21-acre beachfront parcel of land at Magheramore in Wicklow. This land, which offers panoramic views of the beach and the Irish Sea, was previously owned by the Columbian order of sisters before being sold multiple times. Long celebrated for its natural beauty, clear waters and unspoiled surroundings, Magheramore Beach has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Magheramore Beach has also been featured in numerous film and TV productions making it an integral part of the Wicklow coastline.

Wicklow County Council had previously attempted to secure public ownership of the land for beach access. They were unsuccessful bidders at the initial auction in 2021 and again at the auction held in March 2025. However, after the successful bidder decided not to proceed with the sale, the Council was given the opportunity to intervene and complete the purchase of this important coastal amenity.

The acquisition of the land at Magheramore will guarantee continued access to the beloved beach. Furthermore, it is a step towards the County Development Plan objectives to protect the Special Area of Conservation and the National Heritage Area.   

Cllr Paul O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, stated, “On behalf of the elected members of Wicklow County Council and particularly the six members of Wicklow Municipal District, we are delighted to welcome the purchase of the 21 acres of land at Magheramore by Wicklow County Council.  This beach has long been associated with surfing and filming, serving as the backdrop for numerous TV productions including historical dramas such as Vikings and Camelot, the EastEnders spin-off series Redwater, and Amy Huberman’s Finding Joy.  In recent years the beach has also hosted the annual “Strip & Dip”, where brave swimmers venture into the waves to raise funds for cancer research.”

Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added, “We are delighted to confirm the signing of the agreement for the purchase of the lands at Magheramore. From the beginning, our aim has been to protect access to this beach and uphold the objectives of the County Development Plan.”

Cllr Gail Dunne, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District, noted, “This is fantastic news! The Council has secured continued access to an amenity that will be enjoyed by young people and families for generations to come. I want to take this opportunity to thank the officials for their efforts in securing the purchase of the land.”

Brian Gleeson, Director of Finance for Wicklow County Council and Wicklow District Manager, commented, “Following a long and repeated bidding process, the Council was afforded the opportunity to purchase the land and we immediately acted on this to ensure a swift and efficient transfer of ownership. I also wish to acknowledge the strong community support that helped highlight the importance of preserving Magheramore Beach for public use”

 

IMAGERY

Picture 1: Magheramore Beach. Photo credit Valerie Lyons

Picture 2: Magheramore Beach. Photo credit Fiona Howe

Picture 3: Magheramore Beach. Photo credit Leah Lyons

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Screen Wicklow is ready to help you with your film production as much as possible around the County. Need help? Please get in touch with us by phone or email:

Screen Wicklow
Wicklow County Campus
Clermont House
Rathnew
Co. Wicklow
A67 X566

Phone: (0404) 30800
Email: screenwicklow@wicklowcoco.ie
Main contact: John Powderly