Irish movies, or at least set on the Emerald Isle, could be the most enjoyable way to prepare for your vacation. But whether you’re planning a vacation or just interested in Ireland in general, movies can be a great way to explore the country from your easy chair. From the whimsical to the brutally realistic, there are Irish movies for all genres. Here are our top ten picks for movies set in Ireland that you must see!
However, 10 films are not enough to truly capture Irish cinema. Some classics like “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Man of Aran” are missing, as is “The Field” with the inimitable Richard Harris and the uneven “Patriot Games”, based on the Tom Clancy novel.
Michael Collins
Liam Neeson plays “Great Companion” and plays Michael Collins himself, while Alan Rickman delivers an icy performance as Valera’s ally-turned-enemy. Filmed in Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains, this biopic focuses on the War of Independence, the Partition, and the ensuing Irish Civil War. Naturally, there is an additional love interest played by Julia Roberts. It’s not always 100% historically accurate, but the story is absolutely gripping.
The Quiet Man
John Wayne is the famous boxer who returns from America to Connemara to live a quiet life, although his rivals in the city try to create trouble and the redhead Maureen O’Hara is a considerable distraction. The movie has made the town of Cong a mecca for fans and there are even complete tour packages based on the cinematic classic. It’s a great Irish movie, even if more than half the cast were pretending to be Irish.
Angela’s ashes
Limerick still has the nickname “Stab City,” but it has come a long way from the depressing gray of Frank McCourt’s childhood. The film stars Robert Carlisle, who seems to always be stuck in the rain. The great Irish film draws visitors in droves to take the ‘Angela’ tours on offer in Limerick today.
Wake up Ned Devine
Ned Devine plays the lottery, wins the main prize, and dies in a truly untimely way before cashing in on his newfound riches. The residents of his village decide to commit a little lie of omission and agree that they simply won’t tell the lottery bosses that Ned is now the late Mr. Devine. Because, after all, why shouldn’t the people get the money? Waking Ned Devine is a hilarious Irish comedy, but it was actually filmed on the Isle of Man.
The wind that shakes the barley
Ken Loach’s powerful dramatization of the Irish struggle for independence follows the career of a reluctant young rebel. The jury has yet to rule on the film’s historical accuracy and the description of events in this Irish film should be taken with a grain of salt, but it is a compelling film.
Evelyn
Pierce Brosnan took time out from Her Majesty’s Secret Service to play a father trying to be a single parent in mid-20th century Ireland. Based in part on true events, this melodramatic film highlights the inequalities and intolerance of Irish society during those years. It is a good Irish film to understand the cultural perspectives of the not too distant past.
Darby O’Gill and the Little People
Pure feel-good Disney food based on Irish myths and legends. Turn off all critical faculties and enjoy Walt of Ireland’s version, all the goblins and probably boys and girls! Young children may be scared by the strange ghost and banshee, but this is one of the best Irish movies for kids. However, adults might also be spooked by a young Sean Connery’s stab over musical fame.
The crying game
This partial thriller, partial psychodrama movie has one of the most confusing twists and turns and can only be seen for this. Without giving too much away, this is the story of a British soldier taken hostage by the Republicans. The film is quite disturbing and raises a number of questions about the conflict in Northern Ireland.
Veronica Guerin
Investigative and campaign journalist Veronica Guerin took on Dublin’s drug lords in the early 1990s – they retaliated by killing her in a shootout that certainly sent a message to all enemies. Cate Blanchett plays the doomed journalist and is seen in actual locations around Dublin. It can be seen despite the finally bleak ending. More than a decade after Guerin’s death, his murder remains unsolved and the Dublin gang is in better shape than before.
The Magdalen Sisters
Magdalen Laundries claimed to provide shelter and work for “fallen girls” … but this was simply a front. In practice, the religious order took advantage of slave labor provided by girls and women under its ‘care’. Based on the story of Magdalen Laundries, this film explores one of the most disturbing aspects of Irish life in the 20th century.
