Six Movies Set in the West of Ireland: Discover Galway on Film

The rolling hills and rugged landscape of the West carry a certain cinematic magic, so it’s no surprise that they have drawn the attention of filmmakers from across the movie spectrum. 

From gritty indie flicks to the cheesiest rom coms, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the beauty of our landscape from the comfort of your couch. So settle in, stick the kettle on and admire the West of Ireland with these six stellar picks.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Martin McDonagh’s Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin is one of the more recent films to put a spotlight on the west of Ireland’s beautiful natural landscapes (not to mention our woolens and tweeds).

Set in 1923 on a fictional, picturesque island off the coast of Ireland and with the Irish Civil War as a backdrop, the film follows Pádraic (Colin Farrell) and his best friend, Colm (Brendan Gleeson). One day, Colm decides he doesn’t want to spend time with his lifelong friend anymore. The pair, initially inseparable, are no longer on the same side, devastating themselves and those caught in the crossfires around them. 

Filmed in Inis Mór, Co. Galway, and Achill island, Co. Mayo, The Banshees of Inisherin puts the West of Ireland on display to the world as a stunning landscape, deeply rooted in culture and history, filled with both beauty and danger.

Where to watch: Disney Plus, Channel 4

The Quiet Man (1952)

John Ford’s iconic 1952 rom-com stars John Wayne as Sean Thornton, an Irish-born American returning to his hometown, where he falls in love with Mary Kate, a spirited country girl played by Maureen O’Hara. Sean must overcome conflict with Mary Kate’s brother and deal with his dark past as a boxer, in what is considered a true Irish classic. 

Filming took place in Connemara, and other notable locations included the park around Ashford Castle, the village of Cong and Lettergesh Beach. A replica of the famous thatched cottage featured in the movie is located in Maam Cross, with a similar cottage built in the village of Cong, Co.Mayo. 

Where to watch: Rent from Amazon or Apple TV

The Guard (2011)

This popular cop comedy sees rogue Garda Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) working in an isolated town in Connemara, where he indulges in alcohol and prostitutes and is considered an unorthodox character, disinterested in protecting his town.

Things change for Boyle when he is partnered up with stern FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) to hunt a group of international drug traffickers who plan to exploit the isolation of the west to receive a giant shipment of cocaine. Fed up with the drug mules interfering with his daily life, Boyle decides to put aside his differences with Everett and the unlikely duo set about stopping the criminals as a team.

Set in the charming seaside town of Spiddal, The Guard showcases the beauty of rural life and the rich culture of the West of Ireland. Other significant locations include Barna, the G hotel and Blackrock diving tower. 

Where to watch: Netflix

Leap Year (2010)

Despite the unrealistic storyline and shocking accents, Leap Year is worth a watch due to its captivating shots of Galway countryside. The film follows Anna Brady, a Boston-based real estate broker who longs to get engaged but becomes frustrated when yet another anniversary with her long-term boyfriend rolls around and she still hasn’t gotten a ring.

Inspired by an Irish tradition that allows women to propose to men on a leap day, she decides to travel to Ireland and take matters into her own hands. Due to a storm, Anna is diverted to Dingle where she eventually strikes up an unlikely friendship with a local tavern owner.

Although this encounter occurs in Kerry, filming took place in Inis Mór with Connemara National Park also making an appearance. Despite its geographical inaccuracy, Leap Year features plenty of pretty shots of rolling green hills and rugged terrain. If you can get through the cringe moments and cliché portrayals of Ireland,, the stunning landscapes don’t disappoint.

Where to watch: Netflix

Marley and Me (2008)

This touching film centers around newlyweds John and Jenny who are relocating to Florida to pursue their journalism careers. Prompted by a friend, the pair adopt a labrador, Marley, to prepare for parenthood. The movie captures the ups and downs of their family life as Marley, despite his mischievous antics, becomes a cherished member of the family. 

The film features the scenic Galway countryside as the couple embark on a honeymoon to Ireland, with filming taking place in various locations around Connemara. The setting of rugged mountains and coastal scenery highlights the beauty of rural Galway with the panoramic views of Inagh Valley and the quaint fishing village of Roundstone capturing the charm of the West.

Where to watch: Disney+

Calm with Horses (2019)

Directed by Nick Rowland, Calm with Horses tells the story of ex- boxer Douglas (Cosmo Jarvis) living in a dark area in the West of Ireland, who becomes entangled with a dangerous world as he is hired as muscle for the Devers –  a violent, unhinged family of drug dealers. The film deals with Douglas’ struggle with divided loyalties as he endeavours to be a good father to his autistic son, who the Devers reject, and grapples with his dark past as a boxer. 

The grave violence displayed in Calm with Horses contrasts greatly against the peaceful backdrop in which it’s set, most notably with a high speed car chase taking place in a field of sheep. With filming taking place across Galway in Loughrea, Gort, Rosroe and Woodford, the beauty of the West is well represented while also delving into deeper issues surrounding social class and violence in Ireland. 

Where to watch: Channel 4, Rent from Amazon