County Wicklow is not only known as 'The Garden of Ireland' but also as the Hollywood of Europe. Over the last 85 years hundred of films have been made in the County, which rightly justifies this title. The versatility of the beauthiful scenery in County Wicklow is one of the main reasons for its resounding success as a film location. The presence of the internationally renowned Ardmore Studios, established in 1958 in Bray, has played an important role in establishing the film industry in Ireland and in promoting the varied landscape in County Wicklow. The rolling Wiclkow Mountains with its extensive peat bogs, the picturesque and colourful villages, and the long stretches of white sandy beaches are Wicklow features that surface repeatedly in film and television productions of all shapes and sizes.

Film Location Trails

Follow one of our three film drives to experience some of County Wicklow's most stunning scenery used in over hundreds of films.

Excalibur Drive takes in the North East Coast, the dramatic Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains, as well as the charming bustling seaside towns of Bray and Greystones.

Braveheart Drive shows off some of the highlights of the unspoilt rural countryside found around the Blessington Lakes and Hollywood, and also takes in the stunning monastic city of Glendalough. This visually stimulating trail offers one of the best vistas over the mountains and lakes.

Michael Collins Drive links the towns of Rathdrum and Avoca which can better be termed the film capitals of Ireland beccause of the long tradition of filming here. Avoca is now better known as Ballykissangel after the BBC series that was shot here from 1995 to 2000.

Along the drives you will get a tasting plate of the best that County Wickow has to offer: a warm welcome, stunning scenery, lush valleys and golden beaches combined with an abundance of Irish film history.