An Irish Wish starring Lindsey Lohan has just dropped on Netflix – and did you know it was filmed in Ireland in County Mayo, featuring our very own Westport Town! But it’s not the first movie to be filmed in our beautiful county.
Mayo, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has served as the backdrop for many cinematic masterpieces.
From heartfelt dramas to romantic comedies, here are 5 must-watch movies filmed in County Mayo:
1) The Banshees of Inisherin
The Banshees of Inisherin is a mesmerizing, Oscar nominated drama set against the backdrop of Mayo’s rugged beauty. Starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan, the film unfolds in the fictional village of Inisherin, where ancient folklore and modern-day struggles collide.
Capturing the essence of Mayo’s breathtaking landscapes, the movie was primarily filmed in picturesque locations such as Achill Island, with its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, as well as the quaint villages nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way. From windswept coastlines to rolling green hills, Mayo’s stunning scenery serves as a fitting canvas for the poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of tradition in The Banshees of Inisherin.
Where to watch? Stream on Disney +
2) The Quiet Man
The Quiet Man is a beloved classic film set amidst the idyllic charm of Mayo’s countryside. Directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, the movie tells the tale of an American returning to his Irish roots in the fictional village of Inisfree.
Mayo’s stunning landscapes serve as the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming story, with filming locations including the iconic village of Cong, nestled between Mayo and County Galway. From rolling green hills to picturesque cottages and tranquil lakes, Mayo’s scenic beauty captivates viewers and enhances the timeless charm of The Quiet Man.
Where to watch? Rent on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
3) Irish Wish
Irish Wish, starring Lindsey Lohan, is a heartwarming tale set amidst the enchanting landscapes of Mayo. In this romantic comedy, Lohan portrays a spirited young woman who finds herself in a charming small-town charm in Mayo for her best friend’s wedding. She whimsically wishes to St. Bridget that she marries the groom instead, leading to hilarious and heartfelt romantic entanglements.
Filmed against the backdrop of Mayo’s lush countryside and quaint villages, the movie captures the essence of rural Ireland, with its rolling green hills and serene coastline. From the bustling streets of Westport to the tranquil shores of Clew Bay, Irish Wish celebrates the beauty and warmth of Mayo while delivering a heartfelt story of love, friendship, and the power of believing in one’s dreams.
Where to watch? Stream on Netflix
4) Love and Rage
Love and Rage featuring James Bond’s, Daniel Craig, is a captivating drama set against the stunning backdrop of Mayo’s picturesque landscapes. Based on a true story, Craig delivers a riveting performance as a complex character embroiled in a tumultuous love affair amidst the backdrop of Achill Island’s rugged coastline and lush countryside.
Filmed in various locations across Mayo, including Achill Island and its quaint villages and breathtaking coastal cliffs, the movie captures the raw beauty and timeless allure of Ireland’s western gem. As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a visual feast of Mayo’s natural wonders, perfectly complementing the intensity of the unfolding drama in Love and Rage.
Where to watch? Rent on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
5) My Sailor, My Love
My Sailor, My Love is a poignant romantic film set against the stunning backdrop of Mayo’s coastal beauty. The movie follows the tender love story of two souls entwined by the sea, portrayed against the backdrop of Achill Island’s rugged shores and picturesque harbours.
Filmed in scenic locations across Mayo, including its charming fishing villages and windswept beaches, the movie captures the timeless allure and romanticism of Ireland’s western coastline. As the characters navigate the challenges of love and longing, viewers are treated to breathtaking views of Mayo’s majestic cliffs and expansive seascapes, creating a truly immersive cinematic experience in My Sailor, My Love. The film also won Best Irish Film at the International Dublin Film Festival in 2022.
Where to watch? Stream on Netflix
5) The Wild Mountain Thyme
Set against the captivating beauty of Mayo’s countryside, The Wild Mountain Thyme, featuring Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan, is a romantic comedy that began filming in Crossmolina, County Mayo, Ireland, before continuing in Ballina, County Mayo.
Throughout the movie, the prominent presence of Mount Nephin enriches the majestic backdrop of Mayo’s scenic landscapes. From the rolling hills of Crossmolina to the quaint streets of Ballina, and with Mount Nephin offering a breathtaking vista, the film beautifully captures the timeless allure of Ireland’s western landscape. As the love story unfolds against this picturesque backdrop, viewers are treated to an immersive cinematic experience in The Wild Mountain Thyme.
Where to watch? Rent on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Movie Magic Mayo
Whether you’re a cinephile seeking cinematic inspiration or simply looking to explore the magic of Mayo from the comfort of your home, these movies offer a captivating glimpse into the allure of Ireland’s western gem.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let the magic of Mayo transport you to a world of cinematic wonder!
Embrace the Great Outdoors