‘It’s a great place to make movies. You’ve got wonderful talent. You’ve got great craftsmen and crew, a wonderful spirit and beautiful locations and facilities.’
Barbara Broccoli, Producer, The Rhythm Section
Filming in Ireland
Ireland is an increasingly popular filming destination for high-end series and international feature films. Most recently Netflix Vikings spinoff Vikings: Valhalla began shooting in County Wicklow. Set 100 years after the original Vikings, which also shot in Ireland, the series explores the adventures of Leif Erikson, Freydis and Harald Hardrada and the Norman Kind William the Conqueror.
Ireland has provided locations for blockbusters including of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi which boosted the production profile. More recently large shoots including Ridley Scott's The Last Duel starring Ben Affleck, Jodie Comer and Matt Damon shot in Ireland, Apple+ sci-fi series Foundation have shot in the country.
The Section 481 filming incentive 32-37% Tax Credit for film, TV and animation has a EUR70 million per project cap and international cast and crew working in Ireland qualify. Until the end of 2021 the base 32% is raised to 37% for projects substantially produced in regions outside Dublin/Wicklow and Cord City and County. In 2022 this decreases to a 3% uplift, and 2% in 2023.
With Ireland's international reputation growing, the race is on to expand the country's offering of sound stages. There are a number of studio facilities in various stages of development including Ashbourne Studios.
Climate
Ireland enjoys a moderate climate. The coldest months are January and February, with average daily air temperatures of between around 4C and 7C. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures between 14C and 16C and May and June are normally the sunniest. Light rain is common in Ireland and occurs during roughly 150-200 days of each year.
Average daily daylight
Average daily sunlight
