- Waterford Castle (on its private island in the River Suir, near Waterford City): This historic 16th-century castle, now a luxury resort accessible by private ferry, served as a key filming site for Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon (1975), providing elegant period exteriors and interiors for the lavish 18th-century aristocratic settings and duelling sequences in the acclaimed period drama.
- Lismore Castle, Lismore: The impressive medieval castle and its stunning gardens overlooking the Blackwater River were the primary location for the BBC TV adaptation of Northanger Abbey (2007), Jane Austen’s gothic parody, where the estate’s grand halls, grounds, and atmospheric architecture stood in for the fictional Northanger Abbey and its eerie, romantic surroundings.
- Various estates and rural sites (including Portlaw and surrounding countryside): County Waterford’s rolling landscapes, wooded areas, and historic properties featured in Barry Lyndon (1975), with scenes capturing the film’s meticulously lit natural exteriors, duels, and pastoral Irish countryside standing in for 18th-century Europe; additional rural spots supported smaller productions requiring authentic period or Irish rural backdrops.
- Various locations around Waterford City and county: The county’s historic streets, harbours, and midlands scenery have appeared in lesser-known or independent films such as The McKenzie Break (1970), a World War II drama using coastal and rural elements; The Purple Taxi (1977); and occasional TV or short productions drawn to the area’s Viking heritage (Waterford was founded by Vikings) and versatile period architecture, though often for authentic local Irish settings rather than major blockbusters.
These locations showcase County Waterford’s appeal for period dramas and historical productions, thanks to its well-preserved castles, estates, and scenic riverside and rural landscapes. The county is particularly noted for Stanley Kubrick’s extensive use during Barry Lyndon, one of the most celebrated films shot in Ireland.
.Movie locations in the county
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County Waterford:
Ireland’s county Waterford is steeped in Viking and medieval history, with Waterford City’s Reginald’s Tower and Viking Triangle showcasing ancient artefacts. The Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark, offers dramatic coastal walks, while the Lismore Castle gardens provide serene beauty. Other attractions include the beaches of Tramore and historic Dunmore East. Waterford is Ireland’s 21st largest county by size (1,838 square km) and 20th largest by population (127,363). Population peaked at 196,187 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 71,439 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Waterford is Ireland’s ninth most visited tourist county with around 225,000 international visitors per year.
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