Inis Mór Awarded Best Filming Location in Europe
Aerial View of Inis Mór, Aran Islands, Co. Galway.
Whilst the film may be set on the fictional island of Inisherin, visitors may spot that it is on Inis Mór that the production team constructed the cottage that main character Pádraic shares with his sister Siobhán. Fans of the film will recognise the weather-worn island as the backdrop to many of the pivotal scenes – from its extraordinarily tall cliffs to isolated bays, the island boasts a wealth of history and culture which have been attracting tourists for generations.
Directed by Martin McDonagh (whose parents are both Irish), the plot follows the crumbling relationship between humble dairy farmer Pádraic (Colin Farrell) and his best friend Colm (Brendan Gleeson). The cast consists of some of Ireland’s most impressive talent, including both leads and Barry Keoghan, all hailing from Dublin, and Kerry Condon and Pat Shortt both from County Tipperary.
This is the second time an Irish location has won this award. In 2021, Cahir Castle, County Tipperary, won the same award, recognised as a key filming location for The Green Knight.
And the island is no stranger to hosting filming crews – previous productions that have featured Inis Mór’s breathtaking landscapes include films like The Matchmaker (1997) and Leap Year (2010), as well as Irish popstar, Dermot Kennedy’s music video for single, For Island Fires and Family.
Dun Aengus, Inis Mor, Aran Islands.
Inis Mór is a part of The Aran Islands; a group of three islands, situated at the mouth of Galway Bay, off the West coast of Ireland. Whilst Inis Mór, the largest, was used as a filming location for Banshees, the remaining two, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr are also open to visitors year-round. The three are known for their unique culture and landscapes, as well as being predominantly Gaeltacht areas (Irish speaking.)
Due to its remote location, the only way to reach the islands is by ferry or plane, which you can do so year-round. Inis Mór’s coastal roads run alongside some of the most stunning panoramas in Ireland, where cyclists can take advantage of the fresh sea air and explore as much or as little as they like.
With its wild landscapes, rich Gaelic culture and breathtaking views, Inis Mor provides the perfect setting for a cycling getaway. From spots like Dún Aonghasa (a prehistoric hill fort) to Teampall Bheanáin (the smallest church in Ireland) and all the rugged scenery in between, getting around this stunning isle is definitely best done on two wheels.
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Inis Mor, Aran Islands, Co. Galway.