Artistic inspiration can come in many forms and Ireland is a country full of directors that have been inspired by stories around them. Sure, the backstreets of Dublin don’t have the same sheen as Hollywood Boulevard, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less impressive as a movie backdrop. In this rundown of top flicks, we’ve picked out three of the best movies filmed in Ireland and what inspired them.

My Left Foot (1989)

Creativity is often inspired by tragedy and Jim Sheridan’s My Left Foot is a perfect example of this, When Sheridan came across the story of Irish writer and artist Christy Brown, it wasn’t just his disability that directed this movie. Using the always impressive Daniel Day-Lewis as his lead man, Sheridan painted a picture of Brown as a strong character in the face of adversity.
Indeed, although his ability to overcome cerebral palsy and create art with only his left foot was revered, this movie brings out Brown’s soul. Using the bleakness of Ireland in the 1940s as his backdrop with on-location shots, Sheridan was able to create a juxtaposition with Brown’s apparent strength. So successful was the movie that it won Day-Lewis an Oscar.

Waking Ned Devine (1998)

When it comes to images of Ireland, one motif endures and that’s the idea of community. As an Ireland filled with close-knit towns and villages, scenes of people knowing everyone’s business (for better or worse) are common in any movie with a hint of Ireland. One movie that takes this idea to the extreme is Waking Ned Devine. To set-up this 1998 release, you need to imagine you live in a small village and someone wins big on the lottery.
As it often does, thoughts of winning the lottery send minds racing. Indeed, today more than ever, the central premise of Waking Ned Devine is one that resonates because people can go online and play the Irish Lottery with a few simple moves. With lottery wins sparking the imagination, it’s little wonder the residents of Tully More do everything they can to dupe the gaming officials and convince them that Ned isn’t dead. Naturally, with everyone vying for the dead man’s prize, hilarity ensues.

Adam & Paul (2004)

Just as unexpected pain or joy can stir the creative juices, so can self-inflicted toil. Lenny Abrahamson tackles this in a hard-hitting way with his 2004 production: Adam & Paul. Set in Dublin, the movie follows two drug addicts as they take a trip to get their next fix. As much as Adam & Paul is an exploration of addiction, it’s also a journey through the lives of those affected.
Yes, the narrative and cinematography aren’t exactly positive but that’s the point. Even in the darkest moments, this movie has its patches of light that proves there is hope even in the bleakest of situations.
Ireland may not seem like the perfect backdrop for tales of triumph but our top picks show it is. With a little inspiration, the right location and a little creativity, Ireland has shown itself to be a great place for movies to be made.