Wicklow was once described as “The Hollywood of Europe” by Jane Seymour.
As the home of Ardmore Studios, Bray has been the hub of the very successful Irish film industry, for over fifty years. The roll call of major box office names associated with Ardmore Studios is impressive, as is the number of Oscar winning films shot in Bray and in the County Wicklow countryside.
The list of top Directors associated with Ardmore is equally impressive and includes local resident John Boorman, Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Crichton, Stephen Frears, Mel Gibson, Ron Howard, John Huston, Neil Jordan, Stanley Kubrick, David Lean, Pat O’Connor, Alan Parker, Kevin Reynolds, John Schlesinger and our own Jim Sheridan.
Due to its location, its varied scenery, and as the home of Ardmore Studios, Bray is possibly one of the most filmed locations in the country, if not in the world.
“Ardmore (Bray), is ideally situated because you have rural locations side by side with urban…all the assets virtually on your doorstep.”
Morgan O’Sullivan, Film and TV Producer , M.D. World 2000 Entertainment
Bray Town Council is always happy to co-operate with film-makers, whether it is a big budget movie, a television commercial, or a student showcase. Contact us at tclerk@braytc.ie for details.
Bray provides the perfect base to take part in the Wicklow Film Trail which includes three drives namely the Excalibur Drive, the Braveheart Drive and the Michael Collins Drive. The Excalibur Drive includes the Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains along with Bray and Greystones. The Braveheart Drive goes through the stunning monastic city of Glendalough while the Michael Collins Drive links the towns of Rathdrum and Avoca. Avoca is best known for the former BBC series Ballykissangel shot from 1995 and 2000.
You can download Memories Made Manifest an audiotour of Bray’s Film Locations http://www.wicklowfilmcommission.com/brayfilmaudiotour.htm
Wicklow Film Commission
www.wicklowfilmcommission.com
Ardmore Studios
www.ardmore.ie
