Go all Game of Thrones or Derry Girls as Irish staycation appeal soars

As Internet searches for staycations continue to grow in number, there is a surge of interest being shown in the Emerald Isle.

One Irish property website reported a recent 112 per cent increase in searches for Irish holiday homes when compared to figures from the previous year.

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The lockdown has played a large role in keeping everyone closer to home this year, but the growing fascination with Irish holidays might also have something to do with the films and TV shows viewed while people have been stuck in the house.

Ireland has a wealth of staycation options for the film-savvy traveller. And you don’t need to go too far to get a real taste of adventure.

If planning an Irish staycation for 2020, why not take inspiration from the scenic locations of some classic films and TV shows, based on Zalando research.

County Antrim inspired by Game of Thrones

Any fan of Game of Thrones will feel right at home in County Antrim. The show was filmed over an eight-year period, so there are plenty of locations in Ireland that are bound to trigger your memory –49 of which are in County Antrim.

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From Winterfell and the Dark Hedges to the House of Stark, you’ll be thrilled to see some of the classic locations straight from George RR Martin’s fantasy world come to life.

For the mega-fans out there, you could even embark upon an organised Game of Thrones tour to get your fill of insider knowledge! 

Wicklow Mountains National Park inspired by Vikings

For another fantastical staycation option, head to the Wicklow Mountains National Park and betransported back centuries to the time of the Vikings. The series used many filming locations in the East of Ireland, including Blessington Lakes and Powerscourt Waterfall, so this area would be perfect for both Vikings fans and nature enthusiasts, for a worthwhile Irish break.

Curracloe Strand inspired by Saving Private Ryan

You might be surprised to know that the D-Day Landings in the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan were actually filmed in Ireland, on Ballinesker Beach, Curracloe Strand to be exact.

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Any history buffs looking for a close-to-home getaway location are sure to enjoy a break at Curracloe Strand. Here, history, movies, and a beautiful beach are all wrapped up together in one place.

Derry inspired by Derry Girls

If you’re more of a sitcom person, then you probably binge-watched the beloved Northern Ireland-based show Derry Girls.

Although most of the filming did take place in Derry, as would be expected, many scenes were also shot in Belfast and Southern Ireland – so Derry Girls fans have their pick of locations! Of course, to get a real taste of the beloved show, a staycation in Derry is your number one option.

Whether you’re excited to throw on your walking boots and rucksack for an active countryside getaway, or you’re already mentally packing your suitcase for an action-packed city weekend, Ireland and Northern Ireland have multiple staycation options to suit every kind of film or television enthusiast.

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Go ahead and put your lockdown-induced screen time to good use.

Do some research on your planned location then take a well-earned break from the daily routine to dive right into the mood and moments of your favourite film or TV show!  Research on staycation choices was carried out by Zalando .