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Book a self drive or rail package by April 30thFor all Ireland lovers, movies and books provide an alternative way to discover this beautiful Island and its incredible people, so, it’s time to start this new adventure between pages and screens. Rolling green hills, a fascinating history, and romance are all things one would expect and witness firsthand on a vacation to Ireland. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon in Ireland or an a long awaited escorted tour, our top picks of films and books will give you a taste of what Ireland has in store for you.
The Irish cinematography is various, with comedies but also touching movies about its history. Ireland, moreover, was used as a set of famous international movies, such as Saving Private Ryan, the famous beach of the first scenes is located in fact, in Wexford. For all the Star Wars fans instead, Skellig Michael in Kerry is the place where the force awakens. So, we chose the best movies that are definitely worth a watch. Let’s start!
The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Ken Loach (2006)
Directed by Ken Loach, this amazing movie is the story of two brothers, one is played by Cillian Murphy, from County Cork who join the Irish Republican Army to fight for against the British occupation during the War of Independence (1919-21) and the Civil war (1922-23). Historical facts and fictions merge together and create one of the most amazing movies about Irish history.
Michael Collins, Neil Jordan (1996)
Another historical movie which provide a good insight into the Irish history, is Michael Collins. This biographical drama outlines the life of one of the most famous Irish patriots and revolutionary figures in Ireland. Definitely worth a watch.
The Guard,John Michael McDonagh (2011)
Some good Irish comedy starring Brendan Gleeson in the uniform of a sergeant of garda (police).
Box office success, this movie is perfect for all the police story lovers, with a sprinkle of Irish humor and of course, the unmistakable Irish accent. Laughter guaranteed.
Angela’s Ashes, Alan Parker (1999)
Based on the autobiographical book, written by Frank McCourt called Angela Ashes, the story is on Frank’s childhood in Ireland, where his family is forced to going back for financial problems. This movie, as well as its original paper version, is an incredible overview on Ireland during the 1930s and 1940s. If the movie is worth a watch, the book must be read without any doubt. Anecdotes and memories from McCourt childhood, despite sometimes tragic, are reported with an unique style of writing.
There is nothing better than opening a book and chilling out, and Irish authors perfectly provide a great option for reading lovers. Here are some of the worthwhile books for you to choose from.
Dubliners, James Joyce
A classic of Irish literature, is a collection of fifteen stories that depict the Irish middle class in the early 20th Century. Written during the years of the peak of Irish nationalism, the central focus of these stories is the idea of epiphany, a moment when the character experience a life changing moment, closely related to the historical period.
In the Woods, Tana French
From the classics to the detective stories, In the Woods is the perfect book for mystery lovers. The plot of this best selling novel is focused on the murder of a twelve years old girl, and to the two detectives that investigate the case. In the Woods is the first book of the Dublin murder squad series and inspired the BBC drama Dublin Murders.
I never knew that about Ireland, Christopher Winn
This interesting compendium provide a captivating overview on Irish history, culture, heritage and hidden gems. Through a tour of the four Provinces, page after page, you can find out where dreams were inspired, follow Irish heroes footsteps and discover this incredible Island through its fascinating stories.
The Guest List, Lucy Foley
A wedding on a remote island off the Irish coast, murders and mystery with a touch of Agatha Christie style. The perfect ingredients for a story that knows how to catch you.