Filming Castles

Movies with a period setting have been and will always be popular. They are atmospheric and can lend a great 'background' to a dramatic story. Special effects of course make it easy to recreate 'historical' settings for movies these days but filming the REAL THING will never be bettered when it comes to castles!

No less than 4 real castles in Ireland were used in the filming of 'Braveheart'.

Ireland was also chosen by John Boorman for his 1981 epic 'Excalibur' - a much acclaimed and highly individual take on the legend of King Arthur.

NOTE: Any budding horror movie makers out there might like to read our page about haunted castles in Ireland.

Many scenes for the Harry Potter movie series were filmed at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. You can see a photograph I took whilst visiting Alnwick Castle which features the Hogwarts lawn from which Harry took his first broomstick flight!

Alnwick is a good example of English medieval castle construction. However, I would dare to suggest to any filmmaker looking for somewhere equally, if not more, atmospheric yet not as over-used as perhaps Alnwick Castle is, that Carlisle Castle is worthy of consideration.

When you walk under its massive, imposing portcullis and enter within its walls, history comes to life! If you don't believe me just read this about Carlisle Castle.