Three counties on the island of Ireland were used as locations for The Northman movie, a Viking revenge saga centered around 10th-century Iceland, which was released in April 2022.
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The film, which stars Hollywood A-listers Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, and Ethan Hawke, was shot on Torr Head in Co. Antrim in 2020, with additional scenes filmed at Malin Head in Co. Donegal and The Gleniff Horseshoe in Co. Sligo.
The island of Ireland was chosen for its likeness to areas of Iceland.
The story is about the Nordic Prince Amleth, played by Alexander Skarsgard, a Swedish actor, who seeks revenge after his father is murdered.
Kidman plays the character, Queen Gudrun.
This is not the first time Kidman and Skarsgard have been on the same film set.
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Both starred as husband and wife in the HBO series, “Big Little Lies.”
It’s not a surprise that Ireland continues to be chosen by Hollywood executives as the ideal location for several recent films given its natural beauty.
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Matt Damon and Ben Affleck filmed scenes for “The Last Duel,” a historical drama-thriller that is based on the book, “The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial By Combat In Medieval France.”
Here is some more information on the locations for The Northman movie.
Torr Head, Co. Antrim
Spectacular views of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre are reasons enough to make a stop at Torr Head on the Coastal Causeway Route.
The headland was important in the 19th century as the passing of nearby transatlantic ships was recorded and sent to Lloyds of London.
Centuries before that, this beautiful spot was also a vital link for Scottish clans looking for help from allies in Argyllshire, which is only about 13 miles (21 km) by boat on the Sea of Moyle.
Of historical interest in this area is the ruin of Altagore Cashel, which dates to the sixth century.
It is about 2 km (1.24 miles) north of Cushendun, a pretty resort town.
The ruin is not a castle, but rather a dun, a dwelling that was common during the Iron and Bronze Ages.
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Malin Head, Co. Donegal
Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula is the most northerly point in Ireland and the starting point for many visitors interested in driving the Wild Atlantic Way.
At Five Finger Strand, you’ll see Europe’s largest sand dunes.
On the coast road, you'll find an old radio station built in 1910, as well as The Tower, a now derelict signal station that was built by the British in 1802 for protection against French forces.
This is a great place for walking and exploring the coastline.
The beaches here are truly magnificent, with several worth visiting in the area, including the Five Finger Strand, which is where filming took place.
Others include Culdaff and Stroove beaches, as well as Ballyhillion, a unique raised beach system that is known for its semi-precious stones, many of which can be set into jewelry.
Read More: Six Days in Donegal: Exploring the County's Most Spectacular Locations
The Gleniff Horseshoe, Co. Sligo
The Gleniff Horseshoe is a glacial valley located on the north side of the Dartry Mountains in North Sligo.
It is a favorite spot for photographers, who like to take shots of the old mill that is situated at the base of the horseshoe.
The valley was formed during the last Ice Age when glaciers of more than a kilometer thick covered this landscape.
As the ice melted, a huge hollow was left in the mountain, which is what you see today.
The main attraction for many is Diarmuid and Grainne’s cave, which is located at the back of the Gleniff Horseshoe.
You can go either right or left from the old schoolhouse. Either way will bring you to the cave, the largest in Ireland.
For those unfamiliar with the story of Diarmuid and Grainne, they both feature largely in Irish mythology.
Grainne, the daughter of the High King Conor McAirt, was the most beautiful woman in Ireland and was to become the wife of Fionn MacCool, Ireland’s legendary warrior.
On the night before her wedding to Fionn, she escaped with Diarmuid, who was one of his soldiers.
After years of traveling around Ireland, the legend says they ended up on Benbulben, Sligo’s famous Table Mountain. It was there that Diarmuid was killed by a wild boar.
Read More: Sligo and Leitrim Attractions Part of Spanish Armada Film