While many of us instantly associate Alicia Silverstone with her iconic role as Cher in the cult 1990s film Clueless, she takes on a very different character in Irish Blood that was filmed in Wicklow. This new series on Sky Witness and NOW TV sees Alicia play Fiona, a successful divorce lawyer who travels to Ireland searching for answers from her estranged father Declan. The show has quickly proven popular with viewers, with many noting how prominently Wicklow features, serving as the base for her character and appearing throughout the series in its locations. The use of actual street names brings a little bit of something extra special for locals.
Filmmakers like to shoot in County Wicklow because it offers an extraordinary range of landscapes, from mountains and forests to lakes, coastline and grand estates, all within a compact area. Its close proximity to Dublin makes logistics easier, with quick access to studios, airports, accommodation and experienced crews. Wicklow also has a long history of hosting film and television productions such as Vikings, Vikings Valhalla, Wednesday, The Tudors, Braveheart, Excalibur, The Count of Monte Cristo to name a few. The county’s historic and visually striking locations often require minimal set dressing, saving time and money. Together, these advantages allow Wicklow to convincingly stand in for many different locations on screen.
Wicklow Town is a charming coastal town where the mountains meet the sea, offering a mix of natural beauty and rich history. Set around a bustling harbour, it has a relaxed, lived-in feel that makes it popular with both locals and visitors. Bridge Street Bridge is a central landmark, linking the town’s streets and providing views over the river as it flows toward the harbour. Overlooking the coastline, the atmospheric ruins of the Black Castle stand as a reminder of Wicklow’s medieval past. Together, these features give Wicklow Town a distinctive character that blends heritage with everyday coastal life.
Wicklow’s East Pier is one of the town’s most distinctive features, stretching out into the Irish Sea and offering sweeping views back towards the harbour and coastline. At its end stands the white East Pier lighthouse, a familiar and much-loved landmark that has guided ships safely into port for generations. Along the pier, a series of colourful murals adds a modern layer of creativity, celebrating local history, maritime life and community spirit. The contrast between the working harbour, the historic lighthouse and the vibrant artwork makes the pier a popular spot for walks and photography. Whether on a calm summer evening or a blustery winter’s day, the East Pier captures the character and atmosphere of Wicklow Town.
Irish Blood production used various filming locations around County Wicklow including: The Black Castle, Wicklow Golf Club and Coastline, The East Pier, Wicklow Harbour, Salthouse Lane, Enniskerry Village, Wicklow Uplands, Bray Seafront and Promenade and more.
