Hugh Jackman Calls Filming in Ireland a 'Gift' as Kerry Production Adds to Hollywood's Wild Atlantic Love Affair
Hollywood star Hugh Jackman has described filming in Ireland as a "gift," praising the country's landscapes, people, and creative environment after completing a production in County Kerry. Jackman's warm words add to a growing chorus of international filmmakers and actors who have highlighted Ireland's appeal as a filming location, and come at a moment when the Irish film industry is experiencing a period of sustained growth driven by generous tax incentives, world-class facilities, and an extraordinary natural environment.
Background
Ireland has established itself as one of the world's most sought-after filming locations over the past two decades, attracting productions ranging from Game of Thrones and its spin-offs to Star Wars, Braveheart, and countless other major international films and television series. The combination of Ireland's dramatic landscapes — from the rugged coastline of Kerry and Clare to the ancient forests of Wicklow and the urban character of Dublin and Belfast — with generous Section 481 tax relief for film productions has made the country an attractive destination for international studios looking for distinctive locations and cost-effective production environments.
County Kerry, where Jackman's production was filmed, has been a particularly popular destination for international filmmakers. The county's extraordinary landscape — including the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, the Skellig Islands, and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks — provides a range of dramatic settings that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. The Skellig Islands, which featured prominently in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, have become one of the most recognisable filming locations in the world, and their association with the franchise has brought significant attention to Kerry as a filming destination.
The Irish film industry has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the combination of international productions attracted by the tax incentives and the growing strength of the domestic industry. Irish directors, writers, and actors have achieved significant international recognition in recent years, with films like The Banshees of Inisherin, An Cailín Ciúin, and Aftersun bringing Irish talent to global audiences. The success of these productions has reinforced Ireland's reputation as a creative hub and has attracted further international investment in the industry.
Key Developments
Jackman's comments about filming in Ireland were made in an interview published this week, in which he described the experience as "one of the most memorable of my career." He praised the professionalism and warmth of the Irish crew he worked with, the extraordinary beauty of the Kerry landscape, and the sense of creative freedom that he experienced during the production. "There's something about Ireland that gets under your skin," he said. "The light, the landscape, the people — it all combines to create an environment that is genuinely inspiring. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to work here."
The production in which Jackman was involved has not yet been publicly announced, and details of the project remain under wraps. However, the filming in Kerry is understood to have involved a significant crew and to have provided substantial economic benefits to the local area, including employment for local cast and crew members, accommodation for the production team, and spending in local businesses. The Kerry Film Office, which works to attract productions to the county, has been active in promoting the area's filming credentials and in supporting productions that choose to film there.
Jackman's comments come at a time when the Irish film industry is experiencing a period of sustained growth. Screen Ireland, the national agency for the development of the Irish film, television, and animation industry, has reported record levels of production activity in recent years, with both domestic and international productions contributing to the growth. The Section 481 tax relief, which provides a 32 per cent tax credit on qualifying Irish expenditure, has been a key driver of this growth, and the government has indicated that it intends to maintain and strengthen the incentive in the coming years.
Why It Matters
Hugh Jackman's endorsement of Ireland as a filming location is significant for several reasons. Jackman is one of the most recognisable and respected actors in Hollywood, and his positive comments about Ireland will reach a global audience and reinforce the country's reputation as a world-class filming destination. The timing of his comments — at a moment when the Irish film industry is experiencing strong growth and when the government is preparing its budget for 2027 — is also significant, as it provides a positive backdrop for discussions about the future of the Section 481 tax incentive and the broader support for the industry.
The economic impact of international film productions in Ireland is substantial. A major production can bring tens of millions of euro into the local economy, providing employment for hundreds of Irish crew members and supporting a wide range of local businesses. In Kerry, where the tourism industry is a major employer but where economic opportunities can be limited in some areas, the film industry provides a valuable additional source of income and employment. The county's investment in its filming infrastructure — including the development of dedicated film offices and the promotion of its locations internationally — has paid dividends in terms of the productions it has attracted.
The broader cultural impact of international productions filming in Ireland is also significant. When major films and television series are set in Ireland or filmed in Irish locations, they bring the country's landscapes, culture, and people to global audiences in a way that no amount of conventional tourism marketing can replicate. The Game of Thrones effect on Northern Ireland tourism — which saw visitor numbers to filming locations increase dramatically following the series' success — is the most dramatic example of this phenomenon, but it is not unique. Every major production that films in Ireland contributes to the country's global profile and to its attractiveness as a destination for both tourism and investment.
Local Impact
In Kerry, the filming of Jackman's production has been welcomed by local businesses, tourism operators, and community groups. The county has a strong tradition of welcoming film productions, and the local community has developed considerable expertise in supporting the logistical requirements of major international shoots. The Kerry Film Office has been instrumental in facilitating the production, working with the crew to identify suitable locations, manage access to sensitive sites, and ensure that the filming process is as smooth and beneficial to the local community as possible. Local accommodation providers, restaurants, and other businesses have benefited from the spending of the production team, and the employment of local crew members has provided valuable income and experience for the county's growing film industry workforce. The production is expected to generate significant media coverage when it is eventually released, bringing further attention to Kerry's extraordinary landscape and its appeal as a filming destination.
What's Next
The production in which Jackman was involved is expected to be announced publicly in the coming months, once the studio is ready to reveal details of the project. Screen Ireland has indicated that it will continue to work with international studios to attract major productions to Ireland, and that it is in discussions with several studios about potential projects that could film in Ireland in 2027 and 2028. The government's review of the Section 481 tax incentive, which is expected to be completed before the end of 2026, will be an important factor in determining Ireland's continued attractiveness as a filming destination. The Irish Film Board's annual report, which is expected to be published in October, will provide further detail on the scale and impact of international productions in Ireland in 2026.
