How Ireland Became the Backdrop for Braveheart
You may not realise it, but more of the scenes in the movie Braveheart were filmed in Ireland than were filmed in Scotland. Yes, it is about warrior William Wallace, fighting for Scotland’s freedom; but there is a lot of Ireland in that iconic film. And a few of those who were there during that filming are still around, and happy to set the scene for anyone interested.
Mel Gibson on the set of Braveheart at TrimCastle in 1997.
Trim Castle, north of Dublin was used as a backdrop for a lot of the scenes in Braveheart. There are tour guides and docents at Trim Castle that remember that filming and have stories about some of the stars in the movie. Like the fact that Mel Gibson was short and how they used props to make him look taller. Who was nice to the crews, who was not. And stories from hired crew members still living there. Plus there is an amazing exhibition of progress on the movie and how it put a lot of Irish to work as extras. Braveheart also pumped millions into Irish economy in 1997.
Trim Castle, north of Dublin, as it stands today.
The castle itself was heavily fortified for the filming of the executions in the movie. And it served as the city of York in Scotland in the story. It was also a great backdrop for the battles.
Photos from the exhibition of Braveheart at Trim Castle.
And that helped Ireland on its journey to the Silver Screen with so many movies after the Oscar-winning Braveheart. Did you know that Curracloe Beach , near Wexford was used as Normandy Beach in Saving Private Ryan? The dark hedges in Game of Thrones are in Northern Ireland. And much of that series was filmed there. And all those areas celebrate all the extras put to work there as well. You can hear the locals remember the filming of Braveheart and hear more about Ireland’s history in film, by listening to the podcast below. Just click on the audio bar below.