For Hollywood, grass is greener in Ireland

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, November 1, 2026

Limerick and Dublin have emerged as major hubs for American film and television production in Ireland, driven by attractive tax incentives, advanced facilities like Troy Studios, and diverse filming locations. This growth has propelled Ireland into the top five global filming destinations, boosting production spending to over $630 million last year and establishing the country as a key center for both scripted and unscripted U.S. content.

Limerick and Dublin have become significant centers for American film and television production in Ireland, reflecting a broader shift in the global entertainment industry. As Hollywood production in the Los Angeles area declines, Ireland is emerging as a preferred location for a wide range of U.S. projects, drawn by favorable tax incentives, diverse landscapes, state-of-the-art studios, and a skilled local workforce.

Troy Studios in Limerick, once a Dell factory, is Ireland’s largest and most modern soundstage complex, hosting productions such as Apple TV’s science fiction series "Foundation," SyFy’s "Nightflyers," and multiple American prime-time game shows including "The Floor," hosted by actor Rob Lowe. The relocation of these productions to Ireland has sparked mixed reactions, with some in the Irish film community proud of the influx, while others remain wary of the scale of international projects overshadowing local storytelling.

Ireland’s appeal to American productions stems from its blend of dramatic scenery and a growing film infrastructure. Historic sites like Skellig Michael, featured in "Star Wars," and locations substituted for iconic American settings, such as Ballinesker Beach standing in for Omaha Beach in "Saving Private Ryan," underscore the country's versatility. Recent American film and TV projects like Netflix’s "Wednesday," the USA Network’s "The Rainmaker," and Brad Pitt’s film "The Riders" have all benefitted from filming in Ireland’s varied environments.

Production spending nationwide surged to a record $632.7 million last year, a 26% increase from the previous year, according to Screen Ireland. The country ranks among the top five global filming destinations, trailing only New York, the United Kingdom, California, and Georgia. This “green wave” of increased production has led to a demand for resources such as soundstages, lenses, editing facilities, and vehicles appropriated for American settings.

Screen Ireland, the national film agency, has played a pivotal role in nurturing both international projects and indigenous filmmaking. Established in its current form in 1993, the agency has invested nearly $170 million in film, television, animation, and talent development over the past five years. The government’s tax incentives, offering up to a 32% refundable credit on eligible expenditures, have been instrumental in attracting productions. Recent enhancements include credits for visual effects (VFX), post-production, and, uniquely among European nations, incentives for unscripted content like game shows and reality programming.

The boom extends beyond live-action projects into animation, where studios such as Cartoon Saloon have gained international recognition with hand-drawn films rooted in Irish folklore. This sector now employs around 2,500 people across nearly 50 studios.

Co-productions and partnerships between Irish companies and U.S. studios have flourished. Firms like Wild Atlantic Pictures and Element Pictures have heightened Ireland’s profile through collaborations on high-profile films and series, including "The Banshees of Inisherin," "Cocaine Bear," and "Foundation." These relationships often involve combining funding sources and sharing creative control, reflecting a globalized industry.

Ireland’s capability to convincingly double for American settings has grown increasingly important. Productions such as "The Rainmaker," adapted from John Grisham’s novel and filmed entirely in Ireland despite its Charleston, South Carolina setting, demonstrate how producers leverage cost savings and local talent adept at simulating U.S. accents. Showrunner Michael Seitzman noted that tax credits and lower production costs saved him approximately $10 million on a 10-episode season.

Additionally, the surge in American game shows filmed in Ireland represents a distinct trend. BiggerStage, an Irish production company specializing in unscripted television, recently invested $11.2 million to establish a global unscripted production hub at Troy Studios. The company has partnered extensively with Fox Entertainment, producing shows such as "Name That Tune," "Beat Shazam," and "The Floor" for American audiences. Fox executives endorse Ireland’s creative and economic advantages, predicting that the country will continue to serve as a crucial base for unscripted content aimed at both European and U.S. markets.

Ireland’s film industry evolution reflects decades of cultural investment, dating back to the establishment of the Irish Film Board in 1980 and its relaunch in 1993 as Screen Ireland. This foundation enabled the country to transition from a modest production locale to an internationally competitive hub, celebrated for its unique blend of historical heritage, creative talent, and financial incentives. As the global entertainment landscape continues to shift, Ireland’s role as a center for American film and television production appears poised to grow further.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.