Hollywood Meets Cahir Castle – From *Excalibur* to *The Last Duel*
Introduction
Perched on a rocky island in the River Suir, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s best‑preserved medieval fortresses. Its towering walls, narrow arrow slits and dramatic river‑front setting have long attracted tourists, but they have also made the castle a favourite backdrop for filmmakers. Over the past five decades, the stone keep has stood in for everything from King Arthur’s Camelot to a 14th‑century French manor, starring in blockbuster movies and hit TV series. This guide walks you through the most notable productions that have used Cahir Castle, the scenes they filmed, and practical tips for visitors who want to see the Hollywood magic in person.
A Brief History of Filming at Cahir Castle
| Year | Production | Genre | Key Scene(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | The Conflict (TV film) | Historical drama | Interior shots of a medieval abbey |
| 1981 | Excalibur (directed by John Boorman) | Arthurian fantasy | Arthur’s siege of the castle – “Arthur rescues the siege” |
| 1998 | Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog (Saban TV series) | Fantasy adventure | Exterior battle sequences and castle courtyard |
| 2007‑2010 | The Tudors (RTE/Showtime series) | Historical drama | Courtyard and great hall used for Tudor court scenes |
| 2019‑2020 | The Green Knight (directed by David Lowery) | Fantasy epic | Castle interior for the Green Knight’s hall and courtyard |
| 2020‑2021 | The Last Duel (directed by Ridley Scott) | Historical drama | Castle interior transformed into a 14th‑century French manor for courtroom and banquet scenes |
Cahir Castle’s reputation as a top‑tier filming location was cemented when it won the European Film Location Competition’s Best European Filming Location award in 2022, beating out sites from Spain, Italy and France. The award recognised the castle’s versatility, accessibility, and the seamless cooperation between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and production crews.
Iconic Movies Shot at Cahir Castle
1. Excalibur (1981)
John Boorman’s visually striking retelling of the Arthurian legend needed a genuine medieval stronghold. Cahir Castle provided the perfect stand‑in for the fortress of Camlan. The climactic siege sequence—where King Arthur’s forces assault the castle walls—was filmed on the outer bailey, using the castle’s natural ditch and river to create a dramatic water‑filled moat. The interior great hall doubled as the royal throne room, its vaulted ceilings lending an authentic medieval ambience.
Why it works: The castle’s 13th‑century core architecture matches the film’s gritty, low‑tech aesthetic, while the surrounding river adds natural drama without costly set construction.
2. The Green Knight (2021)
David Lowery’s adaptation of the 14th‑century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight required a location that felt both timeless and otherworldly. Cahir Castle’s well‑preserved stonework and atmospheric courtyard were ideal for the film’s “Green Knight’s Hall” where the titular character confronts Sir Gawain. Production designer Tim Hammond added period‑appropriate banners and torches, but the castle’s original stone arches remained the visual anchor.
Trivia: The castle had already hosted an Arthurian film (Excalibur), making it a poetic full‑circle for another Arthurian‑inspired movie.
3. The Last Duel (2020/2021)
Ridley Scott’s historical drama, based on Eric Jager’s book, required a location that could convincingly portray a French manor house in the 1380s. Cahir Castle’s interior—particularly the great hall and the adjoining chambers—were dressed with French‑style tapestries, wooden tables and period furniture to become the Château de la Cour where the duel’s court proceedings occur. The castle’s river backdrop was used for exterior shots of the duelling field.
Production note: Filming took place over six weeks in September‑October 2020, during which the castle was temporarily closed to the public. The crew erected a temporary wooden set on the courtyard to accommodate a large crowd of extras for the courtroom scene.
4. The Tudors (2007‑2010)
The internationally popular series used Cahir Castle for several episodes set in the 16th‑century Tudor court. The castle’s great hall served as the Royal Banquet Hall, while the outer walls were dressed with period‑accurate banners to depict the court of King Henry VIII. The series’ location scout praised Cahir for its “authentic medieval feel that required minimal CGI.”
Notable TV Shows and Mini‑Series
| Show | Year(s) | Scenes Filmed at Cahir |
|---|---|---|
| Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog | 1998 | Opening battle sequences; castle courtyard used as a mystical arena |
| The Conflict (TV film) | 1973 | Interior abbey scenes; cloister shots |
| The Tudors | 2007‑2010 | Banquet hall, courtroom, royal chambers |
| The Green Knight (behind‑the‑scenes specials) | 2021 | Interviews on the castle’s ramparts |
These productions, though varied in genre, all chose Cahir for its authentic medieval atmosphere and logistical convenience: the castle is easily reachable from Dublin (≈ 1.5 h drive) and has ample parking and on‑site facilities for crew.
Behind the Scenes: What Filming Involves
- Location Permits – The OPW issues a Filming Licence that outlines allowed areas, time limits, and restrictions on structural alterations. For major productions, a separate Special Use Permit may be required for temporary set construction.
- Set Dressing – While Cahir’s stone walls are largely untouched, interiors often need period‑appropriate furniture, tapestries, and lighting rigs. Production designers work closely with OPW conservators to ensure no damage to historic fabric.
- Safety & Access – The castle’s narrow staircases and uneven stone floors necessitate safety briefings for cast and crew. Portable ramps and walk‑ways are installed where needed, but all must be removable without leaving marks.
- Local Economic Boost – Large shoots bring temporary employment for local contractors (catering, transport, accommodation). In 2020, the Last Duel production booked over 30 rooms across Clonmel, Cahir and nearby Borris‑in‑Ossory, injecting an estimated €250,000 into the local economy.
- Community Engagement – Productions often host open‑day events for residents. During The Green Knight filming, a public “castle walk” was organised, allowing locals to watch the crew at work and learn about film craft.
Visiting Cahir Castle After the Cameras Leave
Tour Options
| Tour Type | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Guided Tour | 45 min | Castle history, medieval weapons display, audio‑visual show in the great hall |
| Film‑Location Tour (seasonal) | 60 min | Behind‑the‑scenes photos, replica props from Excalibur and The Green Knight, commentary on filming logistics |
| Private Group Tour | Custom | Tailored for school groups, film‑studies classes, or production scouts |
Tip: The Film‑Location Tour runs from May to September, coinciding with the castle’s busiest tourist months. Booking ahead online guarantees a spot and often includes a souvenir postcard featuring a still from one of the movies.
Practical Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: 10:00‑17:00 (April‑October); 12:00‑16:00 (November‑March). Closed on major public holidays.
- Admission: €9 adults, €5 children (5‑12), free for under‑5s. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) €26.
- Parking: Free car park on the north side (capacity 150 vehicles). Disabled parking available.
- Facilities: Café with indoor and outdoor seating, gift shop stocked with replica swords, castle‑themed apparel, and DVDs of the featured films.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access to the castle grounds and the first floor of the great hall via a temporary ramp; upper towers remain inaccessible due to historic preservation rules.
- Photography: Allowed in most areas; flash photography prohibited inside the great hall to protect artefacts.
When to Spot Filming Activity
Cahir Castle’s filming calendar is typically announced a year in advance via the OPW website and local news outlets. Recent productions have favoured the late summer window (July‑September) to take advantage of longer daylight hours and milder weather. If you’re hoping to catch a crew on set, plan a visit during these months and keep an eye on the castle’s social‑media feeds for “behind‑the‑scenes” posts.
Why Cahir Castle Stands Out Among Film Locations
- Authenticity: Few Irish castles retain as much of their original medieval fabric as Cahir, meaning less reliance on CGI.
- Versatility: The same stone walls can convincingly become a 5th‑century Irish stronghold, a 12th‑century English manor, or an otherworldly Arthurian hall.
- Logistics: Proximity to major roads, ample parking, and a cooperative state body (OPW) make the site film‑friendly.
- Scenic River Setting: The River Suir provides natural water‑effects—moats, reflections, and dramatic sunrise shots—without additional set work.
- Award‑Winning Reputation: The 2022 EUFCN award has raised the castle’s profile, attracting more high‑budget productions and tourism interest.
How to Use Cahir Castle for Your Own Creative Projects
If you are a filmmaker, photographer, or event organiser, the castle can be hired for:
- Short‑film shoots (up to 5 days)
- Music videos (e.g., folk‑rock or cinematic ballads)
- Theatre rehearsals (especially for period pieces)
- Corporate team‑building events (castle‑themed escape rooms)
Requests are submitted through the OPW’s Location Services portal. Expect a £2,500‑£6,000 location fee, dependent on the scale of the production, plus any additional costs for set construction, insurance, and restoration guarantees.
Conclusion
Cahir Castle’s stone walls have witnessed centuries of Irish history, and now they also hold a place in global pop culture. From the sword‑clashing siege in Excalibur to the haunting medieval hall of The Green Knight and the courtroom drama of The Last Duel, the castle proves that authentic heritage sites can seamlessly become cinematic stars. Whether you’re a film buff eager to walk the same corridors as Ridley Scott’s crew, a tourist seeking a fairy‑tale backdrop, or a creator looking for a ready‑made set, Cahir Castle offers a unique blend of history, beauty and Hollywood glamour. Pack your camera, check the filming schedule, and step into the world where Ireland’s past meets the silver screen.