Tis the Season to Be Irish transports us to Ireland’s enchanting landscapes, bringing romance and Christmas spirit to the screen in a uniquely Irish setting. Directed by Lesley Demetriades, the movie follows Rose, a nomadic real estate developer who travels to the Emerald Isle to restore an old cottage and finds herself swept up in the warmth of Irish traditions and the charm of a local realtor, Sean.
Rose learns far more than just the history of the cottage as they cooperate to bring life back to it; she starts to rebuild her heart too. Filmed against a stunning setting, it envelops viewers in Ireland’s natural beauty—from the rocky coast to little towns. Let’s explore the filming sites and behind-the-scenes that make “Tis the Season to Be Irish” a real festive treasure.
Where was Tis the season to be Irish filmed?
Tis the Season to Be Irish was filmed in Wicklow County and Dublin, Ireland, presenting a real Irish Christmas on film. Filming took place in August 2024, allowed the production team to capture Ireland’s rich vegetation and stunning coastlines in the height of summer, which were later accented with Christmas décor to create a wintery, holiday feel. Combining aerial video with on-location views, the photography highlights some of the most breathtaking natural settings in Ireland.
Wicklow, Dublin Ireland
Wicklow County, sometimes known as “the Garden of Ireland,” was the main filming location. Rose’s path of self-discovery and developing relationship with Sean was idealized by Wicklow’s little towns and villages.
With the filmmakers turning the beloved Mickey Finns Pub into “The Dunclare Inn,” a fictional gathering place where Rose and Sean regularly find themselves, the little town of Redcross was essential in the film.
Decovered in wreaths, glittering lights, and holiday decorations, the tavern exuded a friendly vibe that accentuated the celebratory appeal of the film. Mickey Finns Pub, well-known for its rustic appeal and friendly atmosphere, grew to be a main set piece reflecting the cosiness of an Irish Christmas.
Wicklow also boasts the Black Castle, an ancient ruin with a view of the sea, as another prominent filming site. Rose and Sean’s tale gains a hint of intrigue and romance from the 12th-century stone fortitude perched on a cliff, which provides expansive views of the shoreline.
Capturing the rocky beauty of Ireland’s eastern coastlines and allowing viewers to appreciate the rich history of the region, the sequence recorded at Black Castle is among the most visually striking ones in the film. Hallmark films now feature this mix of romance and beautiful beauty, but Ireland’s distinct landscapes give Rose’s transforming trip more complexity.
Dublin, Ireland
While Dublin brought a vibrant, metropolitan contrast to the Irish Christmas look of the film, Wicklow offered the charming village atmosphere. The capital of Ireland is well-known for its energetic culture and historic buildings; the production team utilized these features to improve Rose’s experience of Irish holidays.
Although Dublin scenes are brief, they bring an added layer of authenticity to the movie, grounding Rose’s experience in the real-life festive spirit of an Irish Christmas. Grafton Street, one of Dublin’s busiest shopping districts, was decorated with holiday lights and bustling activity, mirroring the real-world excitement of Christmas in Ireland’s capital.
The production team also utilized cobbled streets and charming storefronts in Dublin, adding to the movie’s festive atmosphere. Some iconic sites from Dublin’s rich film history were also captured in the film.
If you have watched Christmas in Notting Hill or A Merry Scottish Christmas, then you’ll probably recognize some of the famous landmarks that have been featured throughout the film. This subtle tribute to Dublin’s cinematic legacy enriches the movie’s charm, creating an immersive experience for viewers who may recognize familiar cityscapes.
Behind The Scenes
The behind-the-scenes friendship only accentuated the charm of the film; the actors and crew expressed great gratitude for the chance to shoot in such a beautiful nation. Director Lesley Demetriades expressed thanks on Instagram, sharing a moving message about her “Irish film family.”
Rose and Sean’s on-screen chemistry is also influenced by the close-knit, encouraging dynamic behind the camera as cast and crew assembled to realize this story. Filming in Ireland was a really remarkable experience, Demetriades said, and she especially commended the local crew who greeted the project with open arms as well as the Irish cast members.
Apart from the friendly residents, Ireland’s natural beauty started to take front stage on its own thanks to panoramic views and gorgeous sites that fit a Hallmark holiday romance. Incorporating establishing views of the Cliffs of Moher helped to highlight Ireland’s scenic variety.
Rose’s surprise and wonder as she explores Ireland for the first time is reflected in the magnificent feeling of scale created by the crew using aerial video even though they did not film directly at the Cliffs.
Tis The season to be Irish Cast
Fiona Gubelmann, an actress noted for her adaptability in both humor and drama, plays Rose Walsh’s lead. In her depiction of Rose, a heroine who begins dubious but gradually warms to the wonder of the Irish countryside and Sean’s goodwill, Fiona’s inherent warmth and charm show. Hallmark viewers are familiar with Gubelmann from past holiday favorites including Royally Ever After and Christmas Next Door.
Sean, the friendly and informed local realtor who leads Rose through her Irish journey, is Eoin Macken. Renowned for his work in The Night Shift and La Brea, Eoin gives Sean a depth and authenticity that transforms his character from a romantic curiosity into a real friend and ally to Rose. His interactions with Fiona produce a pleasing, realistic spark that gives their developing romance credibility.
Tara Egan Langley plays Sandy, Rosemary Henderson Mary O’Loughlin, Flavia Watson Caitlin, Ali Hardiman Erin Meyers, Natalie Britton Megan, Sophia Adli Emily O’Loughlin, Rowan Finken Conor. Every performer adds something unique to the movie, completing the intimate, community-oriented environment for which Hallmark films are famous.
What is the movie about?
Tis the Season to Be Irish is essentially about rediscovering, belonging, and the value of customs rather than only finding love. Rose finds herself pulled not only to Sean but also to the sense of home she has long been lacking when she discovers Irish Christmas customs from him. Her path embodies the actual essence of the holidays—connecting with others, welcome of change, and delight in unlikely locations.
Where to stream Tis the Season to be Irish?
Tis the Season to Be Irish premieres on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel inside the United States. With lots of re-airings throughout December to get into the holiday mood, be sure to see the wonderful romance set among Ireland’s breathtaking scenery. Grab a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa to enjoy the charm of an Irish Christmas from your living room, this Hallmark original is destined to become a Christmas classic.
Now, let’s look at the showtimes for this Irish holiday film:
- Mon, Nov 11 at 6/5c
- Sat, Nov 16 at 10/9c
- Fri, Nov 22 at 6/5c
- Sun, Dec 1 at 4/3v
- Thu, Dec 5 at 10a/9c
- Wed, Dec 11 at 10/9c
- Sat, Dec 21 at 12/11c
- Thu, Dec 26 at 6a/5c
- Where was Christmas with the Singhs filmed? See all Locations - November 17, 2024
- Where was Confessions of a Christmas Letter filmed? Hallmark Cast & Locations - November 17, 2024
- Where was Hallmark’s Tis the season to be Irish filmed? - November 10, 2024