No, no, don’t panic: we wouldn’t dare tell you that Braveheart is a film about Ireland! This film, brilliantly brought to life by Mel Gibson and Sophie Marceau, is entirely dedicated to Scotland… and only Scotland! But we’re obliged to mention it for one very good reason: some of the scenes were shot right here in Ireland! So let’s take a look back at this masterful epic, and its most memorable filming locations!
Mel Gibson in Braveheart
Late 13th century. Edward I of England occupies most of southern Scotland. He exercised his power through violence and terror, murdering any Scottish opponent who challenged his legitimacy. At the time, William Wallace was just a child. His father and brother, two sturdy Scotsmen, unfortunately fell foul of Edward I’s policies, and perished in a trap.
Devastated, young Wallace is entrusted to his uncle, who teaches him to read, write and think for himself. He travels extensively, then returns to Scotland as an adult, determined to take a wife and lead the life of a quiet peasant, far from the turmoil.
But that’s without counting on his reunion with his childhood friend Murron MacClannough, with whom he falls head over heels in love. He soon married her in secret, but the very next day his wife fell victim to the English, who tried to rape her. Wallace tries to save her, but she can’t escape. The English tied him to a post, and executed him by cutting his throat.
Mad with grief, William Wallace returns to the scene and massacres the entire garrison…
Revenge is just the beginning… for Wallace is now determined to drive the English out of Scotland!
King John Castle – © Piotr Machowczyk
You should know that the film relied heavily on Ireland for its battle scenes. Members of the Irish Army Reserve were even mobilized to act as extras! To do so, they were given exceptional permission to grow their hair and beards to match the looks of the time!
Mel Gibson, actor and director of Braveheart, asked over 1,600 extras to go to war with each other… Not hesitating to ask the same extras to play both the Scots… and the English… to save money!
For the rest, many sequences were shot at King John’s Castle, Limerick’s famous castle. A true architectural gem, located on the banks of the Shannon River, it adds a touch of authenticity to the film!
Trim castle – © Irina Schmidt
What’s more, the scenes set in the city of York were filmed at the legendary Trim Castle, another Irish castle in County Meath, which attracts thousands of visitors every year to discover its historic setting, period furniture and picturesque architecture!
Finally, other scenes were shot at Ardmore Studios, still based in Ireland, and a landmark of Hollywood films.
Most of the filming locations are now open to visitors. So if you’re a die-hard fan of this 1995 film, don’t hesitate to explore the treasures of Ireland: you just might be seduced!
