Since 1910, national and international film, television and music video production, print media and advertising companies have been attracted to Kerry with its magnificent land and seascapes and historic buildings.

The Arts Office and Screen Kerry (Kerry’s Film Development Officer) actively promote this diverse and dramatic scenery and encourage and assist local and incoming production crews with shoots in the county. Notable productions include Ryan’s Daughter (1969) which was shot on the Dingle peninsula, Vogue USA’s Wild Irish Rose fashion shoot (2013) in Killarney National Park, Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) on Skellig Michael, The Bachelorette (2018) television series which shot an episode at Muckross House & Gardens and Joyride (2021) which starred Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman and featured various North Kerry locations.

From 2018-2024, the Arts Office supported by Screen Kerry awarded the Kerry Short Film Bursary, which aimed to foster local talent, encourage filmmaking in the county and support professional artists to live and work in Kerry. The bursary was co-funded by Kerry County Council and The Arts Council and supported the production of a 10-12 minute drama/documentary film in Kerry. The Bursary was for €10,000 and from 2021-2024, the film’s writer/director/producer had to be from or living in Kerry. The 2020 recipient of the award Ship of Souls was considered for the Best Short Film category at the 2022 BAFTAs and Academy Awards, which further promotes Kerry internationally as a film location.

Kerry Short Film Bursary Winners:

  2018

2019

2020

2021 

Focail Baile Croí – 2022