The Quiet Man filming locations Ireland: TOP 5 MUST-VISIT spots (2024)

The Quiet Man was a major success, commercially and critically, when released in 1952. Here are our top five The Quiet Man filming locations in Ireland.

With most of the film being shot in County Mayo and County Galway, head out west to visit these stunning The Quiet Man film locations in Ireland.

The romantic-comedy-drama starred Hollywood legends John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, and the movie remains widely loved to this day.

5. The Quiet Man bridge, Co. Galway – famous fight scene

Visit the bridge where the fight scene between actors John Wayne (Sean) and Victor McLaglen (“Red”) takes place in the movie. The bridge is located 8 km (5 miles) past the town of Oughterard, on the N59 road heading west.

The bridge is well signposted. Depending on Covid-19 restrictions, you can also visit a replica of The Quiet Man cottage. The cottage is beside Peaco*ckes Hotel, which is located at Maam cross (a crossroads in Connemara).

Address: Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland

4. Lettergesh Beach, County Galway – for the famous horse racing scene

Next up on our list of The Quiet Man filming locations in Ireland that you need to visit is Lettergesh Beach.

Another County Galway spot, this beach was the filming location for the horse racing scene that sees Sean holding back, biding his time before eventually winning.

The sand at this beautiful beach is golden, and the sea is crystal clear. As the water isn’t too deep, it’s perfect for paddling and swimming.

From Lettergesh Beach, there are spectacular views of both the Mweelrea Mountains in County Mayo and, in County Galway, the mountains of Benchoona and Garraun.

Lettergesh Beach is northwest of Gowlaun, close to Connemara Caravan and Camping Park.

Address: Unnamed Road, Culfin, Co. Galway, Ireland

3. Ballyglunin Train Station, Co. Galway – the opening scene

The Quiet Man opens with Sean rolling into County Galway, via a steam train, at Ballyglunin Station.

Although the station is no longer in working operation, it is well worth a visit as part of five essential The Quiet Man film locations to visit in Ireland. This is because the station has been restored as a heritage and visitor centre.

Ballyglunin Station first opened in 1860 on the line from Limerick to Claremorris and closed in 1976.

In the 2000s, Ballyglunion Railway Restoration Project was formed, and this local community group successfully achieved protected status for the station and its eventual restoration as a visitor centre.

The station is often rented out as an arts venue and provides office space for remote working. There is also a six-acre biodiversity park that is well worth a visit.

Address: Station Road, Coolfowerbeg, Ballyglunin, Co. Galway, H54 D863, Ireland

2. Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo – now a snazzy hotel

The grounds of Ashford Castle in County Mayo were used for various scenes when filming The Quiet Man.

This striking castle has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1228, Ashford Castle was once the residence of the High King of Ireland before the Guinness family purchased the castle in 1852.

Nowadays, it’s a 5-star hotel that Travel and Leisure readers voted as best hotel resort in the U.K. and Ireland in a 2020 survey.

Address: Ashford Castle Dr, Leaf Island, Cong, Co. Galway, Ireland

1. Cong Village, Co. Mayo – the primary filming location

We’re ending our top five The Quiet Man filming locations in Ireland with the most significant of all: Cong Village.

Cong spreads across both County Mayo and County Galway.

The village was the majority setting for the fictional Innisfree in the movie. With a population under 200 and few physical changes to the village since filming in 1952, you can experience Innisfree almost exactly as John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara did.

Cong connects Loughs Corrib and Mask via underground streams. Attractions of note in Cong include The Quiet Man Museum, the John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara statue, Cong Abbey, Monks Fishing Hut, and 3.2 km (2 miles) east of Cong, Moytura House.

Moytura House was the childhood summer home of Irish writer Oscar Wilde. His father grew up in the area. Once owned by U2’s The Edge, Moytura House overlooks Lough Corrib.

Address: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland

Have you been to the west of Ireland yet? If not, why not start with touring these famous The Quiet Man film locations?