(Achill) Among those he thanked with a Golden Globe for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin, Colin Farrell cited residents of Achill Island and Inis Mor, Irish Isles, who are already benefiting from the film’s notoriety.
Posted at 10:16 am
Callum PATON Agence France-Presse
“We’re a big family,” the Irish actor pointed out, before quoting Jenny, the film’s miniature donkey. Since then, the feature film, made on the two islands off the west coast of Ireland, has garnered ten nominations for the Bafta, the British awards that are presented on Sunday, and nine for March’s Oscars.
“Of course we’re keeping our fingers crossed,” says Chris McCarthy, Achill Island Tourism Manager. “We don’t take any of the nine nominations, we’re not difficult! »
Between July and November 2021, the island’s stunning scenery was transformed for filming with rugged cliffs, moors and enchanting beaches.
PHOTO PAUL FAITH, AGENCY FRANCE-PRESS
Filming boosted the local economy by pouring €1.7 million into an area of less than three thousand people.
Purteen Harbor on the island’s east has transformed its fishermen into a harbor street lined with 1920’s shops.
The pub, where much of the action takes place, was built from the ground up over windswept cliffs on the south-west coast of Achill Island.
sea atmosphere
According to Chris McCarthy, director Martin McDonagh wanted the actors to “feel the atmosphere of the Atlantic” when they opened the door.
“It’s something they couldn’t recreate in the studio,” he explains from the vantage point where the spray lashes the cliff.
Filming boosted the local economy by pouring €1.7 million into an area of less than three thousand people.
The island is now trying to use the film’s notoriety to boost tourism. Every time footage from the film or an awards show goes viral online, bookings soar.
Mick Lynch, owner of Lynott’s, a pub on Achill Island, says over a pint that the film has already piqued the curiosity of viewers.
PHOTO PAUL FAITH, AGENCY FRANCE-PRESS
Mick Lynch, owner of Lynott’s, a pub on Achill Island
PHOTO PAUL FAITH, AGENCY FRANCE-PRESS
Among the mementos that adorn the walls of the establishment are the scissors used by Colm, a character played by Brendan Gleeson, to cut his fingers.
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Among the mementos that adorn the walls of the establishment are the scissors used by Colm, a character played by Brendan Gleeson, to cut his fingers.
According to Mick Lynch, his little pub – originally a 16th-century prison with dry walls and a thatched roof – is the real-life version of the one created for the feature film.
“If these walls could talk, what stories would they tell us?” he muses. During filming, the pub was used as a den by Brendan Gleeson and Pat Shortt, the film’s owner.
guide
The “Banshees” fan, American singer Taylor Swift, asked in December for the film’s pub to be rebuilt so she could go there.
“Not necessary”, says Mick Lynch, “she can come here”.
Coach company Achill Coaches manager Alan Gielty has put together a “Banshees of Inisherin” tour of the film’s locations.
PHOTO PAUL FAITH, AGENCY FRANCE-PRESS
Coach company Achill Coaches manager Alan Gielty has put together a “Banshees of Inisherin” tour of the film’s locations.
One of his vehicles will soon be given a new livery based on the feature film.
“Last month, a lot of people came to see the film’s points of view,” he explains. “He’s already arousing a lot of interest, there will be a lot going on.”
Madeline Condell, one of the film’s 120 extras, points out that the island is already buzzing as it awaits the Oscars.
PHOTO PAUL FAITH, AGENCY FRANCE-PRESS
Madeline Condell, one of the film’s 120 extras, points out that the island is already buzzing as it awaits the Oscars.
She owns two donkeys, which ultimately do not appear on screen alongside Jenny. According to her, the night the statuettes are delivered, there will be more than one party.
“It almost feels like we deserve an Oscar for the beauty of the area too,” she says, “it’s such a beautiful place and everyone who visits falls in love with it.”