Hollywood stars for Aran movie

The third part of the Aran Islands trilogy by British/Irish playwright, screenwriter and film director Martin McDonagh is set to film on Inis Mór in late August – reuniting Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell in the process.

The first of the 150 film crew members have arrived early, with a thatched cottage already built with spectacular views of the sea and Dun Aengus which will be used as one of the main filming sets.

The crew will film The Banshees of Inisheer from August 23 for a month, providing an economic boost for the island into the September shoulder season.

Cathy Ní Ghoill, manager of the local development co-op, said she has been dealing with queries from the production team since last year when they were scouting for locations.

“Martin McDonagh saw a certain view and a certain field and he decided that’s where the film had to be. We have thatched cottages here, but they would have electricity poles beside them – and this is set in 1922,” she told the Connacht Tribune.

“They originally wanted to film in early July, but I implored them to do it later as it would provide no economic benefit to the island so in fairness to them they listened and they’ve pushed it out to September which is great for people renting accommodation.”

She does not know if Farrell and Gleeson will stay on the island or commute.

“We’d love it if they stayed here. They wouldn’t be bothered by the locals that’s for sure.”

Read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital edition by going to www.connachttribune.ie