Upamanyu Biswas
Directed by Justin D James, Hallmark’s ‘Love of the Irish’ essays the life and struggles of a young woman named Fiona, who is tired of her problems. Looking to change her damning luck, Fiona takes her mom on a trip to Ireland, where she meets a charming single dad named Liam, who teaches her to embrace the moment. The two form an instant connection as they probe into the heart of the island nation’s many secrets and folktale legends, slowly uncovering a more meaningful way to live life. The romantic movie casts a spell through a quaint and idyllic Irish countryside setting, highlighting the importance of age-old traditions and customs. It promotes a sense of warmth and coziness, which are quintessential parts of the Irish experience as Fiona tries to absorb some of it into her own life.
Love of the Irish Filming Locations
True to its narrative roots, ‘Love of the Irish’ was filmed in the lush exteriors of Ireland, specifically in County Cork, the southernmost county of Ireland. The country is known for its picturesque natural landscapes, historical sites, and its unspoken connection to myths, folktales, and legends. Principal photography for the project took place during the months of October and November 2024. The crew utilized numerous scenic backdrops to authentically capture the elegance and poise of Ireland in its full glory, infusing the narrative with a sense of relaxing vibe, which helps disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
County Cork, Ireland
Filming for ‘Love of the Irish’ primarily took place in County Cork, Ireland, one of the country’s breathtaking regions. It holds a lot of weight historically and culturally, boasting incredible architectural structures like St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Blarney Castle. Although the county as a whole is rife with several eye-catching attractions that pull tourists from everywhere, the production crew focused most of their shoot in West Cork, the western region of County Cork. It is specifically known for its visual splendor, replete with lush, unmatchable views, rural village environments, and a more grounded experience that is perfect for those visiting the country for a look at its inner heart. The region is also home to the Wild Atlantic Way, a tourist trail that runs through the many coasts of Ireland, offering incredible seaside views.
The communal, countryside vibes of Cork are present abundantly in ‘Love of the Irish,’ particularly as the central characters go about their journey trying to establish a link to their environment and also landing upon new beginnings. In one scene, Fiona and Liam can be seen standing next to a wish tree as the former tries her hand at wishing for better luck in her life. The tree branch amusingly breaks off, showcasing the narrative’s lighter tone while embracing all the folktale aspects of the country’s long history and tradition. These are essential in crafting a film that equally respects the beauty of Ireland while also focusing on the personal struggles of its characters. In the past, Cork has hosted production on films and shows like ‘The Lobster,’ ‘The Young Offenders,’ and ‘Dare to Be Wild.’
Love of the Irish Cast
‘Love of the Irish’ stars Shenae Grimes-Beech as Fiona. She is a talented actress known for appearing as ‘Darcy Edwards in Degrassi: The Next Generation,’ Annie Wilson in ‘90210,’ and Trudie in ‘Scream 4.’ Her other notable credits include ‘Naturally, Sadie,’ ‘The Detail,’ ‘iZombie,’ ‘Date With Love,’ and Hallmark’s ‘When I Think of Christmas.’ Starring opposite Grimes-Beech is Belfast-born actor Stephen Hagan as the charming single father, Liam. He is best known for his roles as Rich Clayton in ‘Lucky Man,’ Leo in Hallmark’s ‘A Royal Christmas,’ and Bartholomew in ‘Risen.’ He can also be seen in ‘Clapham Junction,’ ‘Midsomer Murders,’ ‘You,’ and ‘Hope Street.’
The Hallmark film also features Moira Kelly as Helen. She is a veteran screen presence who is best known for playing Kate Moseley in ‘The Cutting Edge,’ Karen Roe in ‘One Tree Hill,’ and Donna Hayward in ‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.’ She is also the adult voice behind Nala, Simba’s love interest, in the 1994 animated classic ‘The Lion King.’ She also appears in ‘Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story,’ ‘The West Wing,’ ‘Chaplin,’ and ‘Citadel.’
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