The 2021 rom-com “As Luck Would Have It” may be set in Kilabbey, Ireland but you may have already guessed that this town doesn’t exist…
In reality, the movie was filmed in various locations throughout Ireland, most of which are in or close to Dublin.
As Luck Would Have It
As Luck Would Have It is a romantic comedy movie that takes place in the fictional Irish town of Kilabbey. It stars Joanna Garcia and Allen Leech as the two romantic love interests the film centres around.
Garcia’s character, Lindsey, travels to Ireland to buy land so she can open a new luxury resort. However, the locals are unhappy about an American buying their beloved castle. So, to prove that she is committed to the community, she participates in the annual “matchmaking festival.” But, Hollywood being Hollywood, she falls in love with one of the local heartthrobs.
Where was As Luck Would Have It Filmed?
Various filming locations were used throughout Ireland when filming As Luck Would Have It. Let’s look at the main locations below:
Howth Castle
Movie
In the movie, Lindsey wants to purchase this castle to turn it into a luxury resort and thus turn Kilabbey into a tourist hotspot. However, it’s owned by the local council, which does not believe Lindsey has the community’s best interest at heart.
The movie is centred around her trying to prove them wrong and show that she cares for the local community.
Reality
The movie never seems to say what the castle is called, but locals know it as the famous Howth Castle in the real world.
Located on the outskirts of Dublin, this beautiful piece of history is on an estate that owns a large portion of the village of Howth Head. It’s the longest continuously inhabited private home in Europe.
In 1180, the St Lawerence family bought the house. It wasn’t until 2018 that they decided to sell it to an investment group that wished to turn it into a deer park hotel/luxury resort with 200 apartments. Although, it’s unlikely anyone from the investment group will fall in love with any locals…
O’Brien’s Pub
Movie
In the movie, O’Brien’s pub is the local pub where Brennan takes Lindsey on one of their first dates after the matchmaking festival. This pub is essential to the local community, allowing Brennan to show Lindsey a small piece of Irish culture.
Reality
Much like in the movie, pubs are often essential pillars of the community, especially in rural parts of the Emerald Isle.
This particular pub is called “Johnnie Fox’s Pub,” located in Glencullen, close to Dublin. The pub first opened all the way back in 1798.
Because it’s been open for so long, many locals describe it as a “living museum.” As well as fantastic beer, you can also listen to traditional Irish music and watch Irish dancing as you sip your pint.
Oh, and another interesting fact. Johnnie Fox’s is the highest pub in Ireland (multiple pubs claim this title so you be the judge!), so after you’ve walked to it, you’d undoubtedly have earned your pint of plain.
Kilabbey Council Office
Movie
As the introduction mentions, a large part of the movie surrounds the local councils reluctance to sell the castle to Lindsey and her company. As with almost all local councils in the real world, they made this decision in the local council offices.
The Kilabbey council meetings all take place in this location.
Reality
The buildings used are the Dalkey Castle and Heritage centre in the real world. As you can probably tell from the name, it’s located in Dalkey, a suburb of Dublin city. Beyond this, Dalkey is mainly best-known as a seaside town.
It’s a beautiful area with many lovely places to eat and drink.
Killruddery House
Movie
The name “Killruddery House” is never mentioned in the movie. However, one of the most important scenes is filmed in its garden.
In this scene, Lindsey goes to the matchmaking festival, where she first meets her love interest Brennan. Although she originally went to the festival to prove a point to the locals, she develops strong feelings for the one and only…
Reality
The scene was filmed in Killruddery House and Gardens, a beautiful countryside manor dating back to the 17th century.
The famous manor in Bray (South of Dublin) has become a popular filming location due to its old but longstanding beauty. Many movies and tv shows have been filmed here, including Camelot, The Tudors, The Turnings, and Fate: The Winx Sage.
Killruddery Farmer’s Market
Movie
In the movie, this is where the matchmaking festival courtyard is. Located just opposite the festival, it’s where many locals gather to chat or discuss the festival.
Reality
In reality, it’s where Killruddery holds its weekly farmer’s market. At this market, you can buy high-quality products from farmers local to the area. This includes eggs, vegetables, and premium meats.
Bettystown Cottages
Movie
In the movie, Lindsey and some other girls stay in a local B&B during their stay in Kilabbey.
Reality
In the movie, these cottages are portrayed as a bog-standard B&B. But, in real life, they are 300-year-old luxury thatched cottages. The cottages vary in size, with many coming with an ensuite. And all guests have access to a stunning organic garden.
You can find these cottages on Ireland’s east coast, between Bettystown and Laytown.
O’Brien’s Tower
Movie
The tower is just featured in a montage.
Reality
O’Brien’s Tower looks over the Cliffs of Moher.
Glendalough Valley
Movie
The main character, Lindsey, has Irish ancestry. So, while in Ireland, she travels around to learn more about her roots. And, of course, she brings her love interest along for the ride.
Reality
Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. As well as beautiful scenery, it also has a 6th-century monastery that still stands today.
Powerscourt Waterfall
Movie
This is where Lindsey and Brennan have their first kiss. A staple of all romance movies, this kiss cements the fact that these two are more than just friends…
Reality
The actual waterfall, called Powerscourt Waterfall, is part of the Powerscourt estate in the Wicklow Mountains and is the largest waterfall in Ireland.
This movie is one of many to be filmed here. Other cinema hits that have used Powerscourt Waterfall as a location include Excalibur, Willow, and the TV series Vikings.
