Location Agreements

Here is how this works in practice. Irish location agreements cut across an unusual mix of state-owned heritage stock, privately held estate properties, and devolved-jurisdiction sites in Northern Ireland. Our legal team papers Office of Public Works (OPW) agreements for the 780+ state-managed heritage sites under their care. Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, the Custom House, the Phoenix Park, Glendalough monastic city, Powerscourt Estate. The Rock of Cashel, Newgrange UNESCO, Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara, Garinish Island, and dozens more. This includes alongside county-council public-space access contracts across all twenty-six Republic counties and the eleven The North councils.

Here is the short of it. Private estate agreements cover the great Irish stately homes. Ashford Castle Mayo, Adare Manor Limerick, Slane Castle Meath, Lismore Castle Waterford, Birr Castle Offaly. Bantry House Cork, and Castletown House Kildare. This includes each with their own historical-conservation clauses and Irish Georgian Society reporting obligations. We negotiate against National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended) protections. The National Cultural Institutions Act for filming inside the National Museum, National Gallery, and Hugh Lane Gallery.

Here is the breakdown. UNESCO and special-heritage sites carry their own protocol layers. Our team papers agreements for Skellig Michael UNESCO (a controlled access site reachable only by Kerry boat operators in calm weather windows. Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi famously secured the only current filming permits issued). Newgrange. The Brú na Bóinne UNESCO tricky Meath, the Giant's Causeway UNESCO Antrim, and Derry's Walls (one of Europe's most complete circuit walls). Game of Thrones turf in Northern Ireland routes through the The North Environment Agency and the National Trust. Tollymore Forest. Castle Ward.

Here is what that looks like on the ground. Downhill Beach, Cushendun Caves, Carrick-a-Rede, and the Dark Hedges each have specific access conditions. We negotiate average 15% savings against published heritage rate cards through Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen relationships. Build in extension options. Damage deposits. Force-majeure weather provisions calibrated to Atlantic maritime conditions, and structure cross-border NI Protocol customs paperwork for productions spanning both jurisdictions. Standard agreement turnaround: 24-48 hours; tricky heritage and UNESCO: 5-10 days.