“Belfast is different. Our history, our culture, our music, our industrial heritage, even our sense of humour all set us apart from other cities. So too does how our city centre has developed over recent decades.” – Andrew Webb, Chief Economist, Grant Thornton
BELFAST‘S CREATIVE REVIVAL
Belfast is focused on growth, shaping its future to meet the needs of its people – investing in high growth sectors that create local opportunities and in the foundations that support long-term, inclusive growth.
One area of focus is the city’s creative and digital sector. Studio Ulster – a new, world-class virtual production centre – has been launched as a one-stop shop for movie makers, game designers and film editors. It strengthens Northern Ireland’s ability to attract productions of all scales and is expected to bring in significant private investment. 1
The ripple effects span out across the city and the region, the rising tide lifting all boats. Investment in towns and cities combined with the region’s incredible natural beauty makes Northern Ireland an ideal choice for film, TV and commercial shoots.
WHY NORTHERN IRELAND FOR YOUR NEXT SHOOT
The ripple effects span out across the city and the region, the rising tide lifting all boats. Investment in towns and cities combined with the region’s incredible natural beauty makes Northern Ireland an ideal choice for film, TV and commercial shoots. Successful productions like Game of Thrones and Line of Duty have helped build a skilled crew base in the province and financial incentives like funding from Northern Ireland Screen and UK Film Tax Relief and High-End TV Tax Relief make commercial sense for screen productions.
SOSCOUT’S NORTHERN IRELAND PORTFOLIO
The locations that SoScout works with in the region are as diverse in their characteristics as the landscape they’re set in. Currently spanning across four counties, each property has its own unique character and personality. From a 200 year old Georgian residence to modern, light-filled open plan homes with stunning views, our properties cover it all.
Over the last few years, SoScout has worked with several home furnishing companies, jewellery brands and eco-products in our Northern Irish properties, offering shoot-ready locations to brands ready to grow their visual assets and their audience with authentic settings that lend their personality to the shoot. Stunning backdrops not only impress your audience, but they play a huge part in telling the story of your brand. The perfect location is easy to work in and also sets the right vibe – it tells your audience exactly who you are and what your brand means.
WHY LOCATIONS CAN MAKE OR BREAK A SHOOT
Finding a location with the right personality elevates your product or service – aligning your brand with that personality gives you an edge that can’t always be measured. That just-right setting for your shoot does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to communicating your message and attracting the right audience.
At SoScout we are location creatives – helping brands find their location soulmate. Whether the vibe is colourful and energetic, eclectic and warm, or contemporary and earthy – we’ve got it.
BELFAST & COUNTY ANTRIM
Belfast city’s mix of Victorian grandeur and modern architecture provide a sophisticated urban backdrop, while Co. Antrim’s stunning coastline brings all the natural drama. Our three Belfast properties are no different. And accessible too – all served by Belfast City Airport, and a two hour drive from Dublin city centre.
MELMORE HOUSE
A transformed Victorian Villa overlooking Belfast Lough, stunning interiors and a new open plan layout allows for an abundance of natural light and views over the landscape.
HAMPTON HOUSE
A period property with tasteful renovations, embracing the original building features. Tall ceilings and large windows means this location has lots of natural light.
1920s COTTAGE
A charming 1920s cottage style detached property with original features. Comprises several ground floor rooms with rustic ceiling beams, fireplaces, original doors and nostalgic decor. The garden is surrounded by mature plants and trees and two concrete outhouses, one of which is a derelict two storey garage/workshop.
COUNTY DOWN
From the shores of Strangford Lough to the rolling mountains of Mourne, SoScout’s Co. Down properties are as diverse as its geography.
TURRET PLACE
A period property built in 1904, sitting in the heart of the city on private grounds, retaining many of its original features. This property is both unique and full of original character.
BATCH HOUSE
This minimalist, Scandi-inspired house features clean lines, neutral tones, and natural materials. Large windows offer stunning views of a lush garden, blending the indoors with nature. The simple design focuses on functionality, with a calming palette of whites, grays, and soft wood accents, making it a tranquil space. This property is a half hour drive from Belfast City Airport and 90 minutes from Dublin city centre.
THE OLD MILL
The Old Mill is a 200 year old mill that’s been tastefully restored into a warm, welcoming family home.
MOURNE LODGE
A barn style black timber clad house on a farm overlooking the Mourne Mountains. Interiors are calm & neutral with high ceilings and plenty of light. Designed with architectural integrity to its rural surroundings. Just under an hour from Belfast Airport and less than ninety minutes from Dublin Airport.
STRANGFORD LOUGH HOME
A light filled home on the shores of Strangford Lough, an incredible waterside location with private jetty and uninterrupted views.
COUNTY ARMAGH
THE COUNTRY ESTATE is a gem in rural Armagh, also known as Orchard County – a stunning Georgian gentleman’s residence, built c.1815, retaining an abundance of original features, situated in an extensive private grounds with lakeside views and outbuildings. It has the winning combination of offering complete privacy, a stunning landscape and period charm all less than an hour from Belfast city. It can accommodate larger crews and is also available for filming bigger projects.
COUNTY DERRY
Our Derry property, GLEBE HOUSE – close to the shores of Lough Foyle and just minutes from Derry Airport – opens up Northern Ireland’s spectacular northwest coast. A modern, rural timber structure house architecturally inspired by traditional Irish Longhouses, this property is full of natural light, interesting texture and cleverly framed views of the stunning landscape.
The combination of dramatic natural settings and nearby Derry city’s historic urban backdrops makes this location exceptionally versatile, suitable for everything from adventure gear campaigns to luxury lifestyle content.
WHAT OUR NORTHERN IRELAND PROPERTIES DELIVER
- Outstanding value – With the exception of Melmore Place (€162p/h) each of these properties are available at under €150p/h based on a full day and offer a huge selection of looks and possibilities. Competitive rates and transparent pricing make SoScout’s always-reliable locations a no-brainer for shooting & filming in Northern Ireland.
- SoScout’s guaranteed authentic character – Each property offers genuine character that can’t be replicated in studios – pick from period elegance, rural charm, dramatic architecture or light-filled modern surrounds.
- Shoot-ready & logistics taken care of – Every location has been assessed for filming & shooting practicalities. Parking, access, wifi and power are all noted on the property profile because we know these details can make or break your shoot day. We’ve also recce’d the surrounding area to bring you info on local shops, food & coffee for the on-site essentials.
- Ease of access – Our three Belfast locations are in close proximity to Belfast City Airport, Armagh and Down properties average just 30 minutes away and 90 minutes from Dublin Airport. Our Derry location is under 10 minutes from City of Derry Airport. International (or domestic) crews can land and be on location faster than most city-to-studio commutes.
All of this with the unique and interesting quality of light that can be found across the breadth of the north offer the perfect setting for your creative vision to come to life.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Location? Contact our location creatives to discuss your brief or browse the platform yourself.
- PwC Good Growth in Belfast Report, 2025 – https://www.pwc.co.uk/industries/government-public-sector/good-growth/2025/belfast.html ↩︎