Tag: film tax credit

  • Long-Term Filming Locations That Make a Lasting Impression

    Long-Term Filming Locations That Make a Lasting Impression

    Unlocking the doors to unique, production-ready spaces for ambitious creative projects.

    GROWING LOCATION DEMAND – FROM LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS

    Ireland is a globally renowned film location – productions draw on our highly skilled crew base, stunning natural landscapes and historic architecture, as well as the generous tax incentives to film makers coming in from abroad.

    Homegrown productions are also growing more ambitious, just recently, RTÉ announced an ‘unprecedented’ year ahead for Irish drama – “Nine major RTÉ dramas will be shot in 2025, all featuring emerging and established Irish acting talent with filming taking place across Ireland’s city streets and coastal towns, showcasing the range and reach of Irish storytelling and featuring the beauty of our native landscapes. 🔗

    The demand for reliable, flexible long-term filming locations is growing – whether it’s a rambling country estate, modern family home or large office spaces – we’ve got them. At SoScout we work with creators and crews to facilitate creative freedom while offering logistical ease.

    Each of our property’s profiles specify their parking and access information to make shortlisting locations as easy as possible, as well as giving you a feel for the property itself.

    Our platform unlocks new opportunities and location possibilities.



    EXPLORE OUR LONG-TERM LOCATION SHOWCASE

    Here are just a few standout spaces in our directory, ideal for multi-day and extended productions. Each location comes pre-vetted, shoot-ready, and backed by SoScout’s hands-on support.

    66 Lough Crew Estate, Co. Meath

    A stunning 17th century property sitting on landscaped grounds, spanning over 200 acres, inclusive of a lake, neolithic cairns and Saint Oliver Plunkett’s church. View Property


    28 The Georgian Estate, Co. Wicklow

    A classic walled Georgian Estate set on 150 acres of private land, thoughtfully designed contemporary interiors encompassing the original features of the property. The location is secluded and private, with no pylons, making it perfect for period filming. It can accommodate large productions and has on-site parking for large vehicles. View Property

    19 The Country Estate, Co. Armagh

    A stunning Georgian gentleman’s residence, built c.1815, retaining an abundance of original features, situated in extensive private grounds with lakeside views and outbuildings. View Property

    59 Kilfenora House, Co. Clare

    A characterful 1930’s home that sits adjacent to the spectacular Burren region in County Clare. Lovingly restored with it’s original features intact, coupled with a modern charred timber clad extension. View Property

    113 The Roundstone Townhouses, Co. Galway

    This unique location is a collection of five interconnected townhouses. Originally a pub and a 13-bedroom B&B, the buildings have been meticulously restored and transformed into design-led residences. From the front, it appears as a terrace of three houses, but through the third door lies a hidden garden and communal space with stunning water and mountain views. The design reflects Connemara’s landscape, using natural wood, stone, and a palette inspired by the surroundings. Available individually or combined with accommodation for overnight stays if needed. View Property

    67 Crumlin Park House, Co. Galway

    Crumlin Park House was built in 1844 by Peter Blake and is one of a number of seats of influence of the famous Galway Tribes. It passed in turn to Cecil Henry who used the property as a gentleman’s residence, country retreat and working farm. In recent times a loving restoration has been undertaken. View Property

    88 Manor Estate, Co. Tipperary

    A period manor house on an estate with a farm, out buildings, workers sheds, stables, fernery, gardens, fields, a lake and surrounded by incredible views of the surrounding hills. View Property

    61 Ballydonegan Bay, Co. Cork

    A coastal landscape location with incredible sea views and a range of outbuildings. View Property

    80 The Old Famine Hospital, Co. Kerry

    A derelict building on stunning grounds that was originally built for use as a Famine Hospital. View Property

    84 The Ceramics Factory, Co. Limerick

    Irish Dresden porcelain factory set up in Dromcolliher, Co. Limerick in the 1960s. Comprises three large factory halls with working kilns, packing area, storerooms and office & showroom. View Property

    79 The Devonshire Estate, Co. Cork

    A stunning Georgian estate situated at the gateway to West Cork. Boasting expansive grounds and a good variety of interior spaces and the option for on-site accommodation. View Property

    95 Clonalis House, Co. Roscommon

    A historic Irish country house, built in 1617, set in stunning, rural surrounds. View Property

    145 The Meeting House, Dublin 1

    A prestigious historic building in central Dublin, originally built in the late 1860s as a Quaker educational institute. The building’s restoration highlights original 19th-century materials, preserving Dublin’s architectural heritage while adapting it for modern use. View Property

    144 The Hat House, Dublin 1

    A bright Victorian office building that combines classic architectural features with modern features – a blank canvas in the heart of the city for shoot, events & filming. View Property

    103 Dolphin Beach Lodge & Home, Co. Galway

    Two stunning beachfront homes, available individually or combined with potential overnight crew accommodation available. This is a unique location with private beach access and uninterrupted views over the Atlantic Ocean. View Property

    105 The Heritage Estate, Co. Waterford

    The Heritage Estate is nestled in the heart of Annestown village, on the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark. Mainly built in the 1800s the house has breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and across the county of Waterford. The main house offers 750sqm of space and there’s 10 acres of lawns and woodland with views and access down to the beach. The courtyards, stables and function areas are all renovated and include an old barn which has been remodelled to become the fabulous “Nellie’s Bar”. View Property

    112 Barnahown Farmhouse, Co. Cork

    Beautifully renovated and restored mid-1800s farmhouse featuring original lime render, pointed stone walls, and tasteful, understated decor. A new studio apartment with a striking 5-meter mono-pitch ceiling adjoins the rear of the property. This location is available for booking as individual spaces or can be combined with overnight accommodation options. View Property

    122 The Cork Castle, Co. Cork

    A medieval castle and Georgian Mansion on 110 acres bordered by a meandering river and lake. The Georgian mansion is in two parts; the main house, built in 1742, with 8 bedrooms all en-suite, a reception room, games room, library, professional kitchen and the early 20th century ballroom. View Property

    127 The Clifftop House, Co. Waterford

    This clifftop home features light, neutral interiors with a clean Scandinavian style. Large windows fill the space with natural light and showcase stunning ocean views. View Property

    132 The Arcadian Gardens, Co. Meath

    Created between 1740 and 1780, this is Europe’s only near-complete surviving Ferme Ornée – an ornamental farm blending working agriculture with landscaped beauty. Inspired by the Romantic Movement, it features tree-lined avenues, lakes, follies, and decorative buildings, offering a rare glimpse into 18th-century pastoral idealism and early landscape design. View Property

    147 Green Hollow House, Co. Wexford

    This grand country home in Wexford sits quietly in the green countryside, with traditional cottage interiors that bring warmth and comfort to its spacious, timeless setting. On-site parking. Suitable for Large Productions. View Property

    What Makes a SoScout Location Different?

    We don’t just list properties, we curate them. Each SoScout space is:

    Adaptable – with dynamic interiors, exterior views and property owner buy-in.

    Brimming with visual character and creative potential.

    Scouted for production: we understand the needs of film, TV, and content teams – from power access & parking to wifi & WCs and it’s all listed right on the property profile.

    Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life

    If you’re scouting for a long-term filming location, we’d love to hear from you.

    Get in touch – hello@soscout.com – and let’s unlock the doors to the perfect space for your next big project.



  • TAX BREAKS & FILMING IN IRELAND

    TAX BREAKS & FILMING IN IRELAND

    Filming in Ireland offers a wide array of settings only a short flight from the East Coast of the United States – locations vary from sweeping landscapes to cobblestoned Georgian streets, quaint stone farmhouses to splendid manors. Ireland has long been a favoured shoot location for international production companies, boasting the likes of blockbuster features such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

    IRELAND’S INCENTIVES

    As film location scouts, we know that one of the key factors that make Ireland an attractive location for hire is the generous tax breaks offered by the Irish government. These incentives, coupled with the country’s unique scenery and professional production services, makes filming in Ireland a lucrative proposition. At the heart of Ireland’s film incentives program lies the Section 481 Film Tax Credit, a generous tax relief designed to support film and television productions that choose to shoot in the country.

    The film relief includes the production of feature films, short films of feature quality, television dramas, animations, and creative documentaries. Under this scheme, eligible productions can benefit from a tax credit of up to 32% of eligible Irish expenditure.

    In addition, the Irish legislation specifies that a special purpose production company, referred to as a qualifying company, is set up for each film and that the costs be incurred by the qualifying company. This producer company must be resident in the State or an EEA State and carries on a business in the State through a branch or agency. As a result, many international production companies will opt to work with a local Irish production company to avail more seamlessly of the Film Tax Credit.To qualify for the tax relief, the minimum amount that must be spent on the production is €250,000 (this is known as the qualifying expenditure in the legislation) and the minimum eligible expenditure is €125,000.

    International production companies should carefully read up on the relevant materials published by Revenue in order to calculate these accurately. The third and final piece of the criteria to be met is achieved by having a cultural certificate issued by the Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

    THE CULTURE TEST

    To receive a cultural certificate, the film must satisfy either or both the Culture test or the Industry development test. The Culture test states that the film must be of importance to the promotion, development and enhancement of the national culture including, where applicable, the Irish language. To pass the Industry development test, the production company must show that the film production will act as an effective stimulus to film making in the State through, among other things, the provisions of quality employment and training and skills development opportunities. More guidance on the cultural certificate application can be found here.

    The amount of relief due depends on the production costs of the qualifying film. The credit is 32% of whichever is the lowest of: eligible expenditure, 80% of total qualifying film production costs or €70 million. A claim for the credit can be made in full after the film is completed. Alternatively, a claim for up to 90% of the credit based on budgeted expenditure can be made, with the balance claimed on completion. The submission of all of these documents is directly via the Irish Revenue online portal (ROS), however seeking appropriate tax advice from local authorities or qualified professionals familiar with Section 481 is recommended. Beyond the basic tax relief on the core production expenditure in the State, Ireland also offers a few other relief options that may give additional incentive to a production company considering shooting in Ireland.

    THE IRISH NETWORK

    As a known film production hub, Ireland has entered into co-production treaties with several countries, providing additional benefits for projects that are official co-productions between Ireland and a treaty partner. These treaties offer filmmakers access to international funding, creative resources, and distribution networks, enhancing the overall competitiveness of Irish productions on the global stage. These include EU states and select EEA states, as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Learn more about international co-productions here at Screen Ireland.

    Ireland also offers incentives for post-production work, including a Section 481 credit for post-production on eligible projects. Productions can avail of a Section 481 credit for post-production activities carried out in Ireland, such as editing, sound design, and visual effects. This holistic approach to incentivizing the entire production process further solidifies Ireland’s position as a top destination for filmmakers seeking high-quality services and support.

    REGIONAL UPLIFT SCHEME

    International production companies should take note that the Regional Uplift scheme, where productions that film in specific regions designated by the state for an increased tax credit percentage, is in the process of being phased out and will not apply from production undertaken in 2024 and onwards. While the benefits of filming in Ireland are clear, navigating the application process for tax incentives can be a complex task.

    To ensure a smooth and successful application, filmmakers are advised to consult with experienced tax professionals or local production companies who are well-versed in Ireland’s film incentives program. By seeking guidance early in the planning stages, filmmakers can maximise their chances of securing the full range of incentives available to them.

    Ireland offers various incentives for filmmakers to bring their creative visions to life in a dynamic and supportive environment. Whether you are a seasoned producer or a first-time filmmaker, Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, local network of production offerings and financial incentives make it an ideal destination for your next production.


    SoScout’s shoot and accommodation booking services are helping to further develop the resources available to production companies coming to Ireland, making the experience more professional and tailored to your production’s needs.

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