These 12 iconic Father Ted filming locations are must-sees on your next Irish staycation

Despite Father Ted coming to an end in 1998, many can take a trip down memory lane and relive their favourite scenes by visiting the real-life filming locations dotted around County Clare and Ireland.

From the Parochial House and The Very Dark Caves to St Kevin’s Stump, Betfair Casino has ranked the top 12 filming locations that have proven to be the most popular to visit. 

One of Ireland’s most astonishing landscapes, The Cliffs of Moher, located in County Clare bagged first place as well as the stunning Fanore Beach. Many will see the beautiful site featured in the episode, Tentacles of Doom, where the Holy Stone of Clonrichert is upgraded by the Vatican.

Meanwhile, as the priests go on holiday in their caravan in the episode Hell, the surrounding areas of Fanore Beach make an appearance - as well as Kilkelly Caravan Park, which also made the top 12 on the list of places to visit. 

Inisheer, located in County Galway, followed in second place, as the island is the real location that represents Craggy Island for the opening credit scenes. Known for being a favourite spot for locals in the summer, Lahinch Beach wasn’t far behind in third place. The location features in the episode, A Christmassy Ted, where Ted is alone with his thoughts as he takes a walk along the sands. 

Idyllic Irish town Ennistymon, also located in County Clare, placed fourth overall, which was used in many episodes . However, it is most well recognised as the setting for the My Lovely Horse music video. 

Making the top five was the village Kilfenora, where the episode Speed 3 was filmed. Also in fifth place were Doolin’s Ferry offices in the picturesque fishing village’s harbour - but the offices were actually used for John and Mary’s shop in the show. 

Father Ted’s House is also a popular destination to visit - and it’s no wonder why it remains one of the go-to location for fans. While fans of the show used to be able to book their own afternoon tea at the private residence located in Lackareagh, many can still soak up the beautiful surroundings and admire the famous parish house from the outside. 

More popular locations that also made the list were The Very Dark Caves - which were filmed in the Aillwee Caves in Ballyvaughan - and the large tree stump, called St Kevin’s Stump, in Moheramoylan, which Ted and Dougal encounter together.

Top 12 Father Ted filming locations in Ireland (index score created using figures from Google rating, Tripadvisor, and Instagram):

1. Cliffs of Moher, Clare and Fanore Beach, Clare
2. Inisheer, Galway
3. Lahinch Beach, Ennistymon Rd, Lahinch
4. Ennistymon, Clare
5. Ferry offices, Fisher Street, Doolin and Kilfenora, Clare 
6. The Burren, Clare 
7. Father Ted’s House, Lackareagh, Clare
8. Kilkelly Caravan Park, Fanore
9. Shannon Airport, Clare, Aillwee Caves, Ballyvaughan, Clare and Aran Islands, County Galway
10. Oughtdarra, Clare
11. Greystones, Wicklow and St Kevin’s Stump, Moheramoylan
12. Dunnes Stores, Ennis, Clare