Quintessentially Irish: Northern Ireland takes starring role in Pierce Brosnan documentary film

Northern Ireland is set to take a starring role in a new documentary film Quintessentially Irish featuring Pierce Brosnan.

The film celebrates everything that is great and Irish and features a stellar cast offering their take on what’s quintessentially Irish, led by Pierce Brosnan and three heads of state - Irish President Michael D Higgins, President Joe Biden and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The film also explores Irishness north of the border, with an exploration of the older whiskey distillery in the world in Co Antrim and some of the historic beauty spots that put NI on the map.

Read more: Co Down cousins' short film set in NI sees success at US film festivals

The filmmakers had exclusive access to the White House on St Patrick's Day and to the Palace of Monaco and Aras an Uachtarain during the State visit of Joe Biden in April 2023.

The film was shot all over the country, north and south, including Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, Dunluce Castle, the Giants Causeway and the Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland.

It is the third film directed by Carlowman Frank Mannion, after his acclaimed debut Sparkling: The Story of Champagne featuring Stephen Fry and sleeper hit Quintessentially British with Ian McKellen and Judi Dench.

Frank Mannion said: "I was delighted that Quintessentially Irish showcases the beauty of Northern Ireland.

"It was a privilege to film with Alex Thomas, the Master Blender at Bushmills and to learn more about the oldest whiskey distillery in the world (dating back to 1608).

"I was glad that Alex was able to confirm that the Irish have been making whiskey a lot longer than their Scotch counterparts! She also agreed with me that the essential ingredient in an Irish coffee is Bushmills whiskey!

"We have some lovely aerial shots of world-renowned beauty spots including the Dark Hedges and the Giants Causeway. We also look at the significant Northern Irish links to Saint Patrick and filmed in Downpatrick and on Slemish Mountain where St Patrick was a shepherd.”

The cast includes Pierce Brosnan, Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Bushmills Master Blender Alex Thomas, Bob Geldof, actors Andrew Scott, Siobhan McSweeney (of Derry Girls), Irish President Michael D Higgins, Rory Guinness and Olympic Gold medalist Usain Bolt, Niall Horan and more.

Quintessentially Irish will be available in cinemas and on streaming in the UK and Ireland from April 29

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