New Netflix series Bodkin filmed in Ireland
Filmed entirely on location in Ireland, BODKIN is a dark comedic thriller about a motley crew of podcasters who set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three strangers in a quaint, coastal Irish town. The darkly comedic thriller premiered on Netflix 9 May.
Starring Will Forte (Saturday Night Live, MacGruber), Siobhán Cullen (Obituary, The Dry), Robyn Cara (We Die Young, Trying), Chris Walley (The Young Offenders, Bloodlands) and David Wilmot (Anna Karenina, Intermission), BODKIN is produced by Michelle and Barack Obama’s Higher Ground Productions. Jez Scharf created, wrote, and was co-showrunner on the series, with Alex Metcalf as the other showrunner who also worked as co-writer.
Bodkin. Fionnula Flanagan as Mother Bernadette in episode 106 of Bodkin. Cr. Enda Bowe/Netflix © 2024
Spanning across various counties in Ireland including Cork, Wicklow and Dublin, Bodkin exterior locations include Union Hall Village, Drumadoon Pier, Poulgorm Bridge and Glandore in West Cork; Belmont Demesne, Enniskerry’s Carnegie Library, Sally Gap and Travelahawk Beach in Wicklow; Fenian Street, Howth Village, Howth Castle and Leopardstown Racecourse in Dublin; and Dave’s Diner in Julianstown, Co Meath.
Bodkin. (L to R) Robyn Cara as Emmy Sizergh, Will Forte as Gilbert Power, Siobhán Cullen as Dove in episode 102 of Bodkin. Cr. Enda Bowe/Netflix © 2024
Will Forte who plays American podcaster Gilbert said: “One of the most exciting things about working in Ireland is getting to shoot on location. Most of the time we’re out in these beautiful rolling pastures or on these cliff sides. Every scene seems like it’s taking place in this delicious morsel of Irish landscape.”
Doubling for the fictional town of Bodkin was Union Hall, a charming fishing village 75km west of Cork City. “It [Bodkin] had to be West Cork,” said creator Jez Scarf. “You drive around West Cork and around every corner you have to step out of the car and have a look as it’s so beautiful.” Siobhan Cullen who plays Dove agreed: “Union Hall makes the perfect Bodkin. It’s so stunning and it encapsulates all of what people imagine about the beauty of Ireland. It’s all here, it’s such a stunning place.”
Whilst filming the team fell in love with West Cork: “It just seems like a vacation down here,” said Will Forte, with creator and showrunner Jez Scarf adding: “I could not recommend visiting West Cork enough.”
Bodkin. (L to R) Brendan Conroy as Cathal, John Olohan as Barry in episode 101 of Bodkin. Cr. Enda Bowe/Netflix © 2024
A small village with welcoming colorful shops and a working harbor, the area around Union Hall is also known for its rolling green hills, woodlands, beaches, rivers, and islands, the beauty of which provided a great foil for the story, according to Robyn Cara. “Having such a stunning backdrop for the series is such a great contrast to the darkness and grit of the show.”
Bodkin. (L to R) David Wilmot as Seamus, Will Forte as Gilbert Power in episode 105 of Bodkin. Cr. Enda Bowe/Netflix © 2024
The nearby village of Glandore also features in the series, which is connected to Union Hall by the single track Poulgorm Bridge offering stunning views over Glandore Harbour. The bridge was seen before on screen as the location for David Puttnam’s film War of the Buttons. Pretty coastal villages steeped in history, Union Hall and Glandore experience a mild climate all year round and offer people the opportunity to explore both the seaside and countryside. With activities like sailing, swimming, fishing, walking and snorkeling, you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the odd dolphin or seal on your visit.
Bodkin. Pom Boyd as Mrs. O’Shea in episode 106 of Bodkin. Cr. Enda Bowe/Netflix © 2024
Whilst West Cork is the main location for the series, various other locations can be spotted throughout. Locations manager Rossa O’Neill said: from the stunning scenery in West Cork to the amazing buildings like Howth Castle, we’re a really good selection to show the best of what Ireland has to offer.”
Bodkin. (L to R) Robyn Cara as Emmy Sizergh, Siobhán Cullen as Dove, Will Forte as Gilbert Power in episode 102 of Bodkin. Cr. Enda Bowe/Netflix © 2024
The series, which consists of seven one-hour-long episodes, is a dark comedic thriller about a motley crew of podcasters who set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three strangers in a quaint, coastal Irish town. But once they start pulling at threads, they discover a story much bigger and weirder than they could have ever imagined. As our heroes try to discern fact from fiction — about the case, about their colleagues, and, most painfully, themselves — the series challenges our perception of truth and exposes the stories we tell ourselves to justify our beliefs or validate our fears.
Are You Interested in Bringing Your Group to Ireland?
Contact Cara Group Travel at 617-639-0273 to speak to a representative, or fill out the quick contact form below and a representative will get in touch with you! If you have a travel question or a general inquiry, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
