How Trinity Became a Hollywood Film Location

Trinity College Dublin has long been one of Ireland’s most recognisable landmarks, its grand architecture and rich history making it a natural choice for filmmakers looking to capture something uniquely atmospheric. Over the years, the university has found itself on screen in everything from period dramas to modern psychological thrillers. Whether it’s the intimate, coming-of-age story of Normal People or the eerie, surreal world of The League of Gentlemen, Trinity has become a go-to location for directors wanting to add a touch of prestige and history to their productions.

But how did a functioning university become such a regular feature in film and television? And why do filmmakers keep coming back?

A Campus Made for the Camera

The appeal of Trinity as a filming location is obvious. Tucked away in the heart of Dublin, it offers a striking mix of old-world grandeur and lived-in authenticity. The Long Room Library, with its towering oak shelves and centuries-old books, looks like something straight out of a fantasy film, while Front Square, framed by imposing Georgian buildings, could easily double for any number of historic settings. Unlike many universities, which have modernised their campuses beyond recognition, Trinity has held onto its character, making it ideal for period dramas or stories with a strong sense of place.

Then there’s the practical side. Trinity’s central location means that productions can make use of Dublin’s film-friendly infrastructure without having to set up elaborate sets or transport crews long distances. It’s also visually flexible—while some locations can only work in very specific contexts, Trinity can pass for an English university, an old European city, or even just a generic backdrop for urban student life.

From Literary Reputation to Cinematic Stardom

Trinity’s emergence as a film location isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also an extension of its literary legacy. The university has a long history of producing renowned writers, from Jonathan Swift to Oscar Wilde, and more recently, Sally Rooney. It makes sense, then, that when Rooney’s Normal People was adapted for television, Trinity would play a key role.

The 2020 series, which became a global phenomenon, featured several scenes shot on campus. For Marianne (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones), Trinity represents a fresh start—a move away from her small-town upbringing and into a world of academia, independence, and social complexities. The authenticity of filming in real university settings added to the emotional weight of the story, making it resonate even more with audiences—especially Trinity students, who suddenly found their everyday surroundings immortalised on screen.

The Darker Side of Trinity in Film

While Normal People showcased Trinity as a place of learning and self-discovery, The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse (2005) used it to much darker effect. Based on the cult British television series, the film leaned into Trinity’s more Gothic elements to create an unsettling atmosphere. The imposing buildings, dimly lit libraries, and shadowy corridors played right into the film’s surreal and eerie aesthetic.

This isn’t the only time Trinity’s grandeur has been repurposed for something sinister. The Long Room Library has been used to heighten a sense of mystery in various productions, playing host to secretive scholars, eccentric academics, and hidden knowledge. While the university is best known as a centre of learning, its film history proves that it can just as easily double as a setting for intrigue and suspense.

Other Notable Appearances

Trinity’s screen credits stretch far beyond just Normal People and The League of Gentlemen. Over the years, it’s popped up in a variety of films and TV shows, often standing in for other institutions or lending a sense of authenticity to historical dramas. Some notable examples include:

• Educating Rita (1983) – Starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters, this British drama about a woman’s pursuit of education filmed several key scenes at Trinity, using it to represent the academic world Rita is striving to enter.

• The First Great Train Robbery (1978) – This period crime film, starring Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland, used the Long Room Library as a stand-in for London’s Guildhall Library.

• Becoming Jane (2007) – Starring Anne Hathaway as a young Jane Austen, this biopic made use of Trinity’s historic buildings to add authenticity to its 18th-century setting.

• The Professor and the Madman (2019) – This historical drama about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn, also filmed extensively at Trinity, taking advantage of its scholarly atmosphere.

Why Filmmakers Keep Coming Back

So why do productions continue to choose Trinity? Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the university has developed a reputation as being film-friendly. While some historic locations impose strict filming restrictions, Trinity has generally been open to allowing productions to use its spaces, provided that they don’t disrupt student life too much. This has helped solidify its status as a go-to location for both Irish and international filmmakers.

Ireland’s booming film industry has also played a role. With increasing government support for productions and the success of major films and series like Game of Thrones and The Banshees of Inisherin, there’s been a surge in demand for Irish locations that can provide something visually striking. Trinity, with its combination of history, prestige, and accessibility, fits the bill perfectly.

What’s Next for Trinity on Screen?

Given its track record, it’s unlikely that Trinity’s time in the spotlight will end any time soon. As more filmmakers look to Dublin as a filming destination, Trinity will continue to feature in productions looking for a setting that can be both visually impressive and steeped in history. The rise of streaming platforms has only increased demand for distinctive filming locations, meaning Trinity is likely to pop up in even more international productions in the coming years.

For students and alumni, seeing Trinity on screen is always a strange but exciting experience. Whether it’s being used to represent a fictional university, a historical institution, or just as a backdrop to a character’s journey, there’s a certain pride in knowing that your campus is part of film history. Trinity has always been a place of storytelling—first in literature, and now on screen. And with its unique combination of history, beauty, and adaptability, it’s safe to say that it will remain a favourite of filmmakers for years to come.