Ireland Scotland Travel Blog

Reviews of PS I Love You

P.S. - I Love You

Romantic, excellent, different, with a brilliant acting cast.....enticing one to cherish the ones they love and Ireland here I come.....GO SEE IT...guaranteed you will love it!!

The film leaves one with utopian & euphoric feelings. Due to very fact of their selection of the topic of LOVE depicted in the example of a loving couple who discover true love between them. Sure its so simple ....but so brilliant! As in today’s modern world, many are losing site of the beauty and power of a loving relationship, we take each other for granted, get bored, fight, and complain and in the stress of figuring out ones life , we can loose sight of the best & most simplest great things that may be staring us in the face.

Two people, from two different countries, the US and Ireland, become undivided and become one in a spirited bond. Love, being so powerful to leave them indifferent to their surroundings. The scenery and characters were portrayed in popular, romantic and picturesque Ireland beckoning one to want to visit and discover Ireland. The movie evokes ones curiosity of Ireland and her people, as Gerard Butler cast as Gerry, has wishes to share himself with his partner. After his death, he leaves his heart and sole behind for Holly to truly encapsulate in her trip to his beloved homeland. The character of Gerry reflects the kindhearted, personable and friendly traits customary to his kindred Irish. Perhaps, if the script had showcased and included a bit more Irish diversified landscape scenery all the better. The mood was created effectively through the vehicle of applicable music content, evoking ones senses to tune into their emotions and stir feelings of happiness and sadness.

Not to missed! - Maureen Lydon

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Warner Brothers "P.S. I Love You" opens this Friday, December 21, 2007, starring Hillary Swank (Holly) and Gerard Butler (Gerry). It is an excellent romantic comedy which will make you laugh as well as cry. The movie is based on a book that was written by Cecelia Ahern, who is the daughter of the Prim Minister of Ireland. The movie is about a young woman who lost her husband at an early age. Before he past away he had written her a series of letters with plans for what she should do in the first year after he was gone. The letters have her doing crazy things as well as with traveling to Ireland on a trip he planned for Holly and her two girlfriends. Holly follows his directions to the letter by the last letter she has it all figured out.

I saw the movie last night at a pre-screening given by Tourism Ireland and Warner Brothers. I was honored to be able to see this movie before it came out in the theaters. I thought this movie was great. I wanted to see this when I saw the coming attractions on television. It is warm, funny but yet has some sad parts. After seeing this movie it will make you want to go to Ireland. I know I do. I didn’t think there were any low parts to the movie sometimes it gets to point where you think it is okay to go to the restroom well I didn’t feel this way with this movie I didn’t want to miss a thing. You are going to want to see what Gerry has Holly doing next. This movie will make you think what your life would be like if you lost your significant other how would you cope without them being there every day.

Guys if you are looking for a movie to take your girl to this weekend I definitely recommend "P.S. I Love You." She will be impressed by your choice. If you are real gentlemen you will bring some tissues because this movie will make her cry.

The movie has a wonderful cast besides Hillary Swank and Gerard Butler. The others are Kathy Bates, Harry Conik Jr., Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon . I really enjoyed this movie and you will enjoy it as well. I think this movie is a must see so if you are into a movie this weekend go see "P.S. I Love You." Trust me. You won’t regret it.

-- Jennifer Russo

Jennifer & Maureen are reservationists at:

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Waterhorse - new film made in Scotland

The Water Horse - Legend of the Deep -

The film The Water Horse – Legend of the Deep will launch globally at the end of 2007 / early 2008. The film is centred around Loch Ness and the myths and legends surrounding the famous monster and provides an excellent opportunity to promote this original Scottish icon. The story begins with an enchanted egg, and what hatches will set in motion an adventure that will take a young boy on the journey of a lifetime. Scotland, with its dramatic history and landscapes is the perfect setting for this forthcoming blockbuster. http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/thewaterhorse/site/flash.html

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com>

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Film locations in Britain

The National Trust (NT), the charity which preserves many of the finest stately houses, historic structures and acres of countryside throughout England and Wales, is increasingly finding its properties in demand from film directors.

Buoyed by the success of Miss Potter about the life of author Beatrix Potter (starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor), filmed at Potter’s Hill Top Farm and other Trust locations in the English Lake District, the organisation is preparing for other properties to enter the limelight. The films include:

• The Other Boleyn Girl, a period drama set in the court of King Henry VIII, was filmed at Great Chalfield Manor, Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire and Knole. It stars Scarlet Johanson, Eric Bana and Nathalie Portman and is due for release in the second half of this year.
• Amazing Grace, which tells the story of the slave trade Abolitionists. Directed by Michael Apted, the film features Albert Finney as John Newton and Rufus Sewell as Thomas Clarkson. Filming of the movie took place at Osterley Park, west London and Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire. Peckover House, Cambridgeshire will feature a costume display from the film throughout August.
• The Golden Age, the follow-up to Elizabeth about Queen Elizabeth I and starring Cate Blanchett, due for release this year, was shot at Brean Down and Petworth, West Sussex.
• Stardust, a fantasy film due out late this year, stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rupert Everett. Shot at Ashridge Estate where a wall was built to mark the end of the ‘real world’.

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com>

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Films Made in Wales

All of the following were filmed, at least in part in Wales:

An American Werewolf in London 1981

Location: Abergwesyn Common

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First Knight 1994

Location: Trawsfynydd area; Mawddach Estuary;

Llanfair Slate Caverns; Blaenau Ffestiniog; Black Rock Sands

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From Russia With Love 1963

Location: Snowdonia

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Hilary and Jackie 1998

Location: Cilcain, Mold

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Human Traffic 1999

Tale of five British clubbers on a weekend partying binge.

Location: Cardiff.

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Inn of the Sixth Happiness 1958

Location: Beddegelert and Capel Curig area.

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Ivanhoe 1913

Early production of Sir Walter Scott’s Classic Novel

Location: Chepstow Castle

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Jabberwocky 1977

Location: Chepstow

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Lawrence of Arabia 1962

Location: Merthyr Mawr sand dunes.

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Macbeth 1971

Location: Talsarnnau; Ffestiniog

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Merlin 1997

Location: Llanberis; Blaenau Ffestiniog; Capel Curig; Eisingrug;

Llynau Cregennen; Dyffryn Ardudwy; Ffynnon Lligwy; Betws Garmon;

Snowdonia; Anglesey; Martins Haven, Pembrokeshire

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Moby Dick 1956

Location: Ceibwr Bay, Fishguard

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Mortal Kombat Annihilation1997

Location: Dinorwig Quarry; Parys Mountain

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On Dangerous Ground 1995

Location: Lake Vrynwy .

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Restoration 1994

Location: Caerphilly Castle; Tretower Court

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Robin Hood 1991

Location: Betws y Coed

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The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain 1994

Location: Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant; Wrexham

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The Lion in Winter 1968

Location: Marloes Sands; Pembroke Castle

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The Prisoner 1967

Location: Portmeirion

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The Vikings 1958

Location: The Great Orme, Llandudno

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Tiger Bay 1959

Location: Cardiff Docks; Newport; Talybont-on-Usk

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Time Bandits 1982

Location: Raglan Castle

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Twin Town 1996

Location: Swansea

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Under Milk Wood 1973

Location: Fishguard

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Willow 1988

Location: Llanberis

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Yanks 1979

Location: Grand Hotel, Llandudno

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Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com>

Outher websites:  Cruise Tour Planners

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Miss Potter the Film

In Spring 2006 Cumbria-The Lake District played a starring role in the filming of the new MISS POTTER movie. Directed by CHRIS NOONAN (Babe) and starring RENÉE ZELLWEGER (Cold Mountain, Bridget Jones’ Diary) and EWAN McGREGOR (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!), MISS POTTER is an inspirational love story that follows Beatrix Potter's rise to being the most successful children’s author of all time.

NEW - In November 2006 a MISS POTTER movie map showcasing key film locations and Beatrix Potter attractions across Cumbria-The Lake District will be published.  Here is some info on the locations: As you make your way through the delightful villages, you will discover the shops are filled with collectibles and gifts in the distinctive style of the characters made famous by British author, Beatrix Potter. Her charming cottage and home are located at Hill Top, this little 17th century stone house, near the village of Sawrey at the North end of Lake Windermere. Beatrix Potter (1866 -1943) purchased this little farm with the earnings from her first book "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", and as one overlooks the garden adjacent to the cottage, you almost anticipate Peter Rabbit popping up from behind a shrub! There is a good example of traditional cottage garden, containing mainly old-fashioned flowers such as honeysuckle, foxgloves, sweet cicely, lupins, peonies, lavender and philadelphus. Roses grow ground the front door. Fruit still plays an important role in the garden - strawberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries and rhubarb. Beatrix Potter furnished Hill Top with her favorite things. The illustrations she painted from the classic tales of Tom Kitten, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Samuel Whiskers all contain views of Hill Top and scenes from Sawrey and the immediate area. On her marriage in 1913, Beatrix Potter moved to a nearby home and kept her beloved Hill Top as a studio. She was famed as a childrens' author, but recognized locally as a sheep farmer and devoted much of her time to that occupation. Seven of her books are based in or around Hill Top. Tom Kitten and Samuel Whiskers lived there. Hill Top is still as it was then, and is now the most visited literary shrine in the Lake District.

Over a 30 year period she built up an estate of 14 farms, mostly within a 10 mile radius of Sawrey. When she died on 22 December 1943, Beatrix Potter left fourteen farms and 4000 acres of land to the National Trust, together with her flocks of Herdwick sheep. She included in her will the condition that Hill Top never be lived in again and that the rooms and furnishings should remain as they had been during her lifetime. Because of her foresight in preserving this cottage and its contents, it enables visitors to almost literally step back in time and and experience the warmth and charm present in every room. You can also purchase reprints of her books and a grand selection of collectible figurines, china and other items adorned with her beloved characters. You will also want to spend some time in the village of Sawrey, where many shops offer additional collectibes in the Beatrix Potter theme.

The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead is one of the National Trust's more unusual properties in that it has an interesting link with Beatrix Potter herself. The 17th Century building, which was once the office of her husband, local solicitor William Heelis, has remained largely unaltered since his day. The Gallery houses an annually changing exhibition of a selection of Beatrix Potter's original drawings and illustrations. Beatrix Potter was however much more than a gifted artist and author. She was, without question, a determined preserver of her beloved Lake District and a great believer in the aims of the fledgling National Trust, bequeathing her numerous farms and land to the Trust in 1943. The Gallery also contains a display covering the story of her life through its various stages, which offers an unique insight into her life and times. There is a reconstruction of part of William Heelis' office.

"Miss Potter" - the Beatrix Potter biopic, made in the U.K. debuts in jan. 2007. "Miss Potter" explores the life of Potter (Zellweger) as she becomes the author of the beloved and bestselling children's book 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', and struggles to overcome a domineering, unsupportive mother and the chauvinism of Victorian England to become a published author. Yew Tree Farm, Coniston, becomes Hilltop for the film. Filming has taken place in the countryside near Beetham, South Cumbria, The Rum Story in Whitehaven in West Cumbria, and in various locations in the Lakes.

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com

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SCOTTISH MOVIE LOCATIONS

SCOTTISH MOVIE LOCATIONS 2007

6 Day Package

«With its stunning landscape and breathtaking choice of architecture and castles, Scotland is the real star of the big screen. Scotland looks beautiful on screen but the reality is even better as this programme demonstrates»

Scotland’s spectacular landscape has made it popular over the years with many filmmakers, with movies like “Chariots of Fire”, “Highlander”, “Local Hero”, “Hamlet”, and “Greystoke”, all being made on location in Scotland. Moreover, Hollywood blockbusters such as “Braveheart”, “Rob Roy”, “Mrs Brown”, “Loch Ness” and “Harry Potter” have demonstrated Scotland’s credentials for filming. If there had been an Academy Award for Best Location it would undoubtedly have gone to Scotland!

• 5 nights accommodation in the above style of accommodation sharing a twin/double room with facilities inclusive of Scottish breakfast.
• Welcome Pack
• Service & VAT

Price does not include

• Car Hire
• Entrances detailed in itinerary
• Evening meals
• Lunches
• Personal Expenses

Itinerary

Day 1                                                Edinburgh

Turn North East to Rosslyn Chapel, the actual place featured in Dan Brown’s blockbuster and used as a location for The Da Vinci Code movie itself. Continue to Edinburgh, where the gritty portrayal of Leith in Trainspotting is already movie history.  The old seaport has had an extensive facelift and now offers a fine range of quality eating, drinking and shopping. Walking tours of Leith are on offer for a real insight into the character of the place. The Royal Mile in the Old town of Edinburgh is the backbone of the old quarter, running from the Palace of Holyrood House to Edinburgh castle. Here the movies Chariots of Fire, Mary Reilly featuring Julia Roberts, and Jeckyll and Hyde were all filmed in these streets.

Overnight in Edinburgh area

Day 2                                                Edinburgh - Perth

After your first hearty Scottish breakfast, travel to the historic town of Stirling which played a major role in the history of Scotland's monarchy. Braveheart, featuring Mel Gibson as William Wallace, was set in this region and highlights a key period in Scotland’s history with Stirling Castle as the focal point. The battles of Stirling Bridge and Falkirk are both featured in the film and took place on the plains around the Forth valley area. You can visit Stirling Castle which dominates the town from its 250 foot rock, then continue to Wallace Monument perched high on the rock of Abbey Craig where William Wallace camped before the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Leaving Stirling, continue into the Trossachs region and Roy Roy country!  You can visit the Rob Roy Centre in Callander to learn more about Scotland's infamous villain turned hero.

Overnight in Perth area

Day 3                                                Perth – Fort William

Today you start the morning with a visit to Megginch Castle and Gardens. The courtyard of the castle was transformed into an 18th century marketplace for the filming of Rob Roy.  Continue through Perthshire to Drummond Castle near Crieff, which doubled as the residence of the villainous Duke of Montrose, played by John Hurt, in Rob Roy. Several scenes   were shot in the spectacular gardens, which boast a magnificent early Victorian parterre with fountains and terracing laid out in the form of the St Andrew’s cross. The sundial dates back from 1630. From Drummond Castle travel through Crieff, Comrie, and along Loch Earn following the twisting road up over the dramatic mountain pass of Glencoe. Here the bloody massacre in 1692 took place when the Campbells, at the bidding of the English, slaughtered the MacDonalds in their sleep. The bleak and dramatic landscape of Glencoe featured in both Braveheart and Highlander, and you will feel the eerie silence that pervades from the misty mountains as you drive through the glen. Continue to Fort William, a highland town nestling at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. Glen Nevis is easily accessible, behind Fort William, in the very shadow of Ben Nevis. Other easily accessible locations nearby include the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. If time permits, head south along Loch Linnhe for Oban on the A828, taking the A816 south for Crinan. Dramatic boat chase sequences, complete with explosions and fire, in the James Bond film From Russia with Love once disturbed the peace here!

Overnight in Fort William area

Day 4                                                Fort William - Inverness

Leaving Fort William you enter the North West Highlands. Travel through Glen Shiel to Loch Duich and visit Eileen Donan Castle on its small island connected by a bridge. This was the seat of the MacRaes, however it is probably better known as the principle fortress of Christopher Lambert’s character in the cult movie Highlander. Return through Glen Shiel and on to Glen Morrison to arrive at the Caledonian Canal. The canal links the lochs of the Great Glen - Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness - and has been described as the most beautiful in Europe with its spectacular highland scenery of lochs, mountains and glens.  Scenes from Highlander, Braveheart and Rob Roy were all shot here.  You will then arrive at Loch Ness, known throughout the world for its famous inhabitant "Nessie", the Loch Ness monster. The film Loch Ness was made here with Ted Danson and many scenes were shot at Urquhart Castle on the banks of the loch, which you can also visit.  Built in the 14^th Century it was once one of the largest castles in Scotland and was destroyed in 1692 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Jacobites. Following the banks of the loch you will arrive at Inverness, the capital of the highlands where you can enjoy a panoramic tour of the city.

Overnight Inverness area.

Day 5                                                Inverness - Aberdeen

This morning you will follow the whisky trail! The Speyside region houses some of the oldest and most established whisky distilleries in Scotland and you can visit one of these distilleries to experience the whisky making process and have a chance to taste the true “Water of life”. You then enter the Grampian region and take the road over the hills through the village of Tomintoul, the highest village in Scotland. Coming down from the hills, we arrive at Ballater in Royal Deeside the favourite region of the Royal family. You can visit Balmoral castle, the summer residence of the royal family and you will see the magnificent colours of this beautiful countryside, which has figured so heavily in many blockbusters. Most recently in the film Mrs Brown where Billy Connolly and Judy Dench spent so much time riding and climbing the hills of Lochnagar. We then continue to Aberdeen, the main fishing port of the North East coast.

Overnight in Aberdeen area.

Day 6                                                Aberdeen - Edinburgh

Our first stop this morning is at the ruins of Dunnottar castle near Stonehaven where Mel Gibson spent several months filming scenes for Hamlet. Follow the coast road south and cross the Firth of Tay at Dundee Bridge to arrive in the famous university town of St Andrews, better known as the "home of Golf". Here you will visit St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral overlooking the bay. Chariots of Fire had many sequences filmed here, the most famous being the athletes running along the beach preparing for the Olympics with the celebrated theme of Vangelis playing as background music. Leaving St. Andrews you travel south once more to arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital.

Ellen McNulty is President at www.lynotttours.com

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Films About Ireland

Films made in Ireland.  More than 200, but here are some popular ones.

Saving Private Ryan was filmed in Wexford(1998)

Spy Who Came In from the Cold, The (1965)

Ryan's Daughter (1970)Sarah Miles, Robert Mitchum, John Mills, Trevor Howard, Leo McKern

Quiet Man, The (1952)

Princess Bride, The (1987)

Moby Dick (1956)

Lion in Winter, The (1968)

Crying Game, The (1992)

Far and Away (1992)

Braveheart was filmed in Ireland

Ellen McNulty is President of Lynott Tours, a tour operator in Ireland and Great Britain.  www.lynotttours.com