Netflix's How to Get to Heaven From Belfast Filming Locations Revealed
Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee's highly anticipated new series, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast, is set to premiere on Netflix this week. All eight episodes will be available for streaming from Thursday, 12th February, offering viewers a binge-worthy mix of suspense, conspiracy, and humour.
Plot and Cast of the New Series
The series stars Roisin Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, and Caoilfhionn Dunne as Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara, three childhood friends who reunite in their 30s to investigate the mysterious death of the fourth member of their group. As they uncover clues suggesting something more sinister, they embark on a daring investigation across Northern Ireland, delving into breathtaking landscapes and charming towns.
Primary Filming Locations in Northern Ireland
Filming for How to Get to Heaven From Belfast commenced in July 2024 and wrapped up later that same year. The majority of the production took place in Belfast and various locations across Northern Ireland, with some scenes also set in London.
Key spots in County Antrim were utilised, including the Harbourview Hotel in the village of Carnlough, which was transformed into the fictional Knockdara Hotel for the series. This location, previously known as the Londonderry Arms, provided a picturesque backdrop for crucial moments in the storyline.
The town of Donegal served as a stand-in for an imaginary village depicted in the series, with its twisty-turny roads adding to the narrative's journey-like feel. Creator Lisa McGee noted in an exclusive interview, "I like all the scenes in Donegal... I had this thing in my head that the journey should represent the story. You're going down all these little paths, so that was quite cool."
Additional Filming Sites and Creator Insights
Dublin also featured in the production, with scenes shot at Christ Church Cathedral in Wood Quay. Despite the stunning visuals, McGee humorously admitted to hating location shooting due to the cold, stating, "I'm going to sound so grumpy, I hate location [shooting]. I know it looks beautiful, but it's freezing! I'm really glad we did it, but I'm going to write a studio sitcom after this, with a coffee machine and a nice chair."
She added, "Now, I'm really glad we did it. It's a stunning country and it changes so much. We can go an hour down the road and the landscape's completely different. It's just gorgeous."
Cast Perspectives on Showcasing Northern Ireland
Actress Caoilfhionn Dunne expressed delight in showcasing Northern Ireland's beauty to a global audience via Netflix. She emphasised the importance of acknowledging the past while moving forward, saying, "It's important to acknowledge the past because it's a huge part of what has made Northern Ireland the Northern Ireland it is today. But, I think with this new wave of stuff that's happening more, Lisa does it specifically a lot with her comedy, the Troubles aren't the central focus. This is part of who the people are, but it is not all that they are."
Dunne continued, "And they're such wonderful people in Belfast, you want to do right by them because they deserve the world and they've been c****ed on and s*** on by so many people over the years, so you just want people to look at it and go, 'God, that looks like a cracker place. And those people seem like the best fun'. We really wanted to showcase the best of it because that's what's deserved."
International Filming and Release Details
Portions of the series were also shot in Majorca, Spain, adding an international twist to the investigation. Audiences will have to tune in to discover why Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara's probe takes them to this sunny locale.
How to Get to Heaven From Belfast releases on Netflix on Thursday, 12th February, promising a gripping Irish comedy crime drama that highlights the region's scenic beauty and vibrant culture.
