I wrote recently about the production of a new film, postponed during the Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic, set to be filmed this month at Cahir Castle, County Tipperary. Some of The Last Duel, starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Ben Affleck and Jodie Comer and directed by Ridley Scott is also being filmed at one of the finest scenic locations in County Meath, Bective Abbey.

Bective Abbey is a former Cistercian Abbey dating to 1147 by a local king as a daughter house to Mellifont Abbey, in nearby County Louth. It was in use until the mid 16th century when it was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. It was subsequently used as a private house and is now in state care.

Filming of The Last Duel takes place in September and October 2020.

Bective remains one of my favourite locations to photograph. Seen here in the main image the ruins after dark, and below on a fine sunny day surrounded by lush green trees in summer.

The ruins famously featured in another Hollywood film, Braveheart starring and directed by Mel Gibson. You'll remember that scene where the chap gets thrown out of the window, that's Bective.

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Ruins of Bective Abbey, County Meath - Ireland

A walk along Synge Street in Dublin.

Located just off the South Circular Road, beside Saint Kevin's Church and Portobello - Synge Street is a quiet and leafy street inside Dublin's canals.

In recent years it has featured in the Irish film Sing Street, a fine film set in 1980s Dublin that features the story of Conor Lawlor, his troubled life at a new school and his new found affection for Raphina (played by Lucy Boynton) whom he aims to befriend by starting a band.

Just to the right of the opening sequence is No. 40 Synge Street, where the character Raphina lives.

The film was directed by John Carney who also directed the Oscar winning film Once, Sing Street stars Aidan Gillen, Jack Reynor and Maria Doyle Kennedy as well as a host of new talent including Ferdia Walsh-Peelo who plays Conor.

Enjoy the short walk through the autumnal street.

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