IT was a step back in time recently at Swords’ best-known landmark when a film was shot at the castle.
Swords Castle was transformed into a fictional 11th century medieval castle courtyard village when Dublin based Production Company, Pull the Trigger, took over to shoot ‘The Legend of Cambria’.
The fantasy film, which can be best described as a mixture of Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Willow, is set in a magical mythical kingdom, with Swords Castle setting the backdrop for the ensuing adventures of swashbuckling heroes and villains, dragons and treachery.
Location manager for Pull the Trigger, Dermot Cleary, said Swords was an obvious choice for filming.
“Swords Castle’s unique proposition as an enclosed readymade film set offering a genuine medieval setting made it a hugely attractive location,” said Mr Cleary.
“Its proximity to Dublin city, Dublin Airport and the motorway network, as well as the extremely positive attitude of Fingal County Council towards filming, all made Swords Castle a very attractive proposition.”
Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor said: “Fingal County Council is delighted to be associated with this latest venture in Swords Castle, ‘The Legend of Cambria’.
“The Castle’s re-opening last July has made initiatives such as this possible and the council is extremely pleased that Swords Castle is being recognised as a quality location by filmmakers.”
Chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid said they were thrilled to have had ‘The Legend of Cambria’ filmed at the castle.
“The decision to use the castle for a film location marks yet another stage in the development of Swords Castle as a valuable resource on our doorstep, providing a real experience to filmmakers and tourists alike,” he said.
“This, and the recent Oktoberfest which was hosted in Swords Castle, shows the potential of the castle as a unique and versatile venue.”
Swords Castle is the best surviving example of a medieval episcopal manor in Ireland and is a National Monument providing a rich tapestry of our past.
Home to the Archbishops of Dublin for nearly 500 years, it is a historic landmark providing a strong distinct visual and physical presence over the town of Swords.
The castle is in the ownership of Fingal County Council since 1985, and was re-opened to the public in July.
Fingal Tourism provides regular daily tours of the castle. For more information, email info@fingaltourism.ie or phone 01-8400891 or 01-8905144.