🎬 Lights, Camera, West Cork: Experience the Magic of the Fastnet Film Festival

If you’re a film buff with a love for hidden gems and coastal charm, put the Fastnet Film Festival in Schull, West Cork, on your radar. Taking place each May in one of Ireland’s most picturesque harbor villages, this festival is a unique celebration of cinema set against a backdrop of wild Atlantic beauty, winding lanes, and true Irish hospitality.

The iconic Fastnet lighthouse from which the Film Festival takes its name

As a travel advisor, I often get asked about special experiences that combine personal passions with travel — and this is one of my favorite recommendations for lovers of film, culture, and authentic Ireland.

The Fastnet Film Festival is unlike any other. It’s all about celebrating storytelling and supporting emerging talent from Ireland and around the world. The focus is on short films, and over the course of five days, Schull transforms into an open-air cinema village. Pubs, cafes, boats, back rooms, and even a local butcher shop become intimate screening venues. You’ll watch films alongside filmmakers, attend lively Q&As, and participate in hands-on workshops — all within walking distance. There’s a sense of creative community and grassroots energy that you simply won’t find at larger festivals.

Beyond the screen, West Cork itself is a star. Schull is a vibrant village perched on the edge of the Atlantic, with stunning views of the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse (nicknamed "Ireland’s Teardrop"). The region is known for its artisan food scene, winding coastal roads, and warm, welcoming locals.

Between screenings, you can:

🎬 Take a boat trip to see the Fastnet Lighthouse up close

🎬 Explore Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southwesterly point

🎬 Sample local seafood, cheese, and craft beer at family-run spots

🎬 Wander through nearby towns like Ballydehob, Goleen and Crookhaven, each with its own charm

This year, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of esteemed guests:

🎬 Domhnall Gleeson: Renowned for his roles in Ex Machina, Frank, Star Wars, and The Revenant, Gleeson will participate in an exclusive interview and present screenings of two personally selected films 

🎬 Barry Keoghan: The Saltburn star will attend the festival, adding to the roster of distinguished guests

🎬 Maria Doyle Kennedy: Celebrated for her performances in The Commitments, Orphan Black, and Outlander, Kennedy will engage in a Q&A session reflecting on her multifaceted career

🎬 Aidan Gillen: Known for his roles in Game of Thrones, Kin, and The Wire, Gillen will be among the notable attendees 🎬 Oscar-winning duo Tom Berkeley and Ross White: The creative minds behind An Irish Goodbye will host the festival's renowned Movie Quiz, offering attendees a chance to test their film knowledge in a lively setting

The festival typically runs over five days in late May, which also happens to be one of the loveliest times to visit Ireland — think long daylight hours, blooming hedgerows, and a relaxed pace before the high summer crowds arrive. Fly into Cork Airport and take a scenic two-hour drive to Schull. Consider combining the festival with a longer stay in Ireland — perhaps loop through Kerry or head east to Kinsale and Cork City.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, a film lover, or someone who simply appreciates a travel experience with a bit of soul, the Fastnet Film Festival delivers something rare — an immersive, heartfelt, and wildly scenic celebration of creativity.

Let me help you craft a tailored itinerary that combines film, food, nature, and local Irish culture — and you’ll return not only inspired, but dreaming of West Cork for years to come.