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| Where Was How to Get To Heaven From Belfast Filmed? Full List of Real Shooting Locations. (Photo: Netflix) |
Netflix’s darkly chaotic comedy-mystery How to Get To Heaven From Belfast doesn’t just serve sharp dialogue and messy friendship energy — it delivers jaw-dropping scenery that quietly steals the spotlight. From rugged Irish coastlines to dramatic hidden villages and even a “Portugal” getaway that isn’t quite Portugal, the series travelled far and wide to build its world.
Not every filming location was publicly revealed during production. The team intentionally kept certain details under wraps to avoid over-enthusiastic disruptions while filming was ongoing.
Now that the series has landed, more details have surfaced — and yes, several of these places are very much visitable if you fancy walking in Saoirse, Robyn and Dara’s slightly chaotic footsteps.
Main Filming Locations of How to Get To Heaven From Belfast
1. Carnlough, County Antrim – The Real-Life “Knockdara”
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The fictional town of Knockdara isn’t real, but much of it was brought to life in the coastal village of Carnlough in Northern Ireland.
This small seaside fishing village doubled as the backdrop for Greta’s wake and the trio’s first reunion chaos. The Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough stood in as the Knockdara hotel, where wine bottles were emptied and secrets started spilling.
Today, the hotel has been refurbished and rebranded, reportedly leaning into a luxury whiskey concept. The village itself remains peaceful, scenic and absolutely worth a coastal stroll.
Why fans love it:
• Feels authentic and untouched
• That dramatic harbour view
• It’s genuinely picturesque without trying too hard
Yes, you can visit.
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2. Donegal – Twisty Roads and Emotional Journeys
Although Knockdara is fictional, County Donegal provided much of the surrounding landscape. Those winding roads and moody countryside scenes reflect the emotional turns of the story.
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The production leaned heavily into Donegal’s dramatic terrain to amplify the sense of mystery and isolation. If you noticed how often the car journeys felt symbolic — that was intentional.
Many viewers said the Donegal scenery made them want to book flights immediately. Others joked that the roads alone looked stressful enough to deserve their own subplot.
Yes, you can visit.
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3. South Bank, London – Saoirse’s “Other Life”
While most of the drama unfolds across Ireland, Saoirse’s professional life unfolds in London.
Exterior scenes were filmed along London’s South Bank, adding a sleek, urban contrast to the rural Irish mystery. Interestingly, many of the “London interiors” were actually filmed back in Belfast for logistical reasons.
Some sharp-eyed viewers spotted the Belfast feel in certain “London” scenes and took to social media debating which bits were really filmed where.
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Yes, you can visit South Bank.
4. Belfast – More Than Just a Title
Despite the title, Belfast isn’t the only star — but it plays a key role.
Notable Belfast filming spots include:
• The Cathedral Quarter (iconic pub-lined street scenes)
• The Duke of York pub
• Titanic Quarter
• Dockers Club (used for the Knockdara hotel disco scenes)
• Lyric Theatre (for award-show scenes)
• Grand Central Hotel (restaurant scene)
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Belfast’s mix of gritty charm and cultural cool gave the series its layered urban edge.
Netizen reaction:
Locals were proud. International fans were surprised at how cinematic Belfast looked on screen.
Yes, you can visit all of these.
5. Murlough Bay, Northern Ireland – Booker’s Western-Style Standoff
One of the most visually striking moments — Booker’s intense first appearance — was filmed at Murlough Bay on the north coast.
Dramatic cliffs. Wild sea. Wind that looks like it has personality.
It’s often overshadowed by more famous tourist spots, but this location gave the series serious cinematic weight.
Fan reaction:
Many said this scene felt like a Western dropped into Ireland — unexpected but brilliant.
Yes, you can visit.
6. St John’s Point Lighthouse, County Down
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The tall yellow-and-black lighthouse is real and located at St John’s Point.
It becomes an important symbolic setting later in the story. Standing at around 40 metres, it’s one of the tallest lighthouses in Ireland.
There are lighthouse keeper cottages nearby that can be rented for stays — perfect for dramatic seaside reflection (minus the chaos, hopefully).
Fan reaction:
Some viewers called it hauntingly beautiful. Others said they’d love to stay there — but maybe not alone.
Yes, you can visit and even stay nearby.
7. Hidden Village of Galboly, Antrim Hills – The Final Showdown
The climactic final scenes were filmed in the Hidden Village of Galboly in the Antrim Hills.
Stone walls. Remote setting. Almost otherworldly atmosphere.
It’s been used in other major productions before, and its dramatic isolation made it perfect for the series’ high-stakes ending.
Fan reaction:
Episode 8 had social media buzzing. Many praised the location for elevating the finale into something visually unforgettable.
Yes, you can visit, though it’s quite remote.
8. County Louth – The “Americana” Motel
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The eerie American-style motel scenes weren’t filmed in the US — they were shot in a disused hotel in County Louth.
Production reportedly struggled to find a location that matched the American roadside vibe. In the end, they transformed an existing property to create that unsettling atmosphere.
Fans loved the tonal shift here, calling it one of the creepiest and most unexpected settings in the show.
Public access may vary.
9. Malta – The Fake Portugal Resort
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Those sunny Sagres, Portugal scenes? Not filmed in Portugal at all.
They were shot in Malta, combining hotel locations and studio work at Malta Film Studios. The fictional Calmas Águas Azuis resort does not exist in real life.
The Mediterranean visuals added a glamorous contrast to Ireland’s cooler palette.
Fan reaction:
Viewers were shocked when they discovered it wasn’t Portugal. Some felt betrayed. Others were impressed by the production magic.
Yes, Malta locations are visitable.
10. Dublin – Airport and TV Studio Scenes
Airport scenes set in both Dublin and Belfast were filmed in Dublin. The show also used studio facilities in the Irish capital for televised segments.
It adds another layer to the show’s cross-border storytelling.
Yes, you can visit Dublin’s real-life counterparts.
Is Knockdara Real?
No. Knockdara is entirely fictional. However, its heart and soul were pieced together from multiple Irish locations — primarily Carnlough and Donegal.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the fictional town name has appeared in a drama. Still, there’s no direct story connection.
Reactions online have been mixed but passionate.
Some viewers were blown away by how cinematic Ireland looked on screen, saying the scenery almost felt like a fourth main character. Travel curiosity spiked, especially around Carnlough, Donegal and St John’s Point.
Others admitted they were surprised that parts of “London” were Belfast, and “Portugal” was Malta. A few joked that the production team pulled off the ultimate location plot twist.
Meanwhile, local audiences expressed pride in seeing Northern Ireland showcased beyond the usual tourist clichés.
Can You Visit These Locations?
Many of them, yes.
Public areas such as Carnlough, Donegal landscapes, Belfast city spots, Murlough Bay and St John’s Point are open to visitors. Some specific filming properties (like the transformed motel or certain estates) may not be publicly accessible.
If you’re planning a trip, always check current access rules before visiting.
How to Get To Heaven From Belfast isn’t just a story about friendship and mystery — it’s a full-blown road trip across some of the most striking corners of Ireland and beyond. The locations add texture, emotion and scale to every episode.
So, if you could visit just one filming location from the series, which would it be — the windswept lighthouse, the moody Donegal roads, or the chaotic Knockdara hotel? Drop your pick and tell us why. We’re curious to know where you’d start your own Heaven-bound adventure. Stay tuned on Tonboriday.com — if new filming locations surface, we’ll update you first.