Pictured: Mark Doherty, Century Complex, Eamon Hughes (Producer, Samson Films), Aideen Doherty (Donegal Film Office), Robert McCann (Break Out Pictures) and Lee Gooch, who hosted Ciarán Hinds in the Guild Hall, Ramelton, while filming The Three Urns. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Donegal took centre stage last night at a special celebration premiere of The Three Urns at Century Complex, Letterkenny.
Members of the local cast, crew, and community partners, along with other invited guests, attended the premiere, which honoured the county’s significant role in the making of the heart-warming road trip film.
Filmed entirely in Donegal last spring, The Three Urns draws heavily on the landscape and character of the county, using more than 40 locations across Ramelton, Raphoe, Dunfanaghy, and Buncrana.
Iconic sites such as Glenveagh Castle, Grianán of Aileach, Doe Castle, Horn Head, and the ancient Beltany Stone Circle feature prominently, with the filmmakers describing Donegal as not just a setting but “an emotional landscape” for the story.
A packed house for the Donegal premiere of The Three Urns
The film, directed by John-Paul Davidson and Oscar-winner Stephen Warbeck, follows Mr O’Connor (Ciarán Hinds) on a journey back to Ireland after the death of his wife.
Along the way, he meets an array of colourful characters, each encounter shaped by the humour, hospitality, and wild beauty of Donegal.
“We fell in love with the wildness, beauty and sense of isolation that Donegal has,” said writer-directors John-Paul Davidson and Stephen Warbeck ahead of the release.
Speaking to the attendees last night, Producer Eamon Hughes of Samson Films said: “This is the first feature film I’ve ever produced, and I was delighted when I got this script. It’s bonkers, it’s mad, it’s kind, and it’s sweet.
“The two directors were very gentle, and they trusted me with this film. They didn’t really know Ireland, but when I read it, I said, ‘I know where this needs to go.’
“We’ve been up here to Donegal countless times, scouting and visiting every single location. Domhnall, our location manager, brought us to every nook and cranny, from Portnoo to Annagry, Doe Castle, and Dunfanaghy and just fell in love with the place.”
Ciarán Hinds (Belfast) and Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) in Conway’s Bar Ramelton for ‘The Three Urns’
Eamon spoke of the warm Donegal welcome and the steadfast support of the Donegal Film Office in bringing projects to life.
He said: “Every time I come back, I always feel very welcome here. So much so that we have gone and filmed again this February, so I’ll have more stories to show on this big screen next time.
“When I come up here on my own, it can be difficult to get the lay of the land, and that’s why people like Aideen Doherty in the Donegal Film Office are so important. They just open doors.
“From my perspective as a producer, I’ve filmed across Ireland over the past couple of years and, without a doubt, Donegal has been my favourite place. Aideen really helps this place, and it helps us put Donegal films on screen.”
A stunning Muckish backdrop in ‘The Three Urns’
Speaking about Wednesday’s special screening, Chantelle Grant, General Manager of Century Complex, said: “It was a privilege to host this special Donegal premiere of The Three Urns and to see so many members of the local cast, crew, and community come together. Donegal is at the very core of The Three Urns, and the pride in the room tonight was palpable. It means a great deal to us to celebrate everyone involved in such a fantastic movie.”
Produced by Samson Films with the support of Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, The Three Urns will be released nationwide on 17th April 2026.
Get more behind the scenes pics and insights here: Inside ‘The Three Urns’ – Stars and filmmakers heap praise on Donegal
Donegal shines on the big screen at special premiere of The Three Urns was last modified: April 2nd, 2026 by Rachel McLaughlin
Tags: