The Office of Public Works (OPW) has blocked plans by the production team behind The Traitors Ireland to film at the prehistoric monuments of Knowth and Dowth in County Meath. According to internal records, heritage officials rejected the proposal due to the sites’ archaeological sensitivity and concerns that fictionalized storytelling could misrepresent the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site. While Fáilte Ireland advocated for the production to showcase “Ireland’s Ancient East,” the OPW maintained that the required infrastructure and crew levels were incompatible with the preservation of the ancient landscape.
Why Heritage Sites Denied The Traitors Production
The OPW’s decision centered on the protection of highly sensitive archaeological environments. According to internal emails, one official noted regarding the Dowth site: “This is a non-public, highly sensitive monument and the scale and nature of infrastructure proposed is not proportionate.”
The production team had proposed a crew of 39 people, including camera operators, a sound recordist, and a drone. They intended to use freestanding, lightweight props to create a specific atmosphere. However, heritage officials argued that the presence of such a team “goes beyond low-impact heritage filming and moves into staged entertainment infrastructure.” Furthermore, ecological factors played a role; at Knowth, nesting sand martin birds in mid-March presented an additional barrier to the proposed filming schedule.
Did you know?
Bective Abbey, which served as a backdrop for Braveheart and The Last Duel, was suggested by the OPW as a more suitable alternative for The Traitors production team.
The Role of Fáilte Ireland in Promoting Heritage
Fáilte Ireland intervened in the discussions, highlighting the international promotional value of the series. Records show that a senior official at the tourism body acknowledged the OPW’s concerns but noted that the first season reached an audience of 2.1 million people with nearly 4.7 million streams.
The tourism body argued that The Traitors provided an “incredible opportunity” to market the Ireland’s Ancient East brand to a global audience via the BBC. Despite this, the OPW remained firm. An assistant secretary general stated in an email: “I am not sure if anything would work there to be honest,” regarding the potential for filming at Knowth even under revised, lower-impact proposals.
Future Trends for Filming at Protected Landmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was filming at Knowth and Dowth rejected?
The OPW determined the filming was incompatible with the conservation of these highly sensitive monuments. Concerns included the risk of physical damage, the scale of the crew, and the impact of fictionalized storytelling on the public’s understanding of the heritage site.
Were there compromises offered during the process?
Yes. Discussions involved exploring if Knowth could feature visually without using the site itself. However, the OPW concluded that the proposals remained unsuitable given the site’s small size and sensitive conditions.
What alternatives were offered to the production team?
The OPW suggested several alternative sites managed by the state that are better equipped for film production, including Bective Abbey, Newtown Abbey, and St Patrick’s Cathedral in Trim.
Have you visited any of Ireland’s Ancient East locations featured in film? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the intersection of heritage and media.
Keep reading