Matt Damon has identified Ireland as a potential future home for his family, citing the country’s warm reception during his extended stay in Dalkey, County Dublin, during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The actor, currently starring in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey alongside Tom Holland, described the experience as a “fairy tale” that left a lasting impression on his children.
The Lasting Impact of the Dalkey Lockdown
Damon’s connection to Ireland became a global talking point in May 2020 when he was photographed in Dalkey carrying a SuperValu shopping bag. While internet users humorously speculated he was carrying a “bag of cans,” the actor later clarified to RTÉ Entertainment that the bag contained towels for his children. According to Damon, the kindness shown to his family during that period was profound.
“That place is so special for me, for my entire family,” Damon said. “My daughter has said to me, of all the places she’s been around the world, she says, ‘That’s the place I could go and live.'” While he acknowledged feeling a sense of guilt for his family’s positive experience while others struggled during the pandemic, he noted that the time spent in Ireland remains a cherished memory.
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Matt Damon’s co-star Tom Holland also holds deep personal ties to Ireland. Holland’s grandmother, Teresa Quigley, was from County Tipperary, and the actor frequently visited family in Ireland throughout his childhood.
Shared Irish Connections Among The Odyssey Cast
The connection to Ireland extends beyond Damon within the cast of The Odyssey. Tom Holland reflected on his own experiences, particularly a summer spent filming the medieval drama Pilgrimage in Galway. Holland noted that watching his co-star Jon Bernthal fall in love with the Irish landscape and culture during that production was a highlight of his early career.
The Physical Demands of Christopher Nolan’s Epic
While the cast members were eager to discuss their affinity for Ireland, the production of The Odyssey presented significant physical challenges. Christopher Nolan’s commitment to location shooting took the cast to Greece, Italy, Morocco, Iceland, and Scotland. Damon described the experience as more of an “expedition than a movie,” noting that the lack of traditional trailers or on-set comforts meant the entire crew endured the elements together.
- Location Realism: Filming took place in authentic sites such as Nestor’s Cave and Methoni Castle.
- Preparation: Tom Holland revealed that a key mountainside fight sequence required weeks of daily rehearsals before filming began.
- Endurance: Cast members faced cold and rain collectively, which Damon credited with fostering a sense of camaraderie.
As Damon noted, authentic outdoor filming often requires enduring the elements without the luxury of climate-controlled trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Matt Damon spend time in Dalkey?
- Damon was in Ireland to film Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel. When production was suspended due to the pandemic, he and his family remained in Dalkey for several months.
- Does Tom Holland have Irish roots?
- Yes, Holland’s grandmother, Teresa Quigley, was from County Tipperary, and he visited Ireland regularly as a child.
- Where was The Odyssey filmed?
- The film was shot on location across Greece, Italy, Morocco, Iceland, and Scotland.
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