Dominic Cooper Finds “Healing” in Donegal While Filming ‘The Lightkeeper’
Dominic Cooper has described his experience filming in County Donegal, Ireland, as “healing and beautiful,” particularly poignant as it occurred shortly after the loss of his mother. The actor shared these sentiments during an appearance on the Late Late Show with host Patrick Kielty, alongside his co-star Sarah Bolger, ahead of the film’s release this weekend.
A Personal Connection to the Landscape
Cooper expressed a deep connection to the region, stating he “fell completely in love with it.” He noted a serendipitous connection to the area through his mother’s maiden name, Herron, discovering that many local families shared the same surname. He described the community as welcoming, and shared how gatherings involving music and conversation provided a much-needed solace during a demanding time.
“We just used to sit together and sing, and play instruments, and talk, it was sort of almost the perfect remedy or cure, it was just exactly what was needed,” Cooper said.
The Spiritual Quality of Ireland
The actor also spoke of a unique energy he felt in Ireland, and specifically in Donegal. “There’s this expanse of land, it’s beautiful, the ocean… and I’ve always felt this in Ireland the soil, it’s just so rich, something’s going on, it’s fizzing with something,” he explained. He described a sense of spirituality and connection to those who had passed, feeling their presence in the landscape.
About ‘The Lightkeeper’
Originally developed under the working title Cry From the Sea, The Lightkeeper is set in Ireland in 1924. The film, directed by Vic Sarin and written by Ciaran Creagh, stars Dominic Cooper as Seamus Óg McGrinna, a lighthouse keeper who lives a secluded life awaiting the mythical Each Uisce (Water-Horse). His isolation is disrupted by the arrival of three individuals – an American war widow, a protective housekeeper, and a determined priest – who challenge his carefully constructed existence. IMDb provides a detailed cast and crew listing, including Sarah Gadon as Edith and Aidan Quinn as Father MacGabhann.
Filming took place in locations around Donegal, including Malin Head and Culdaff, transforming the peninsula into a movie set in 2023. The Late Late Show appearance featured discussion of the film and the actors’ experiences in the region.
Release Information
The Lightkeeper is expected to be released in February 2026. MSN reports that Sarah Bolger and Dominic Cooper will discuss the film on the Late Late Show this Friday.