Explore Frights, Nights And Pints In West Cork, Ireland While Checking Out These ‘Hokum’ Filming Locations

If you’re a fan of gothic horror movies, you’ve probably already seen trailers for “Hokum.” The terrifying film, starring Adam Scott, centers on a novelist who travels to a small hostel in Ireland where his late parents once spent their honeymoon. Unbeknownst to him, the hotel is loaded with supernatural activity, bringing a deadly twist to his little getaway. Though Scott’s Ohm Bauman has a vacation that goes completely off the rails, parts of “Hokum” showcase the beauty and mystique of Ireland, which may entice you to plan a trip of your own. Filming locations include locales across West Cork and Skibbereen. Several shots were also completed in the Remah Desert of Abu Dhabi, though these moments are few and far between.

If you’re looking to venture forth into the Emerald Isle for a vacation of your own, be sure to read ahead. We’ll walk through all the key locations behind “Hokum” and offer insight into the best restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions in the area. We can’t fully guarantee that there won’t be any ghosts or ghouls going bump in the night, but we can definitely put you on to the best itinerary Ireland has to offer.

Your Guide To ‘Hokum’ Filming Locations In West Cork

Key Scenes: According to “Hokum” lead Adam Scott himself, the vast majority of the horror flick was shot on location in West Cork, Ireland. The region features scenic, rugged coastlines and charming little villages among the rolling green hills. Depending on what part of West Cork you visit, you could be greeted with sandy beaches, gothic architecture, gorgeous 15th-century castles and plenty of vibrant pubs.

Best Time To Visit: Most locals would advise visitors to trek through West Cork during the late spring to early summer. Months like May and June offer especially pleasant weather, longer daylight hours and access to more outdoor events. While the region is beautiful year-round, you might find it a little too scary during the wintertime, when the sun sets extra early, and the rain floods the streets.

Transportation Options: Since West Cork is such a rural area, you won’t find the same kind of comprehensive public transit grid that you’d expect in a major metropolitan hub. As such, your best option for exploration will likely involve renting a car. There are regional bus services and taxis that operate throughout the region, but they tend to be centralized in a few major towns, including Skibbereen, Bantry and Clonakilty. If you’re planning on staying close to civilization, you might be able to rely on these services during your stay. Still, those looking to explore their surroundings freely and see all the “Hokum” filming locations West Cork has to offer should be sure to put some money aside for a rental, or rely on rideshare apps and private chauffeurs.

During a discussion with Rotten Tomatoes, Scott specifically described his time within the haunting landscape, expressing, “We were in West Cork and Skibbereen, which is way out in the Irish countryside, which is maybe the most beautiful spot on Earth, with the friendliest people on Earth. But once the sun goes down, if you’re out in the middle of nowhere shooting a horror movie, it is scary. Like, there’s nothing you really have to do imagination-wise to really get there.”

Since West Cork is quite rural, there aren’t as many local businesses or key landmarks to spot in the background of the film as there would be in a film shot in Los Angeles, for instance. Still, filmmaker Damian McCarthy managed to take advantage of the natural gothic landscape, shooting in awe-inspiring locations such as the Caha Tunnels, the Castlefreke woodlands, and Bantry House, which overlooks Bantry Bay, The Cinemaholic reports. These dense overgrown forests, rugged paths, and stretches of mountain tunnels offered plenty of naturally spooky surroundings, elevating the haunting tone of “Hokum.” More suburban portions of the movie, such as those where Adam Scott interacts with the locals before checking in, were filmed in Rathdown and the streets of South Dublin.

Things to Do: You’ll definitely want to take a tour of historic Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck and the gift of gab. From there, consider checking out the Midleton Distillery, The English Market or take the whole family over to Fota Wildlife Park, to get a glimpse of some of nature’s most majestic beasts. If you’re interested in seeing animals thrive out in the wild, you can also take a cruise along the River Bandon in Kinsdale, where dolphins and otters appear in abundance. The Titanic Experience Cobh is another must-see tourist destination in the region. The experience lives up to its name by guiding visitors through the historic White Star Line Building in Cobh, where some of the Titanic’s last passengers boarded the ship.

Where to Eat: Depending on where you’re staying in the West Cork region, you may have a wide selection of delectable cuisine options to choose from. The city of Cork proper has access to local favorites including the Elbow Lane Brew and Smokehouse, The River Club and Sakura. If you’re out and about exploring the more rural portions of West Cork, your options do become more limited, but that shouldn’t stop you from finding a proper meal. The Fishy Fishy Restaurant is a must-try if you’re in the Kinsale neighborhood, while The Brick Oven is a delightful pizza joint near Bantry Bay. No matter where in Ireland you find yourself, don’t be afraid to trust the locals for a good recommendation. The likelihood that you encounter a ghost is slim, but even an apparition can point you toward a solid pub upon request.

Where to Stay: Hotel options aren’t as sparse as you might expect out in West Cork, though rooms can be quite pricey. If money isn’t an object for you, be sure to check out the accommodations at The Montenotte Hotel, The Kingsley, The Imperial or Hotel Isaacs Cork. Each of these hotels offers premium living with stunning views of Cork’s natural landscape, along with a shocking lack of ghosts and ghouls.

Just Over An Hour Away From Cork Is Scenic Skibbereen

Key Scenes: Skibbereen is a historic neighborhood that was essential for capturing both interior and exterior shots, providing the production team with plenty of scenic imagery. PrimeTimer reports that West Cork Film Studios in Skibbereen served as a primary base of operations for interior soundstages, including locations inside the inn, tight winding corridors and dimly lit rooms.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Skibbereen is during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the area experiences its warmest weather and longest daylight hours. This peak season is ideal for outdoor adventures, whether you’re strolling through the colorful town, exploring nearby beaches, or night-kayaking on the magical Lough Hyne.

Transportation Options: Transportation in Skibbereen will be exceptionally scarce, so you should absolutely rent a vehicle if you plan to stay in town. Those looking to room closer to an urban neighborhood can also crash in the city of Cork and make the trip out to Skibbereen on an as-needed basis.

Though West Cork Film Studios does not offer public tours, the business is a major employer of many southern Irish film crew members. If you’re staying in Skibbereen, you might even bump into someone who worked on “Hokum” by pure chance. The historic Liss Ard Estate on Castletown Road was another major location used in the film. The sprawling grounds of the massive estate served as the perfect stand-in for the fictional inn, with sites like The Georgian Manor, the James Turrell Sky Garden, and the private lake appearing front and center. There’s also a wellness studio and sauna somewhere on the 163-acre estate, though that might break the illusion if it were to appear on screen.

Things to Do: When you’re finished scouting location sites for “Hokum” in Skibbereen, you should be sure to give yourself a day or two to explore the town with fresh eyes and an open mind. Though the town is quite small and homely, there’s no shortage of fun sights and activities to explore. Be sure to check out the Skibbereen Heritage Centre when you first blow into town, to get some up-to-date info on events at the Skibbereen Farmers Market, Drombeg Stone Circle or the West Cork Arts Centre. Nature lovers can also find wild goats roaming the greens, or take to the coast and go whale watching at the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse & Cape Clear Island.

Where to Eat: Since Skibbereen has a small-town feel, you’ll find many eateries offer a laid-back, no-frills dining experience. Some of the best restaurants in town include Wild Ways at Dillon’s Corner, Kalbos Café and The Church Restaurant. The latter is actually built into a decommissioned Methodist church, allowing you to bask in the beauty of its stunning architecture and stained-glass windows while you dine.

Where to Stay: Hotels in the actual town of Skibbereen are few and far between, but not impossible to find. If you don’t already have a honeymoon suite booked at a creepy haunted BnB, you should check out the rooms at the West Cork Hotel, Glencora B & B and Marguerites. These stays offer an up-close and personal view of the small town, including proximity to the river Ilen and Tragumna beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of “Hokum”?

Hokum is a term used to describe something that is nonsense, untrue or patently absurd. Originally coined by professionals in the live theater industry to describe boring, unoriginal or shoddy writing, the term has now become a great vocab word to refer to something ridiculous. Synonyms for hokum include bunk, baloney, hogwash and poppycock.

Where can I watch “Hokum”?

“Hokum” is currently playing in select theaters across the country.

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