Train Station Turned Movie Set: The Forgotten Cillian Murphy Scene That Could Get Its Own Plaque!

Killarney Train Station, a picturesque gateway to the scenic town in County Kerry, could soon become a landmark for film lovers, should a proposed plaque be installed to commemorate an iconic scene from the 2006 film The Wind That Shakes The Barley.

At a recent council meeting, Killarney councillor John O’Donoghue suggested that the station, which featured prominently in a memorable scene from the film, receive a plaque and accompanying information boards. The scene, set during the Irish War of Independence, stars Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy, who dives for cover as British soldiers attack a train crew.

The film, directed by Ken Loach, tells the story of two brothers who become enemies, fighting on opposite sides during the subsequent Irish Civil War. The Killarney train station serves as an important backdrop in the gripping sequence, which has become a defining moment in the film.

O’Donoghue, recognizing the town’s growing connection to Murphy—who has deep ties to Kerry, including his purchase of the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle—sees the installation of a plaque as an opportunity to highlight the station’s film heritage. The councillor suggested that the plaque could include historical context about the film’s significance, and he hopes it would serve as an attraction for tourists, while bolstering Killarney’s reputation as a must-visit destination.

“There is an opportunity to highlight his involvement in the movie, especially now that Cillian Murphy is an Academy Award and Golden Globe winner for his recent role in Oppenheimer,” O’Donoghue said. “This would not only honor the actor’s work, but it could also enhance Killarney’s status as a place of cultural and historical interest.”

The proposal, which also includes adding information boards in the waiting rooms of the station, received the support of Killarney Mayor Maura Healy-Rae. “It ties in perfectly with our goal to promote Killarney as a town with rich history and culture,” she commented.

The installation of the plaque would be a fitting tribute to Murphy’s stellar career and the lasting impact of The Wind That Shakes The Barley. O’Donoghue even suggested that the actor, known for his dedication to his craft and connection to Kerry, should be invited to unveil the plaque. Given Murphy’s ties to the area, there is a “small chance” that the actor could attend the ceremony.

If the proposal moves forward, it could provide both a cultural and tourist draw for the town, celebrating the intersection of film history and local heritage in the heart of Kerry.