The beautiful scenery of Ireland is wowing viewers of the show’s newly-released second season, with Tourism Ireland looking to capitalise on its international popularity in drawing holidaymakers this summer.
With its first season set in Australia, the second relocates to Ireland, with filming taking place last year in Wicklow, Dublin and on Achill Island.
Dornan said: “When people hear you’re from Ireland, they always have something good to say about the time they’ve been there. And usually what they’re talking about is the people.
“We shot on Achill Island and it was just breathtaking – we got a glorious sunny day and the clearest crystal blue water you’ve ever seen.”
To leverage the exposure and opportunity, Tourism Ireland created a short behind-the-scenes film.
In it, Dornan, who plays Elliot alongside Australian co-star Danielle Macdonald, who plays Helen and Sarah Hammond, executive producer, talk about filming in Ireland and how spectacular it was.
Dornan was previously awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast for his contribution to the arts and “putting Northern Ireland on the map”.
The 41-year-old, from Holywood, in Co Down, earned international recognition after starring as serial killer Paul Spector in the BBC’s crime drama show The Fall.
The role earned him an Irish Film and Television Award (IFTA) for best actor as well as a nomination for a British Academy Television Award for best actor.
Following The Fall’s success, Dornan landed the Hollywood role of Christian Grey in the hugely popular Fifty Shades of Grey series.
The Tourist Series 2 – Official Trailer
His latest role in The Tourist, is a drama thriller series where Dornan plays the victim of a car accident who wakes up in hospital in Australia with amnesia, slowly learning about his life in criminality.
The Belfast star plays opposite Macdonald, who plays a police officer who is put on the case to help Dornan figure out who he is but ultimately ends up getting entangled in his illegal exploits.
The first episode of season one garnered 18 million views, with the later episodes episodes leading to the show becoming the most watched series on BBC’s iPlayer.
The second series, set in Ireland, was released in January and includes shots from Bray, Djouce and the Wicklow Mountains as well as some in Dublin and on Achill Island in Mayo.
While the first episode received 4.2 million viewers, each of the fifth subsequent episodes received more than 3 million viewers.
Tourism Ireland, the organisation who is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination, aims to use the opportunity of its success to highlight Ireland’s “stunning scenery”.
Elmagh Killeen, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Brand and Marketing Communications, said the show’s scenery presents another “fantastic screen tourism opportunity” to showcase Ireland.
“The series is bringing the magnificent scenery of Ireland to the attention of viewers around the world. And, our behind-the-scenes film will remind our millions of followers on social media that the series was shot here, encouraging them to put Ireland on their holiday ‘wish list’.”
Executive producer Sarah Hammond added: “I think series two is all about celebrating just how beautiful Ireland is.”