Spielberg’s shattering WWII epic opens with the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach – but filmed that harrowing sequence not in Normandy, but on a beach in County Wexford, Ireland, with the ruined French town recreated in the English countryside.
Where was Saving Private Ryan filmed?
Saving Private Ryan was filmed in Ireland (Omaha Beach) and England (the town of Ramelle), with some work in France.
Every Saving Private Ryan location, explained
Omaha Beach – Ireland
The famous D-Day landing was filmed on Curracloe Beach in County Wexford, Ireland.
Ramelle – England
The ruined French town of the finale was built at a former airfield in Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, England.
The English countryside
The wider battle scenes used the country of Oxfordshire, England.
Normandy – France
The film’s framing scenes used a war cemetery in Normandy, France.
Planning a visit
Curracloe Beach in County Wexford, Ireland – which played Omaha Beach – is a beautiful, accessible strand behind the film’s unforgettable opening.
