Trespasses is a drama series directed by Dawn Shadforth and written by Ailbhe Keogan. The show stars Gillian Anderson, Tom Cullen, Lola Petticrew, and others. It follows a forbidden romance set in Northern Ireland during the 1970s.
The story centres on Cushla Lavery, a young Catholic teacher, who becomes involved in a dangerous affair with Michael Agnew, a married Protestant barrister, during the Troubles in 1975 Northern Ireland. The setting is tense, divided, and full of risk for both characters.
The series began airing on Channel 4 on 9 November 2025. It is distributed by Channel 4 (UK).
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Trespasses Filmed?
| Film Name | Trespasses |
|---|---|
| Genres | Drama, Romance, Historical |
| Filming Locations | Belfast city centre & surrounding areas (Finaghy, Holywood, Ballymena) – Northern Ireland |
| Filming Dates | Filming took place in 2024 (November in Finaghy, Ballymena) |
| location Managed by | Matt Brindley, Robert Huffam, John Vaughan |
| Release Date | 9 November 2025 |
The show was filmed in and around Belfast, Northern Ireland. The production team chose Belfast and its surrounding areas because the region offers “an extraordinary variety of locations within easy reach” according to the producer. Specific areas include Finaghy, Holywood, Ballymena, and the city centre of Belfast.
📍Belfast City Centre & Surrounding Areas
The heart of the drama is set in Belfast – the capital city of Northern Ireland. The series used Belfast city centre for many of the exterior shots, showing the busy streets and the divided communities that characterised the era. The filmmakers chose this location for its authentic 1970s look and history. The city provides real-life backdrops that reflect the political tension of the times.
📍Finaghy (Belfast suburb)
Finaghy was used for the family home of Cushla Lavery. The production stayed there for about three weeks while filming those domestic scenes. The choice of Finaghy gave a suburban feel, matching the story of home life amid conflict.
📍Ballymena, County Antrim – The Ladysmith Arms Pub
The pub in the series, known as “The Anchor Bar,” was filmed at the real-life The Ladysmith Arms on Waring Street in Ballymena. This pub represented the central social hub in the story where Cushla works and interacts with soldiers, patrons from both communities, and the married barrister Michael. It was chosen for its authentic look-and-feel of a 1970s Northern Irish pub.
📍Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland
Holywood and other surrounding areas were also used for various shooting locations. These locations provided scenic and varied backdrops—coast, suburb and small town — to support the story’s setting in mid-1970s Northern Ireland.
📍St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Ballyphilip, Portaferry, County Down
Address: Ballyphilip Rd, Portaferry, Newtownards BT22 1RD, United Kingdom
St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Ballyphilip, Portaferry, is one of the most visually striking filming locations featured in Trespasses. In the trailer’s opening scenes, the church and cemetery are clearly visible, setting a somber and spiritual tone for the story. These moments were filmed on location at this historic church, which dates back to the 18th century.
The filmmakers chose Ballyphilip Church for its authentic Northern Irish countryside setting and traditional stone architecture, which perfectly reflects the 1970s atmosphere of the series. The adjoining cemetery adds emotional depth, symbolizing the loss and tension surrounding the Troubles-era storyline.
The village of Portaferry, located at the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula in County Down, offers stunning views of Strangford Lough and a serene coastal charm, which makes it a fitting contrast to the darker urban scenes filmed in Belfast.
Behind the Scenes of Trespasses
The production team chose Northern Ireland as the filming region because it offered “an extraordinary variety of locations within easy reach” – from city centres to forests and quarries. Actress Lola Petticrew (who plays Cushla) said that filming in her hometown area was a favourite part: “Getting to work at home and shoot here is my favourite thing in the world.” The art department went to detailed lengths—for example, the bar scene featured period-details like Babycham fawn, black-and-white whiskey dogs and cigarette smoke to create authenticity.
For more behind-the-scenes photos, you can check social media such as Instagram (search hashtags like #TrespassesChannel4) though an official link wasn’t cited in the sources I found.
Is there any trailer available for Trespasses?
Yes. The official trailer for Trespasses was released on Channel 4’s YouTube channel.
Trespasses was aired on 9 November 2025 and is available on Channel 4 (UK).
FAQs
Q1: Where was Trespasses filmed?
A1: Trespasses was filmed in Northern Ireland, mainly in Belfast city centre and surrounding areas like Finaghy, Holywood and Ballymena.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at The Ladysmith Arms in Ballymena?
A2: The pub scenes (in the show the pub is called “The Anchor Bar”) were filmed at The Ladysmith Arms on Waring Street, Ballymena.
Q3: When did the filming for Trespasses begin?
A3: Filming took place in 2024, including in November at locations like Finaghy and Ballymena.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of Trespasses?
A4: Yes — many locations are public places. For example, you could visit The Ladysmith Arms in Ballymena. However, always check current opening hours or visitor restrictions before planning a trip.
This guide covers the key filming locations and behind-the-scenes of Trespasses. From Belfast’s city streets to the pub in Ballymena, the series uses real Northern Irish settings to bring 1975 to life.
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