PICTURES: Behind the scenes look at new US TV series The Wayfinders shot in Limerick

FILMING for a new US TV series due to hit screens later this year has been wrapped up in County Limerick and around Munster with hopes high they could return for season two.

The Wayfinders follows the exploits of three high schoolers who are mysteriously transported to a fantasy world, where they find themselves caught in a battle for survival.

With magic, monsters, and unexpected allies. including a fierce princess and a teenage werebear, the teens must navigate this strange new land. As they search for a way home, they discover hidden strengths and face challenges that will test their courage like never before.

The cast includes Pirates of the Caribbean and Office star Mackenzie Crook alongside Tamara Smart (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Resident Evil), Evan Fields (Hacks, Players), and Vincent Mattis (Teen Wolf: The Movie, The Dirt).

The collaboration between US-based Arrowstorm and Limerick-based Dark Day Pictures, will be available on Angel streaming service.

Viewers will see many familiar sights after scenes were shot in Cratloe Woods, St Michael’s Church in Limerick city, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Knappogue Castle, Kilbane, University of Limerick and its woods, Craggaunowen, Charleville Castle, Bunratty Folk Park, Clare Glens, Shower Bog, Lough Gur, Dominican Friary in Kilmallock, Sleigh Head, The Burren, and, of course, Troy Studios.

They also found their way to Castlegarde in Cappamore - an historic home owned by David and Hazel Thompson. David said a part of Cappamore was transformed into the Hollywood of Ireland for a week.

“Many months ago Sean Flynn, a location manager, approached me concerning the possibility of filming part of American TV series The Wayfinders here. 

“My wife Hazel and I were delighted to have the opportunity to be considered for this great production,” said David.

After many site visits to see if Castlegarde would suit, the final decision was a resounding yes.

“We then, together with our son Peter, who agreed to provide space for the large number of trucks, cars and equipment needed for the filming, signed an agreement with the company

“We had no idea of the massive event it would prove to be here at my home and birthplace, built in the 1190s by Donal Mór O'Brien, King of Thomond - Brian Boru’s fourth generation grandson.

“In early June, the props and equipment started to arrive, the building of village markets, battlegrounds and sites for fights took place. 

“On the first day of filming live props included horses, donkeys, goats, hens, parrots and geese,” said David.

There were even stuntmen jumping out of an old oak tree! Limerick Leader photographer Adrian Butler was kindly given full access on set. 

“Over 200 people were involved - all with separate individual jobs. It was an incredible sight.

"Watching this spectacle was a very special experience one of both amazement and happiness in being able to provide such a real ancient historic site for the production, and to work with such busy, appreciative and active people performing under the watchful eyes of the production directors and helped by the location managers,” said David, who expressed his joy in bringing over 200 people - including many locals involved and being trained in the industry - to Cappamore, Pallasgreen and Doon for a week.

“The GAA grounds parking space was fully taken up and businesses in the area benefitted from the extra trade. We would like to thank everyone involved for their committed endeavours and hope that Castlegarde will be chosen to host filming for many more companies in the future, which will bring much needed business into this rural area of County Limerick and put us all on the map for tourism,” he concluded.

Sean Flynn, location manager from Ahane, said they are “very grateful to the Thompsons for having us”.

“It was a wonderful experience in a very unique and special location,” said Sean, who thanked all their hosts.

He continued: “It's great that we're developing new locations in the Mid-West. We're very proud of the crew base that is starting to develop and we have a lot of talent coming out of the Mid-West region.”

Sean said filming is a collaborative effort and they can't do it without the support of local authorities in Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, Kerry, Mayor John Moran’s office, OPW and National Monuments Service.