Table of Contents
Who Are the Garvey Sisters?
Bad Sisters is about five women, namely Ursula, Becka, Bibi, Eve, and Grace who are connected by blood and unwavering friendship. After their brother-in-law’s barbaric actions are the cause of one of them being in jeopardy, they immediately come together to ensure the safety of each other.
- Ursula is the careful planner, always thinking two steps ahead.
- Becka follows her dreams, driven to build a better life.
- Bibi acts on impulse, her past scars shaping her bold choices.
- Eve uses sharp humor to mask her fear.
- Grace, the youngest, holds onto hope that love and family can conquer all.
Their unique personalities collide and combine as tension rises. Dark humor eases the weight of danger, and moments of laughter help the sisters face impossible choices. Let’s explore Bad Sisters filming locations
Ireland as a Living Backdrop- Bad Sisters filming locations
This story isn’t filmed on a soundstage—it unfolds in real Irish streets, villages, and coastal spots. Viewers travel with the Garveys from bustling Dublin markets to windswept seaside cliffs. Along the way, they’ll see:
• Rain-slicked cobblestones that echo with footsteps at midnight.
• Cozy pubs where hushed conversations carry through the haze of low lights.
• Green fields and rolling hills that meet the gray Atlantic, mirroring both calm and storm.
By using genuine locations, the series captures Ireland’s warmth and its undercurrents of drama. Each setting deepens the mood—whether it’s a quiet lane for a secret meeting or a windswept shore where the sisters dare to plan their boldest move.
Sharon Horgan’s Homecoming Vision
Co-creator and director Sharon Horgan grew up in Dublin but left at nineteen. Years later, she returned—not only to tell a story, but to honor her memories. “I wanted every frame to feel like home,” she explains. Horgan and her team chose local landmarks over studio sets, capturing the city’s pulse and the countryside’s breath.
- They scouted narrow alleys where neighbors still greet each other by name.
- They found hidden coves where the sea spray cools the air.
- They filmed in family-run pubs whose walls remember every laugh and argument.
By weaving personal memories into each scene, Horgan gives Bad Sisters a genuine heart. The result is a series that feels lived-in—where every street corner and every coastal breeze echoes the sisters’ hopes, fears, and fierce devotion.
Evening Walks in Malahide – Becka and Matthew’s Special Moments
A Place Steeped in Personal History
In a late 2024 chat with Expedia, director Sharon Horgan shared why Malahide felt like home. As a youngster, she tagged along with her father to deliver turkeys to the old Malahide Grand Hotel. Between stops, they played tennis on the hotel courts and treated themselves to creamy ice cream cones beside the hotel’s clock tower. Those early memories gave Horgan a warm connection to the village that shines through on screen.
The Magic of the Twilight Stroll
One of the show’s most tender scenes unfolds on a pedestrian street lined with fairy lights. Becka and Matthew stroll side by side, their breath visible in the cool evening air. They pause by a small stone fountain, lean in close, and speak softly about hopes for the future. The low glow from lanterns overhead and the distant murmur of late-night diners make their conversation feel both private and alive.
Cozy Corners and Friendly Faces
Malahide is known for its snug pubs and low-key cafés. In Bad Sisters, you’ll spot the famous Gibney’s Pub, where the sisters sometimes meet under darkened beams. Becka and Matthew, by contrast, slip into a corner booth at a nearby coffee shop on Church Road. Surrounded by potted ferns and simple wooden tables, they share a quiet moment away from prying eyes.
Why Malahide Works on Screen-Bad Sisters filming locations
- Warm Atmosphere: The village’s narrow lanes and small shops feel lived-in, not staged.
- Soft Lighting: Strings of lights and vintage streetlamps add a gentle glow that flatters every frame.
- Local Color: Passersby waving “hello,” the clink of pint glasses, and even the murmur of distant music bring authenticity.
By choosing Malahide for these key scenes, the creators of Bad Sisters tap into real memories and real places. The result is a slice of romance that feels as genuine as any moment in everyday life.
Getting to Know Bad Sisters: Simple Answers to Common Questions on Bad Sisters filming locations
Below are clear, straightforward responses to the questions viewers ask most about Bad Sisters.
Where do the sisters meet for their secret swim?
They dive into the chilly sea at the Forty Foot in Sandycove, just outside Dublin. This rocky point is famous with locals who brave the cold water year-round. On screen, it becomes the sisters’ private spot—where they share worries, plot their next move, and strengthen their bond.
Where does Bibi live on the show?
Bibi’s home is a small house up in Northern Ireland. It’s a quiet, suburban setting—far from the city rush. Here, she quietly pushes her siblings toward drastic actions, driven by her own past pain.
Why does Bibi wear an eye patch?
Early in the series, Bibi appears with one eye covered. She lost that eye in a car crash caused by her brother-in-law. A rosary on the dashboard flew free and struck her during the collision. Her patch is a constant reminder of the danger she escaped.
Is Bad Sisters based on real events?
No. While the show borrows its core idea from the Belgian drama Clan, every twist and turn in Bad Sisters is made up. The story and characters are works of fiction, designed to surprise and entertain.
What went wrong between John Paul and Becka?
Becka and her sister’s husband, John Paul, clashed over money and respect. He promised to help fund her business but pulled out at the last minute, leaving her dreams and finances in limbo. Their arguments grew heated, adding fuel to the family’s dangerous plans.
Why did the creators pick Ireland as their backdrop?
Every beach, village, and city street was chosen to feel real. Filming in authentic locations—from Sandycove’s ocean edge to Northern Ireland’s quiet lanes—gives the show a lived-in look. The series first aired in August 2022, earned a second-season order by November 2022, and season two began arriving on screens in November 2024. This genuine setting and steady release schedule keep viewers coming back for more.
