The Challenge: Preserving a Scenic Filming Location
Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, the Guinness Estate at Lough Tay is known for its breathtaking scenery and pristine natural beauty. When the area was selected as a key filming location for the TV series Vikings, site access and ground protection quickly became a priority.
Used to represent the Norse village of Kattegat, the site needed to support a large-scale production crew, heavy vehicles, and equipment, all while safeguarding the estate’s sensitive landscape. With soft grassland and sloping terrain leading to the water’s edge, the risk of ground damage was high, particularly over multiple weeks of filming.
The GroundGuards Solution: MaxiTrack Ground Protection Mats
To meet the challenge, GroundGuards supplied and installed MaxiTrack, our most versatile hand-installable ground protection system.
The mats were used to build safe access routes across the grass, as well as pad areas for crew operations and equipment. The strength and grip of MaxiTrack made it ideal for protecting the terrain while providing reliable ground support for foot traffic, vehicles, and staging areas.
Despite the estate’s remote location, logistics ran smoothly. Our team delivered and installed the mats efficiently, working around the production schedule to avoid disruption. The use of MaxiTrack meant the estate’s natural features could be preserved without compromising the demands of a fast-paced filming environment.
Results & Outcome: Protected Ground and Smooth Operations
The project was a success on all fronts. The Guinness Estate remained protected throughout the filming period, with no lasting damage to the landscape. The production team had safe and reliable access to all areas they needed.
It is a strong example of how MaxiTrack delivers dependable ground protection not only for construction or civil engineering projects but also for film and TV productions working in sensitive or high-profile locations.
Need Ground Protection for Your Production Site?
If you are working in a scenic or sensitive location, GroundGuards can help protect the ground while keeping your production on schedule. Our mats are trusted across the film and TV industry for access roads, crew compounds and more. Contact us to discuss your needs.
