Film and TV Ground Protection Mats for Vikings at Lough Tay, County Wicklow
The Guinness Estate at Lough Tay in County Wicklow was selected as a key filming location for the TV series Vikings, used to represent the Norse village of Kattegat. The production needed safe access for crew, vehicles, and equipment while protecting a pristine landscape. With soft grassland, sloping terrain, and weeks of activity planned, ground protection was essential to keep the site operational and undamaged.
The Challenge: Heavy Production Traffic on Soft, Sloping Grassland
Large-scale filming brings repeated vehicle movements, high footfall, and concentrated working areas for equipment and operations. On this site, the combination of soft ground and slopes towards the water’s edge increased the risk of rutting, compaction, and visible ground disturbance.
The location was also remote, so access and logistics needed to run smoothly without disrupting the production schedule.
Our Solution: MaxiTrack Ground Protection Mats for Access Routes and Working Areas
GroundGuards supplied and installed MaxiTrack heavy-duty trackway mats, a versatile system suited to creating safe, stable routes on grass and sensitive terrain.
Defined Access Routes and Pad Areas for Crew and Equipment
MaxiTrack mats were used to form temporary access routes across the grass, as well as pad areas to support crew operations and equipment. The system’s strength and grip provided dependable support for foot traffic, vehicles, and working zones while helping protect the ground beneath.
Efficient Delivery and Installation in a Remote Location
Despite the estate’s location, logistics ran smoothly. Our team delivered and installed the mats efficiently, working around the production schedule to avoid disruption and keep access available as required.
Results: Protected Ground and Reliable Site Operations Throughout Filming
Filming operations ran smoothly with safe, reliable access to the areas required. Importantly, the Guinness Estate remained protected throughout the production period, with no lasting damage to the landscape.
This project demonstrates how MaxiTrack can support film and TV productions in sensitive, high-profile locations - providing practical access and protection without compromising the environment.
Key Lessons for Film and TV Productions on Sensitive Locations
- Plan access routes and working zones early to control vehicle movements and reduce widespread ground disturbance.
- Use ground protection mats that provide grip and load spread on soft grass and sloping terrain.
- Create defined pad areas for compounds and equipment to protect high-use zones over multi-week schedules.
- Coordinate deliveries and installation around call sheets to minimise disruption to production activity.
- Reusable matting systems are well suited to temporary production environments where site condition matters.
Speak to GroundGuards About Film and TV Ground Protection Mats
If your production is working in a scenic or sensitive location, GroundGuards can help protect the ground while keeping your schedule on track. We supply and install ground protection mats for access routes, crew compounds, and operational areas. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.
