You're going to want to learn magic at Alfea... or Ireland.
It is seen and proven that there is no spectator who can resist a portion of magic and a handful of spells . Movies like Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings made a big dent in our imagination and this fantasy ended up finally moving to the world of series. Netflix already demonstrated it with some like Sabrina or The Umbrella Academy, and now he's back with Destiny: The Winx Saga, the stories of five teenage fairies which takes place, apparently, in Solaria.
You have to admit that knowing that the main stage is a magic school it is already an invitation (and incitement) to spend the afternoon dedicated to the screen, and it is Hogwarts' fault (even the protagonists mention the Sorting Hat in one of the scenes). Going one step further, learning that this institute, Alfea, corresponds to a real place, it only makes us even more willing to embark on the adventure.
Those who have already finished it will agree that the locations in which the series takes place are indeed magical . Dreamlike forests, buildings with a medieval air, extensive gardens and idyllic ponds that belong to the same destination: Ireland . This country has been in charge of providing such landscapes and making the plot scenarios seem like pure imagination.
THE SCHOOL
Let's put ourselves in situation. Alfea is an institute of magic located in Solaria, one of the seven realms of the Otherworld. (the magic). The First World corresponds to that of humans, from which comes the protagonist: Bloom . She is the only fairy in the family, a fact still unknown to her parents that she, when she moves to school, they think she is going to study at an international boarding school in Switzerland.
Alfea's school exists and is called Killruddery House.
Nothing is further from reality, we move away from the Alps to enter the country of legends and castles . The recurring wide shots of Alfea reveal a bucolic setting in which fairies live and specialists fight in its gardens and ponds , those in charge of ensuring the security of the kingdom.
Such a grandiose building could only be part of fiction, but really it is about Killruddery House, a country mansion in County Wicklow which has been the residence of the Brabazon family since 1618 . Today, it has become a cultural landmark of the Ancient East of Ireland in which tourist visits are organized both for its spaces, as for its gardens (800 acres) . Currently, it also performs the function of a farm for the production of fruits, vegetables and free-range meat.
These surrounding gardens also date from the 17th century and hide endless vegetation that is what gives the series that magical air. Alfea's lush exteriors also have been combined with those of Powerscourt, another mansion located in Enniskerr and, also in County Wicklow. Not only has he received the title one of the ten best houses in the world , but its gardens are some of the most popular in Ireland.
It is not surprising considering that they belong to the 18th century, they occupy 47 acres and its composition looks almost like an amusement park. Italian and Japanese gardens, waterfalls, statues, lakes and even more than 200 varieties of trees . These two palatial houses and the unusual landscapes that surround them have been responsible for making this story of magic even more meaningful.
We don't know if it has real magic, but the Stone Circle takes place at Powerscourt Falls.
TO THE OUTSKIRTS
If we look at this paraphernalia that we announced about the nature of Powerscourt, it makes sense to us that one of the key scenarios in the course of the series corresponds to one of its waterfalls . It's the first day of school for Bloom, Musa, Stella, Terra and Aisha. Principal Dowling takes her students outside of the institute to start getting acquainted with her magic. Specifically, to the Stone Circle, a place brimming with energy to channel and augment your tricks.
Behind him, you can see Powerscourt waterfall, 250 meters high . She is the one in charge of completing that fairy-tale atmosphere that its protagonist is nature and the connection with the planet . This stamp, like Alfea, is also one of the most common during the chapters. Your environment is an essential piece in what he refers to magic, betrayals and secrets.
Another of the most impressive outdoor places is Aster Dell . It is one of the most important locations within the plot and, avoiding the spoiler, we will only clarify that it is a village and it is a key piece in Bloom's story, so far we can read. The real location takes us to Bray Head, a mountain north of County Wicklow.
Bray Head embodies the magical town of Aster Dell.
The plans of this place are some of the most impressive. Not only for being a sensational natural enclave, but because it is also located by the sea . In Ireland, it is well known by tourists and inhabitants who love hiking. Its maximum height is 243 meters and on its top there is a cross nailed that has become the goal of the mountaineers.
Going back to fairy terms, behind the Magic Barrier that protects the students, they hide (leaving aside the terrifying beings) long kilometers of forests that have become the dream of any viewer of The Winx Saga . Some of the paths along which the protagonists move belong to Ballinastoe Wood, in the province of Leinster . All scenarios belong to Ireland, including Bloom's house, in the urban area of Violet Hill, in Bray, or the tunnels of the institute, related to the Harristown House language school.
Destiny: The Winx Saga has given us the opportunity to fall even more in love, if possible, with Ireland . The island was already magical long before any series, but this group of fairies have given it a leading role in their stories. Now, we can go through it following the steps of its spells and getting lost in that intense green that represents it so much.
We tour Ireland hand in hand with the Winx.