The late 19th-century saw several gold rushes in the United States, such as the California Gold Rush starting in 1848 and the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s, which attracted immigrants seeking fortune.
Due to famine and economic hardship, a significant number of Irish people emigrated to America during the 19th century, particularly following the Great Famine in the 1840s.
Filming of Far and Away took place during 1991-1992, involving locations in Ireland and various parts of the United States such as Oklahoma and Washington state.
The film Far and Away, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, was released in theaters.