<Li> Dorian Missick as Pony Joe ("SO") </Li> <Li> Olivia Burnette as Homeless Woman ("Bainne") </Li> <P> Although Sons of Anarchy is set in Northern California's Central Valley, it is filmed primarily at Occidental Studios Stage 5A in North Hollywood . Main sets located there include the clubhouse, St. Thomas Hospital and Jax's house . The production rooms at the studio used by the writing staff also double as the Charming police station . External scenes are often filmed nearby in Sun Valley and Tujunga . Interior and exterior scenes set in Northern Ireland during season 3 were also filmed at Occidental Studios and surrounding areas . A second unit shot footage in Northern Ireland used in the third season . </P> <P> Some critics felt the third season was dragged down by the previous season's cliffhanger . James Poniewozik of TIME called the season three premiere "breathtaking" and praised Sagal's performance with Holbrook . He later stated that Abel's disappearance helped return the show to its central problem: Jax's allegiance to the club . Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker agreed that Holbrook and Sagal's scenes were "beautiful". He also commented that the series handled themes of loyalty and family especially well . Maureen Ryan commented that the third season divided critics and fans alike, suggesting the expanded Belfast cast made it harder for the audience to invest in the characters' journeys . Ryan later questioned the credibility of Hector Salazar's story, noting that he was inferior to other villainous characters such as Stahl, Zobelle and Weston . However, she praised Ally Walker's performance, comparing her character to The Shield's Vic Mackey . Critic Alan Sepinwall said the season was "interesting but uneven", noting that the plot gained traction in later episodes . Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter said "Sutter should be applauded for shaking things up", calling the slower pace a "creative necessity". </P>

Where was sons of anarchy filmed in ireland