His wild years are definitely over. Now director Neil Jordan has praised Colin Farrell for his professional work methods in new film Ondine.

Playing a fisherman whose life is transformed when he catches a mermaid in his nets, Jordan says Farrell didn't mind getting wet but that was the only 'drink' he fell into.

While actor Robert Mitchum famously hit the booze out of boredom stuck in Dingle for months filming David Lean's film Ryan's Daughter, Jordan says Farrell didn't seem to mind the isolated Beara Peninsula in west Cork where Ondine was shot.

"Colin was totally on the dry. He wasn't looking for nightlife or bars. He didn't have to distract himself with anything else. The film kept him busy."

Ondine is Oscar winner Neil Jordan's 16th feature, and will be out next year.

"It's an insanely romantic love story that exists within the realms of a fantasy world. What was great was how Colin immersed himself in the role," he said.