Jack Wild had to wear a red wig throughout filming as he refused to have his hair dyed ginger. Upon seeing the wig, which was permed, Wild immediately started to regret not having his hair dyed.
Although the children are said to be chased in Athlone the streets were actually in Athenry town.
The film marked the return to the big screen of actress Dorothy McGuire after a six year break from movie making. Her last role had been as The Virgin Mary in 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' (1965). In 'Flight of the Doves' (1971) she played Mary Magdalene St. Bridget O'Flaherty. This would be her last acting role in a theatrically released film.
The song "You Don't Have to be Irish to be Irish" was a main feature of the 1971 St Patrick's Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York.