Swapping Craggy Island for Garnish Island
Father Ted character, Henry Sellers, may have “made the BBC”, but Father Dougal is taking the reins now with a new series exploring Cork’s most breathtaking islands, and beyond.
Cork islands, Garnish, Sherkin and Cape Clear, are all set to feature in a new BBC series exploring and celebrating Ireland’s coastline, hosted by actor and comedian, Ardal O’Hanlon.
‘The Emerald Isles’ features stunning footage of Ireland’s dramatic landscapes, along with stories of island communities, from Rathlin Island off the north coast of county Antrim to Cape Clear Island off the south-west coast of county Cork.
The three-part series will see O’Hanlon take viewers on a fascinating journey, unearthing the history, observing the wildlife, and meeting the islanders trying to live in harmony with their extraordinary environment.
Episode three which airs this Saturday, will see O’Hanlon finish his adventure in Cork. Viewers will watch him discover Garnish Island’s beautiful gardens, its rare white-tailed sea eagle, and its thriving seal colony by kayak. On Sherkin Island, he will meet a playful pod of dolphins, as well as a local historian who tells him of the island’s pirate past and a resident artist. Viewers will also join him on a visit to Cape Clear where he will explore the island by electric bus and meet the island’s resident ornithologist who will explain the huge importance of the island for migratory birds.
The series, which is airing weekly on BBC Two, us produced by One Tribe TV and Boulder Creek International and is co-produced by Tourism Ireland.
Judith Cassidy, Tourism Ireland’s Acting Head of Great Britain, said: “With Ardal O’Hanlon’s unique storytelling, the series is showcasing the magic and spectacular beauty of our islands to millions of households.
“Publicity and broadcasts like this are a key element of Tourism Ireland’s programme of activity to inspire potential British travellers about what Ireland has to offer for a holiday in 2025 and beyond,” she added.
The episode of ‘The Emerald Isles’ featuring Cork’s Garnish, Sherkin, and Cape Clear islands airs this Saturday.