From Rathlin in the north to Cape Clear in the south, the islands off the coast of Ireland have long been a source of inspiration and of myth. But they’re home to a rich diversity of wildlife too – and a wide range of people. In this series, Ardal O’Hanlon takes us on a fascinating journey, unearthing the history, observing the wildlife and meeting the islanders trying to live in harmony with their extraordinary environment.
Episode One
Ardal’s journey begins on Rathlin Island in the far north, famous for its countless seabirds and, unique to the island, the golden hare. Here, Ardal learns how an astonishing archaeological find has rewritten Irish history, and he tastes some noodles made from kelp, sustainably farmed on the island. From Rathlin, Ardal travels to remote Tory Island off Donegal, where he learns of its musical tradition and its mystical past, and we see how farming practices are being fashioned to encourage the endangered corncrake. From Tory, Ardal heads to Arranmore, the largest island of the north. Here, he learns how the islanders are encouraging new residents, while on a beautiful, small islet the threatened little tern has found a welcome sanctuary.
Episode Two
From mighty, windswept cliffs to lush, sub-tropical Edens, the islands off the west coast of Ireland are extraordinary in their diversity. On the Aran islands, Ardal learns from a practising monk of their ancient Christian heritage while, all around, a remarkable range of flora blooms, encouraged by traditional farming methods. Continuing south, Ardal visits the abandoned Great Blasket Island, former home to Irish author Peig Sayers, now home to a thriving seal colony and two young caretakers. On nearby Valentia Island, Ardal is shown fossilised evidence of early life emerging from the sea, while in the surrounding waters oyster conservationists are hard at work. On land, Ireland’s only vermouth producers forage for ingredients. The episode ends with a visit to spectacular Skellig Michael, a UNESCO world heritage site that’s home to numerous puffins and the world’s most dramatic ancient monastery.
Episode Three
In the final episode, Ardal is in the south, where he discovers beautiful Garnish Island, home to gorgeous, lush gardens and the rare white-tailed eagle. By kayak, Ardal sees its thriving seal colony, before heading south to Sherkin Island, where he’s at sea once more, being introduced to a playful pod of dolphins. A local historian tells us of the island’s pirate past and a resident artist reveals its current status as a painters’ paradise. A short hop takes Ardal to Cape Clear, Ireland’s southernmost island, where he’s taken on a tour in one of the island’s electric buses – the only in Ireland. He’s introduced to some remarkable standing stones and a gin distillery that uses foraged kelp. Meanwhile, we meet the island’s resident ornithologist, who explains the huge importance of the island for migratory birds. A climactic clifftop view, out across the Atlantic, marks the end to a revealing and unforgettable journey.