Christine with Paddy Clarke, Slieve League Cultural Centre, during filming at Sliabh League. Photo: Joanne O’Hagan/Big Mountain Productions.
Donegal will feature prominently in the first programme in a brand new primetime TV series called ‘Wild Ireland’. It will see presenter Christine Bleakley travel the length of its 1500 mile west coast - the longest continuous coastal route - known as the Wild Atlantic Way.
The show is targeted at British viewers and expects it to reach up to 15 million people over its six-week run.
The series, a joint initiative between ITV and Tourism Ireland, will showcase the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way to millions of viewers – or potential holidaymakers – across Britain this year.
The presenter begins her series at the most northerly tip, Malin Head, and hears some 'craicing yarns' about how Ireland got its name.
She takes in stunning views at Rossnowlagh and later Slieve League, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs at 2,000ft, and joins a team of coast steerers – rock climbing for grown-ups.
“Growing up, we always enjoyed holidaying in Donegal and drives along the stunning Atlantic coast – so, this is a dream job for me,” says Christine.
She then drives bikes, hikes, swims and kayaks her way along the coastline. On her travels, Christine visits numerous historical sites, takes on some extreme sports, learns about harvesting and preparing local food delicacies and introduces the viewer to some of the most spectacularly landscapes and fascinating history in the world.
“‘It was such a pleasure to film this series and to get the opportunity to really see, feel and experience Ireland in all its breath-taking glory. Getting to visit places like the Keshcurran Caves in Sligo, the stunning Connemara district and the historic slate quarry in Valentia that roofed the Houses of Parliament has been fascinating and it’s all on Britain’s doorstep. I hope viewers enjoy watching the series as much as I did making it,” she says.
‘Wild Ireland’ will air on ITV at 8pm tonight, Monday, April 13 and on UTV Ireland from Wednesday, April 15 at 9pm.
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