Hidden Ireland: County By County

Ciara Whelan travels inland to Carlow, one of Ireland’s smallest counties, to uncover a mix of heritage, landscape, food, art, and music. Her journey includes an ornate castle with a surprising basement, wild-food foraging near the Blackstairs Mountains, a contemporary art installation, and a traditional music session that brings the county’s local character to life.

Ciara heads to Ireland’s northernmost county, where dramatic coastal scenery meets deep-rooted tradition. She climbs Fanad Lighthouse, explores the wild beauty of Glenveagh National Park, steps back in time at Glencolmcille Folk Village, and ends with music in a pub connected to the family of Clannad and Enya.

In Dún Laoghaire and south County Dublin, Ciara explores a seaside world of literature, markets, islands, and sailing. She visits the James Joyce Tower, journeys to Dalkey Island, takes to Dublin Bay for a sailing lesson, meets local producers at the farmers’ market, and enjoys outdoor dining with sweeping coastal views.

Ciara explores Ireland’s capital through its institutions, history, skyline, and famous hospitality. From the grounds of Trinity College and the heights of Croke Park to Dublin Castle and the ritual of pouring a pint of Guinness, the episode presents Dublin as both a historic city and a living cultural hub.

Ciara visits Galway, where craft, faith, performance, landscape, and coastal escape come together on Ireland’s western seaboard. She meets makers of the iconic Claddagh ring, experiences Irish dance in St. Nicholas’ Church, tours the striking Kylemore Abbey, and relaxes in a wild outdoor sauna on Glassilaun Beach.

Ciara discovers Kilkenny through craft, sport, design, and brewing tradition. Her route takes in Nicholas Mosse pottery, a hurling experience at Nowlan Park, golf on a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, and a beer tasting at Sullivan’s Brewing Company, revealing a county where medieval charm sits alongside contemporary Irish culture.

On Ireland’s western coast, Ciara explores Sligo’s mix of surf, wellness, rural life, and literary heritage. She braves the waters at Strandhill Beach, unwinds in a seaweed bath, meets a skilled sheepdog and his flock, and follows traces of W.B. Yeats in the landscapes that helped inspire his poetry.

Ciara travels to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city and a county shaped by Viking history, craftsmanship, coastline, and grand estates. She watches master glassblowers at Waterford Crystal, forages for seaweed in Ardmore, visits Lismore Castle, and hikes to Mahon Falls for a glimpse of the county’s wilder side.

Ciara explores Wexford through stories of migration, farming, political legacy, and wildlife rescue. She boards the Dunbrody Famine Ship, meets an unexpected herd of Irish buffalo, visits the JFK Homestead, and stops at a seal sanctuary, showing a county connected to both global history and local conservation.

Ciara visits Wicklow, the “Garden of Ireland,” for a journey through stately homes, monastic history, gardens, and mountain scenery. She explores Russborough House, takes a walk with animals, visits the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, and tours Killruddery House, highlighting the county’s blend of natural beauty and historic grandeur.