In a new four-part series for BBC Two Northern Ireland, ‘Ar Bealach na Gaeltachta’ explores the marked routes around the Donegal Gaeltacht with its presenter Frainc Mac Cionnaith.
The programme’s title is the general name for the four circular long-distance trails in the Gaeltacht areas of Donegal: Slí an Earagail, Slí na Rosann, Slí na Finne and Slí Cholmcille. In this four-part series, young Gaeilgeoir Mac Cionnaith walks each of the trails, and on his journey he captures the scale, atmosphere and beauty of this ruggedly beautiful county. As well as the physical trials of each journey, Mac Cionnaith takes the opportunity to express the essence of his travels through his own artistic interpretation.
Directed by Mal Marken, the first episode of ‘Ar Bealach na Gaeltachta’starts with the most northerly of the four trails, ‘Slí an Earagail’, where Mac Cionnaith begins his journey in the village of Dunlewey. Speaking about the upcoming series, Donegal native and series producer Sheila Friel said; “For me, this has been one of the most enjoyable productions I have developed and produced in recent years. All the necessary elements were there at my own back door to make a fascinating series. There will be lots new topics and voices for our audience in this series.”
The Irish language lifestyle series is an Imagine Media production for BBC Northern Ireland, with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund. Editor on the series was Páraic Scully and John Morrissey acted as DOP.
The first episode in the four-part series of ‘Ar Bealach na Gaeltachta’ begins this Monday, May 26, at 10pm on BBC2 Northern Ireland.
