Some Irish shows to watch over Christmas and New Year.
The Bible - Saturday December 21, TV3
The start of this ten-hour mini-series produced by Emmy Award winning producer Mark Burnett and his wife, Irish actress Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel) begins on TV3 on December 21st and continues throughout Christmas.
At Your Service: To the Rescue – Monday December 23, RTÉ One
A special Christmas episode of the popular reality series, The Brennan bothers help transform a CASA respite care centre in Dublin.
Republic of Telly Christmas Special – Monday December 23, RTÉ Two
The raucous trio of Jennifer Maguire, Kevin McGahern and Bernard O’Shea celebrate Christmas with musical numbers and some special guests including The Rubberbandits.
Coming Home for Christmas – Christmas Eve, TV3
Andrea Hayes joins families are they are reunited with loved ones at Dublin Airport in this emotional hour-long special.
The Zoo Christmas Special – Christmas Eve, RTÉ One
A chance for viewers for catch up with the animals seen at the end of last season as Tom Dunne joins the zookeepers to hear about their personal highlights of the year.
The Mario Rosenstock Show – Christmas Eve, RTÉ Two
This one-hour special, filmed in front of a live audience, features surprise guests who will join Mario and the series favourite characters.
BB agus Bella - daily, TG4
Animation series based on award-winning Bábógbaby airs on TG4 every morning at 8.10 December 23rd – January 5th
Ómós do Seamus Heaney –Christmas Day, TG4
Celebrating the life of Seamus Heaney with a look at the places and people who inspired his poetry, including contributions from Paul Muldoon and Ciaran Carson
Páidí Ó Sé – Christmas Day, TG4
A one-off documentary detailing the Kerryman and footballing legend and authored by one of Páidí’s neighbours Louise Ní Fhiannacha.
Mrs Brown’s Boys – Christmas Day & December 30, RTÉ One
Following the successful live shows which visited arenas around the UK and Ireland in 2013 and the upcoming film, Brendan O’Carroll and the gang are back with two festive comedy specials.
Dermot Morgan: Fearless Funnyman – Friday December 27, RTÉ One
A look at the enduring legacy of Ireland’s most loved comedians & satirists, this programme features contributions from the likes of Pauline McLynn and Pat Shortt.
Moonfleet – Saturday & Sunday, December 28 & 29, Sky 1
Filmed in Ireland, this Sky adaptation of John Meade Falkner’s classic novel tells a tale of 19th-century diamond smuggling and stars Ray Winstone and Aneurin Barnard.
The Mother of All Weddings – Monday December 30, RTÉ One
A fresh reality show format from RTÉ, this show features the mothers of both bride & groom planning their wedding day.
New Year’s Eve Live: The Ultimate Gathering – New Year’s Eve, Tuesday
Special Guests ring in the new year with presenters Dáithi Ó Se, Sinead Kennedy and Will Leahy
Funny on the Foyle – New Year’s Eve, BBC Two
Patrick Kielty presents a comedy gala from Derry including Irish comics Colin Murphy and Tim McGarry.
RO’G: The Ronan O’Gara Documentary – Thursday January 2, RTÉ One
Filmed over four years, this revealing documentary looks at the compelling story of one of the country’s best-known Sports stars.