Ireland has a rich tradition of storytelling, and this extends to its television industry. Over the years, Irish TV has produced a number of iconic and well-loved shows that have resonated with audiences both at home and abroad. Here’s a look at some of the most famous and well-known Irish TV shows, their settings, and what they’re about.
1. Father Ted (1995-1998)
Setting: Fictional Craggy Island, Ireland
Synopsis: Perhaps the most famous Irish sitcom, Father Ted follows the misadventures of three priests—Father Ted Crilly, Father Dougal McGuire, and Father Jack Hackett—banished to a remote island. Their housekeeper, Mrs. Doyle, completes the cast of quirky characters. The show is known for its absurd humor, satire of Catholicism, and memorable catchphrases. While set on the fictional Craggy Island, it was filmed primarily in County Clare.
2. The Young Offenders (2018-Present)
Setting: Cork City, Ireland
Synopsis: Based on the hit 2016 film of the same name, The Young Offenders follows two teenage delinquents, Conor and Jock, as they navigate life, get into trouble, and try to evade the law in Cork City. The show is full of heartwarming moments, humor, and an authentic portrayal of Irish youth culture.
3. Love/Hate (2010-2014)
Setting: Dublin, Ireland
Synopsis: A gritty crime drama, Love/Hate delves into the world of Dublin’s criminal underworld. The series follows gang leader Nidge and his associates as they engage in drug trafficking, violence, and betrayal. It was a major success in Ireland and gained a cult following internationally.
4. Derry Girls (2018-2022)
Setting: Derry, Northern Ireland
Synopsis: A coming-of-age comedy set in the 1990s, Derry Girls follows a group of teenage girls (and one English boy) as they navigate school, family, and growing up during The Troubles. The show balances sharp humor with historical events, making it both nostalgic and thought-provoking.
5. Ballykissangel (1996-2001)
Setting: Fictional town of Ballykissangel, based on Avoca, County Wicklow
Synopsis: A lighthearted drama set in a rural Irish village, Ballykissangel revolves around an English priest, Father Peter Clifford, adjusting to his new life in the close-knit community. The show explores village life, romance, and small-town intrigue with warmth and charm.
6. Fair City (1989-Present)
Setting: Fictional Carrigstown, Dublin
Synopsis: Fair City is Ireland’s longest-running soap opera, set in the fictional Dublin suburb of Carrigstown. It follows the lives of the residents as they navigate relationships, work, and social issues. It remains a staple of Irish television and continues to attract a dedicated audience.
7. Ros na Rún (1996-Present)
Setting: Fictional village in Connemara, County Galway
Synopsis: One of the few Irish-language TV dramas, Ros na Rún is a soap opera broadcast on TG4. It follows the lives of the people in a small Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) community, tackling contemporary issues while showcasing the Irish language and culture.
8. Mrs. Brown’s Boys (2011-Present)
Setting: Dublin, Ireland
Synopsis: A wildly popular comedy, Mrs. Brown’s Boys stars Brendan O’Carroll as the loud, no-nonsense Irish matriarch, Agnes Brown. The show is known for its slapstick humor, breaking the fourth wall, and blending sitcom-style jokes with stage performance elements.
9. Red Rock (2015-2020)
Setting: Fictional Red Rock, a coastal town near Dublin
Synopsis: A crime drama focusing on the rivalry between two feuding families and the local Gardaí (Irish police), Red Rock brought a fresh take to the Irish TV scene. Its mix of crime, family drama, and gripping storytelling made it a standout series.
10. Glenroe (1983-2001)
Setting: Rural Ireland
Synopsis: A beloved Irish soap opera, Glenroe focused on life in a small farming community. The show captured the trials and tribulations of rural life in Ireland, and its Sunday night slot became a tradition for many Irish households.
Conclusion
Ireland has produced a wealth of memorable television shows, spanning from crime dramas to sitcoms and soap operas. These shows have played an essential role in representing Irish culture, humor, and storytelling traditions to both domestic and international audiences. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a gripping drama, or a nostalgic trip to Ireland’s countryside, there’s something for everyone in the world of Irish TV.
Author: jonathan
Jonathan is the publisher of Irishtopia.net, Anglotopia.net, and Londontopia.net. He's passionate about travel and learning about other cultures. He's been to Ireland several times, and uses his travel expertise for Irishtopia!
