Read more
Simon's journey takes him from the breath taking cliff views of Ireland's stunning coastline to the contemporary realities in its towns and cities, as he tries to get to grips with its complex past and looks at what its future may hold. Ireland is a place where spectacular beauty and an often troubled history has gone hand in hand for centuries. Travelling the length and breadth of the island and getting to know a variety of its people, the engaging journalist examines all elements of Irish society. He uncovers a place of myths, legends and spirituality, alongside a modern state still attempting to work out its identity and values. Episode 1 - Arriving in County Wexford, Simon looks at the beginnings of the long and turbulent relationship between Britain and Ireland. He takes a paramotor flight along the coast before heading to Cork, and on to the sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick. Other locations include the surf town of Lahinch, the city of Londonderry and County Donegal before his journey ends at Malin Head, at the northernmost tip of the island. Episode 2 - From the spectacular Giant's Causeway, Simon travels to Rathlin Island, where residents are experimenting with an enterprising form of underwater food production. He encounters tourists from all over the world at The Dark Hedges in County Antrim, one of the many Game of Thrones locations in Northern Island. After visiting Belfast, he follows one of Ireland's great coastal routes and arrives in Dublin in time for events commemorating the Easter 1916 uprising.
IMC