Northern Ireland to Feature in RTE Tracks & Trails Season 12

The beloved Irish programme celebrates the island’s breathtaking landscapes and the people who cherish them. This year, the four-part series takes on a fresh feel as it’s guided by broadcaster, musician, and podcaster Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, who explores seven counties, including Down and Fermanagh alongside special guestsFrom woodland strolls to mountain hikes, and ancient ruins to forgotten villages, the conversations flow as freely as the stunning scenery. Along the way, guests share what makes these places so meaningful to them and why slowing down to immerse themselves in nature matters now more than ever.

The series opens in Ards & North Down with broadcaster and ex-BBC political editor Mark Devenport who has called Co Down his home since he began working in Northern Ireland in 1986. Doireann takes the train from Belfast to Cultra and joins Mark on a scenic 12km stretch of the North Down Coastal Path to Bangor Marina. Along the route, they take in views across Belfast Lough, stop at Grey Point Fort, a key WWII defence site and pass through Helen’s Bay, both struck by the deep layers of history woven into the trail and landscape.

Broadcaster Mark Devenport said "I was delighted to participate in Tracks and Trails and to re-discover the delights of the North Down Coastal Path between Holywood and Bangor. It's a path I've walked many times in the past, so it was great to introduce Doireann to the area and share some of the culture and history of County Down. The day was chilly but bright and sunny, with the views across a busy Belfast Lough looking especially beautiful- a good reason to take my head out of a book and get some much-needed exercise!"

In Fermanagh, Doireann is joined in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark by Derry singer and Eurovision star Brooke Scullion to explore one of Ireland’s most extraordinary natural environments. Spanning into Cavan, it was the world’s first cross-border Geopark in 2008. Together they walk the Blackslee Waterfall Trail, a 4.5km route through the peaceful Lough Navar Forest, before a short drive to Lough Achork where they take an easy going looped trail with tranquil views. For Brooke, the land is more than beautiful, it’s healing. “Walking has got me through a lot… it heals… I’m very grateful to the land.”

Fiona Cunningham, Tourism NI said: “Northern Ireland has walks and hikes to suit all abilities from the mountain ranges of the Mournes and the Sperrins to scenic coastal paths and peaceful forest trails. Tourism NI is delighted to once again support another series of Tracks & Trails as we showcase some of the most beautiful scenery Northern Ireland has to offer, from the North Down Coastal path to Bangor Marina; to walking and driving through some of the impressive Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark in Fermanagh.”

This season’s lineup features Former RTÉ news anchor Bryan Dobson delving into the rich history of Co Leitrim, ex-BBC Political Editor Mark Devenport walking the coastal trails of Co Down, Claire Byrne, the accomplished broadcaster, revisiting her roots in Co Laois, esteemed journalist Fiona Mitchell uncovering the hidden wonders of her native Co Offaly, Brooke Scullion (of Eurovision fame) exploring the landscapes close to her heart in Co Fermanagh, Barry Murphy (of Hermitage Green) highlighting the cultural and scenic charm of his home Co Limerick, and social media star James Kavanagh bringing his signature wit and curiosity to the trails of Co Wexford

With its mix of captivating views, personal stories and Ireland’s endless natural beauty, Tracks & Trails reminds us just how many incredible walks are waiting to be discovered right on our doorstep. And it’s always more interesting with a companion.

Don’t miss the new season of Tracks & Trails, airing Fridays at 8pm on RTÉ One from May 9th to May 30th.

 Visit discovernorthernireland.com for inspiration on your next short break.