‘Kerry: Tides of Time' documentary to air on RTÉ One over the next two Sundays
This sweeping series offers a deep dive into the evolution of the Kerry landscape, tracing its story from ancient geological beginnings to the present day. It is brought to life by the voices of those who know Kerry best—local biologists, historians, ecologists, and archaeologists—whose connection to the land brings a personal and often moving dimension to the narrative.
Set against a backdrop of some of Ireland's most iconic scenery—including the Skellig Islands, Carrauntoohil, and Killarney National Park—Kerry: Tides of Time promises a richly woven portrait of one of the country's most storied counties.
Episode 1 this coming Sunday takes a deep look at the history, geology, and people of Kerry. It starts on a remote, rocky shoreline where the first signs of vertebrate life on Earth can be found, then moves through the story of how humans have lived in and interacted with this landscape over thousands of years. It's a story of people trying to survive and make a home in a place shaped by forests, mountains, and valleys.
The episode includes striking, cinematic recreations of key moments from the past. These scenes don't show things literally but suggest what life might have been like, helping to draw viewers into the world of our ancestors in a subtle but powerful way.
Throughout, the audience will hear from leading experts who share their knowledge and personal insights, adding depth and context to the story being told.
Episode 2 on May 4 meanwhile will follow a single year in Kerry's natural world, showing how the seasons change across different landscapes. It focuses on the lives of some of the area's most interesting animals, including badgers, red deer, hen harriers, and puffins.
The filming is detailed and immersive, giving us a rare look into the daily lives of these creatures. Special cameras capture intimate moments with a badger clan, and rare access to the Skellig Islands lets us see the puffin breeding season up close.
Beyond the animal stories, the episode also explores how local ecosystems work, and how changes in the modern world are affecting some of Kerry's more vulnerable wildlife.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
26-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Brendan Gleeson: ‘I had reasons to call Taoiseach a moron'
Brendan Gleeson has said he won't take back calling Taoiseach Micheál Martin a 'moron' almost 20 years ago, but the actor added he now prefers a more constructive approach. The Hollywood star said it was the way he 'really felt at the time' after witnessing 'unacceptable' treatment at a hospital. Gleeson, who is now supporting a major fundraising effort for St Francis Hospice in Raheny, Dublin, criticised the health service on an appearance on The Late Late Show in 2006. Brendan Gleeson. Pic: Chelsea Lauren/REX/Shutterstock Asked about the comments yesterday, Gleeson said it was the way he 'really felt at the time' and that he was 'raging' with Mr Martin. He added that he is 'glad' he highlighted the problems at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin at the time, but now thinks a constructive and compassionate approach is more appropriate. 'The vociferous nature of it was fine, but I did find afterwards it became a thing then where everybody is screaming, shouting and enraged and all this kind of stuff,' he said. Micheál Martin. Pic: Leah Farrell/ 'I feel I had reason – and it was my younger self, and I'm glad I did it – I think it needed to be drawn attention to, but how many times does it need to be drawn attention to, and how constructive is that 19 years on?' The actor says he now has a glass-half-full approach, describing 'reactionary outragers' as 'boring'. Gleeson is supporting a major fundraising effort for the building of a 24 single-bed in-patient unit at St Francis Hospice, where both his parents received care.
Irish Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Brendan Gleeson backs major fundraising drive for 'game-changer' hospice
Brendan Gleeson has backed a major fundraising effort for the building of a 24 single-bed in-patient unit at St Francis Hospice in Dublin's Raheny, where both his parents received care. The Hollywood star took on his latest role – dressing in a builder's hard hat – to support the €20million Buy a Brick campaign. "I know how much of a game changer this new facility will be for the entire community of North Dublin," said Gleeson, 70. "Brick by brick, we can make this happen." The new unit will enable staff to care for an extra 3,000 patients over the next 25 years – and the fundraiser invites people to contribute to the build by buying a brick for €25, €100, or €250 and leaving their name or message on a Virtual Community Support Wall. As he prepares to make his West End debut and return to theatre for the first time in a decade, Gleeson urged everyone to embrace the project. "I know first-hand how difficult end-of-life care can be for families. "Hospice care is magical in terms of the respect, dignity and compassion it offers to people receiving palliative care. This new unit will provide the privacy, comfort, and highest quality facilities that people need and deserve. "I'm asking people to support it by visiting or contact the Fundraising Department at 01-8327535." Construction at the site is due to begin next year and will also include an underground carpark and clinical support facilities, with a pedestrian bridge linking it to the existing building. Last year, St Francis Hospice cared for 2,313 patients at its two facilities in Blanchardstown and Raheny - almost double that of a decade earlier. According to CSO census figures, the North Dublin catchment area served by the hospice is consistently one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. "The current in-patient unit can care for around 6,750 patients over the next 25 years but with the planned expansion to 24 single rooms, this capacity will rise to 9,600 patients," said Fintan Fagan, CEO of St Francis Hospice. "That means it will serve at least 2,850 additional individuals than the current in-patient unit would allow. In all, the new unit will positively impact the lives of about 100,000 patients and their loved ones over the next 25 years. "As well as increasing the number of patients we can care for, it will provide more comfort and privacy for them and their families at a precious time in their lives. "We are under no illusion that it is a big fundraising target. St Francis Hospice has been an integral part of the North Dublin community since 1989. It was founded and continues to grow thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of the community. "We are relying on the continued goodwill and support of individuals, companies and foundations to make this new facility a reality so that we can provide specialist palliative care for all who need it in our growing community." The Buy a Brick campaign will run throughout the construction phase and until the new in-patient unit is completely paid for. To participate, visit or contact the Fundraising Department at 01-8327535.
Irish Post
19-06-2025
- Irish Post
Kate Phillips, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor and Seán McGinley join Brendan Gleeson in The Weir
A STRING of top acting talent has been announced among the cast for a West End revival of Conor McPherson's The Weir. Seán McGinley, Kate Phillips and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor will all feature in the play, which also stars the previously announced Brendan Gleeson, who will make his West End debut in the production this September. The award-winning actor, who has starred in the likes of The Banshees of Inisherin and Paddington 2, will lead the revival of McPherson's 1997 play, which runs at the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin before making its way to the Harold Pinter theatre in London. Brendan Gleeson will make his West End debut in The Weir 'Conor McPherson's The Weir is one of the rarest plays around,' Gleeson said of the role. 'The last time I appeared on stage was ten years ago, at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, where I started my career. 'I can't wait to be back there, and then to play in the West End for the first time, at the beautiful Pinter Theatre – and to work with Conor on his profoundly moving, inspiring and ultimately hopeful play.' The full cast includes Brendan Gleeson, Owen McDonnell, Seán McGinley, Kate Phillips and Tom Vaughan-Lawlot The full cast has now been announced for the new production, which has been written, and directed for the first time, by McPherson. Owen McDonnell, of Bad Sisters and Killing Eve fame, will star as Brendan, with McGinley, playing Jim, Phillips as Valerie and Vaughan-Lawlor, who first shot to fame as Nigel 'Nidge' Delaney in the RTÉ One series Love/Hate, as Finbar. Running at the 3Olympia Theatre from August 8 to September 6, The Weir transfers to London's West End from September 12 to December 6. Tickets for the West End run are on sale now via
