Colin Farrell to narrate new RTÉ documentary series about the history of Ireland

Irish Independent

30-05-2025

The RTÉ series From The Small Island was shot on location in 17 countries, including Ireland, Barbados, Belgium, Singapore, Switzerland, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
It aims to tell the story of the Irish people, with the first episode going back to the ancient Céide Fields and the earliest settlers, including the discovery of the remains of a baby with the Down Syndrome gene who was cared for over 5,000 years ago.
The series will also touch on the Viking invasions, the Christianisation of Ireland and the modern day.
It will also include the television debut of the face of 'Rathlin Man', a 4,000-year-old ancestor whose face was reconstructed using cutting-edge DNA technology, the history of the first written reference to hurling and forgotten Irish explorers.
The programme will also touch on the 'darker chapters of Irish history', from cannibalism and plague to Irish involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
A Mayo-born general who rose through the ranks to lead the Argentinian army will also have his story told alongside the tale of the Irish-language printing press in Leuven, Belgium, and the Longford priest who heard the final confession of King Louis XVI.
From That Small Island - The Story of the Irish, which is produced by the team behind 1916: The Irish Rebellion, will premier on Sunday 8 June at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
According to the promotional material, the show will answer the questions: 'Who are the Irish? Where did they come from? Why does the world turn green every St Patrick's Day?'
It is created by writer and fimmaker Bríona Nic Dhiarmada and directed by Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy, while actor Colin Farrell is the narrator.
It will also feature an original score from Irish composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire.