Donegal features on major American travel show

A POPULAR travel show about Ireland on America’s public broadcasting network PBS will showcase Donegal in an entire episode, titled ‘To the Waters and the Wild’, celebrating the county’s breath-taking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The show, ‘Ireland with Michael’, which launched its fifth season last Thursday night across 49 states in the U.S, has become a celebrated showcase of Irish culture and travel since its debut in 2021. It has a broadcast reach into 97 per cent of all U.S. households and millions of viewers.

The Donegal episode, due to be aired in February, positions Donegal as a place where the Wild Atlantic Way meets heritage and creativity, and paints a picture to the show’s international audiences of a county just waiting to be explored.

The episode features host and Wexford man Michael Londry travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way, and puts a spotlight on Killybegs and Glencolmcille. His visit to the Folk Village, where he learns how to make a St. Bridget’s Cross offers American viewers a glimpse into the heritage and traditional ways of our county. It showcases the beautifully preserved cottages, which tell of the ingenuity and resilience of our past generations.

Making a st Bridgets Cross at Glencolmcille Folk Park

He also takes a surfing lesson on the wild waves of Strandhill, and refreshes in a seaweed bath afterwards.

Another standout moment is his visit to Donegal tweed producers Molloy & Sons Weaving in Ardara. For international audiences it’s a chance to appreciate the artistry connected to Donegal’s dramatic landscapes, where inspiration is drawn from the sky, hills and mountains of this region and echoed in the intricate colours and tones found in their tweeds.

Host Michael Londry examines a loom as he learns about Donegal Tweed on his visit to Molloy & Sons in Ardara.

The soundtrack, provided by The Byrne Brothers, captures Donegal’s personality and deep ties to music. This dynamic family band showcases the energy and spirit that make Donegal’s musical traditions resonate far beyond its borders.

This international exposure will no doubt have a tangible economic impact on our tourism economy, as US tourists bring vital business to local restaurants, accommodation providers, and craftspeople.

From showcasing our county’s local crafts, wild natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and the warm welcome in the homes of Donegal, this fantastic international publicity ensures Donegal is firmly established in the minds of international travellers and encourages them to make the northwest a key stop on their Irish adventures this year.

The Donegal episode will be aired on Thursday, February 6 and Irish viewers can stream it on www.pbs.org/show/ireland-michael

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