A number of Donegal’s most accomplished sean-nós singers will feature in a new RTÉ series hosted by Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May.

The new six part series will begin tomorrow night on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 8.30pm.

Throughout the series, viewers will follow Imelda on a deeply personal journey as she explores and challenges her relationship with the Irish language through sean-nós singing.

Lillis Ó Laoire.

Travelling to Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions throughout the series, in episode one, Imelda is guided by sean-nós singer and retired professor Lillis Ó Laoire around Gort an Choirce in Donegal.

Later in the series, Imelda will travel to Toraigh, where she meets local islander and singer Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin, who gives her an insight into the rich singing tradition on the island.

Imelda meets Diane Ní Chanainn.

Back on the mainland, Imelda meets Diane Ní Chanainn, and sisters Maighréad and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill who later support her in a performance of a majestic sean-nós song.

Speaking about the experience, Imelda said: “Making this series was such a personal journey.

“I travelled the length of Ireland’s precious Gaeltacht areas in search of a way back into our beloved mother tongue, after it was forced and kept out of many of us.

“I discovered that song seems to be a magical key to unlocking the path forward and I was met with such kindness, wisdom and warmth along the way by some of Ireland’s finest singers, poets and scholars.

“I hope I reflected on the often unspoken and sometimes complex relationship many of us have with our language.

“I hope that you will come with me on this gorgeous discovery and maybe narrow the divide a little between those who are fluent as Gaeilge, and those of us who’d love to be.”

Tune into RTÉ One at 8.30pm tomorrow night for episode one of ‘Imelda May: Amhráin na nGael’.