A new two part series exploring the geology, mythology, wildlife and human stories carved into the cliffs of the west of Ireland, including Donegal, will air on TG4 next week.
The one-hour episodes are a stunning ode to the power and majesty of Irish sea cliffs, exploring the intimate relationships they have with the fascinating flora, fauna and the people that call them home.
Aillte features the cliffs at Sliabh Liag where Donegal-raised marine biologist Cormac Mac Fhionnlaoich brings viewers on a mesmerising tour.
With his signature blend of scientific insight, homespun wisdom and poetic reflection, Cormac brings the audience on a deeply personal voyage through time, tide and breath-taking heights.
There is no famous actor parachuted in to tell a story of our coasts.
This is a story told from the inside out as Cormac Mac Fhionnlaoich grew up on top of dramatic Sliabh Liag in a fishing family.
The cliffs were his playground as a kid and as he says himself, “Growing up, Sliabh Liag was my garden fence – a fence that was 600 metres tall.”
“They shaped me. They’re ancient, breathing things – full of music, memory and life. And if you listen closely, I believe they have something to say to everyone.”
And so they did for Cormac – having spent his childhood on Sliabh Liag, he now spends his adulthood on the Cliffs of Moher where he works as an in-demand nature guide.
The series offers an unforgettable journey along Ireland’s wild edge – from the roaring ramparts of Sliabh Liag to the misty peaks of Cruachán in Achill, to the towering vertical heights of the Cliffs of Moher in Clare.
Shot over 4 years and across three dramatic coastlines, Aillte explores the geology, mythology, wildlife, and human stories carved into the rocks of these formidable landforms.
This two-part series captures the raw beauty and fragile magic of the Irish coastline – between geology and mythology, seabirds and surfboards, science and soul. Aillte is a love letter to these giants – celebrating not just the raw beauty of the cliffs themselves, but the communities and creatures that call them home.
From the nesting ledges of puffins and razorbills to the deep-sea dramas unfolding in the shadow of the cliffs, each frame is rich with nature’s stunning choreography and breath-taking cinematography.
The documentary delves into the deep time of rock formations, the physics of waves, and the meteorology of storms – but always through the lens of lived experience, local folklore and Mac Fhionnlaoich’s own charming observations from a lifetime on the edge.
Aillte was produced by Tua Films for TG4 in association with Coimisiún na Meán, Tourism Ireland and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. World Sales by Blue Ant Media.
Aillte will feature on TG4 on Wednesday, January 14 and 21 at 9.30pm.
