BBC - Inis na nIontas/Islands of Wonder (2024
AKA Islands of Wonder
Ardal O'Hanlon explores the islands off Ireland's coast.
Chapter 1 Rathlin, Tory and Arranmore
Ardal's journey begins on Rathlin Island in the far north, famous for its countless seabirds and the golden hare, which is unique to the island. Ardal learns how an astonishing archaeological find has rewritten Irish history, and he tastes some noodles made from kelp that is sustainably farmed on the island.
From Rathlin, Ardal travels to remote Tory Island, off the County Donegal coast, where he learns of its musical tradition and its mystical past, and we see how farming practices are being fashioned to encourage the endangered corncrake. From Tory, Ardal heads to Arranmore, the largest island in the north, where he learns how the islanders are encouraging new residents. And on a beautiful, small islet, the threatened little tern has found a welcome sanctuary.
Chapter 2 Aran, Blasket, Valentia and Skellig
From mighty, windswept cliffs to lush, sub-tropical gardens, the islands off the west coast of Ireland are extraordinary in their diversity.
On the Aran Islands, Ardal learns from a practising monk of their ancient Christian heritage while, all around, a remarkable range of flora blooms, encouraged by traditional farming methods. Continuing south, Ardal visits the abandoned Great Blasket Island, former home to Irish author Peig Sayers, and now home to a thriving seal colony and two young caretakers.
On nearby Valentia Island, Ardal is shown fossilised evidence of early life emerging from the sea, while in the surrounding waters, oyster conservationists are hard at work. On land, Ireland's only vermouth producers forage for ingredients. Ardal ends with a visit to spectacular Skellig Michael, a Unesco world heritage site that is home to numerous puffins and the world's most dramatic ancient monastery.
Chapter 3 Garnish, Sherkin and Cape Clear
Ardal is in the south, where he discovers beautiful Garnish Island, home to gorgeous, lush gardens and the rare white-tailed eagle. Travelling by kayak, Ardal sees the island's thriving seal colony, before heading south to Sherkin Island, where he is once again at sea and being introduced to a playful pod of dolphins. A local historian talks about the island's pirate past, and a resident artist reveals its current status as a painters' paradise.
A short hop takes Ardal to Cape Clear, Ireland's southernmost island, where he is taken on a tour in one of the island's electric buses. He is introduced to some remarkable standing stones and a gin distillery that uses foraged kelp. Meanwhile, we meet the island's resident ornithologist, who explains the huge importance of the island for migratory birds. A climactic clifftop view, looking out across the Atlantic, marks the end to a revealing and unforgettable journey.
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