Tír na nÓg

3 x 30' - BBC TWO NI (2019)

Over one three-week period, the drama of a Gaeltacht summer college unfolds. This 3-part series is the story of Gaeltacht students in their own words.

For many teenagers, it’s a rite of passage. Away from home and parents for three long weeks. Away to a place of music, dancing, romance, teenaged awkwardness and new friendships. And, of course, a place to improve their Irish.

Throngs of young people each summer have descended upon Donegal’s Gaeltacht area for years. A new three-part BBC Gaeilge series packs its bags, its phone charger and gets a bunk with one of the legendary ‘Mná Tithe’ of Machaire Rabhartaigh.

Tír na nÓg, produced by DoubleBand Films, with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, starts on BBC Two Northern Ireland on Monday 21 October at 10pm.

With a wry, witty commentary from Sara Ní Chuireáin, the new series has unrivalled access to one of the three-week summer courses at Coláiste Mhachaire Rabhartaigh and some of the 200 teenagers who descend on the small Donegal village.

It’s a nerve-wracking time – no one knows what’s in store. Will I make friends? Who will I be sharing a house with? Will the bean an tí be as nice as last year? What kind of food will she make? Have I enough money? And most importantly – how will I survive with everyone talking in Irish?!

This new formatted series follows the teenagers and the ceannairí at the college as they get to grips with games and challenges, lessons and céilís. And don’t forget the rules!

Over the three weeks, Tír na nÓg gives viewers an insight – and for some, a nostalgic reminder – into the lure and charm of the Gaeltacht. It’s more than just a place for learning and improving Irish – lifelong friendships are made, self-confidence is gained, and the intensity of those three short weeks is reflected in the agony of parting at the final céilí mór!