Dermot O’Leary returns to spotlight Northern Ireland’s coast in new ITV series

TV and radio presenter Dermot O’Leary filming in Ballycastle for the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’.

A major new television series showcasing Northern Ireland’s coastline is set to reach millions of viewers this weekend, as broadcaster Dermot O’Leary returns with a second series of his hit travel and food programme exploring the island of Ireland.

The new series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’ will begin airing on ITV1 and streaming platform ITVX on Saturday, 2 May, with a strong focus on two of the island’s most recognised touring routes - the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Tourism leaders say the programme is expected to inspire fresh visitor interest in Northern Ireland, placing its coastal landscapes, food, and communities firmly in the spotlight at a time when cross-border tourism collaboration is intensifying.

Coastlines take centre stage

TV and radio presenter Dermot O’Leary filming with storyteller Mark Adams at the Giant’s Causeway for the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’.

The 10-part series follows O’Leary as he travels from Blackhead Lighthouse along the Causeway Coastal Route and onward to Strandhill Beach in Sligo along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Produced by Rock Oyster Media, the show captures the presenter immersing himself in coastal life, meeting local people and exploring the culture and cuisine that define communities along both routes.

Each episode is designed to highlight how the two coastal journeys complement each other, positioning them as a combined destination for visitors planning extended road trips across the island.

Tourism push to attract new visitors

TV and radio presenter Dermot O’Leary filming with owners Charlie and Becky Cole at Broughgammon Farm in Ballycastle for the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’.

Dermot O’Leary filming with chef Paula McIntyre at Glenarm Castle for the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’.

Tourism Ireland has welcomed the return of the series, describing it as a powerful platform to promote Northern Ireland and the wider island to audiences in Great Britain.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of GB, said:

“We are excited for viewers to tune in to the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’, this time showcasing the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way.

“These two iconic coastal touring routes are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, delicious local produce, vibrant cultural scene and exciting outdoor offering.

“There’s such a fantastic mix of unique and unmissable adventures to experience and viewers are sure to be inspired by Dermot’s journey and make plans to come and explore Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland for themselves.”

The series forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen tourism links between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, encouraging visitors to experience both regions as part of a single journey.

A personal journey for O’Leary

Dermot O’Leary filming with Babs Belshaw, owner of The Blackheath Pottery in Coleraine, for the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’.

Dermot O’Leary filming with owners Stevie and Rebekah McCarry at Lir restaurant in Coleraine for the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’.

Speaking about the new series, O’Leary described the experience as both familiar and eye-opening.

“Returning to the island of Ireland for series two of ‘Taste of Ireland’ has been another incredible experience and I’ve loved exploring the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way this time around.

“Filming this series gave me the chance to reconnect with a place I hold so dear, while also discovering a completely new side of the island through the people who live and work there. From time spent with farmers, bakers and fishermen to learning traditional skills and cooking with brilliant local chefs, it was a real deep dive into the communities behind the exceptional food.”

Backed by cross-border collaboration

The programme is supported through the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening the connection between the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Dermot O’Leary filming with Pyke ‘N’ Pommes owner Kevin Pyke in Derry/Lodonderry for the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’.

The project involves collaboration between Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, alongside government departments north and south of the border.

Funding has been provided by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund, reflecting a broader effort to position the island as a unified tourism destination.

With its prime-time slot and wide reach across the UK, the series is expected to play a key role in shaping travel plans for the months ahead, bringing renewed attention to Northern Ireland’s coastline and the communities that define it.

Watch episode 1 of Dermot’s Taste of Ireland airing on Saturday 2 May at 12pm on ITV/UTV.

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At a glance

• New series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’ begins on 2 May

• Airing on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX

• Focus on Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way

• 10-part series exploring coastal communities, food and culture

• Produced by Rock Oyster Media

• Backed by Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project

• Aims to boost tourism and promote cross-border travel