Face of 4,000-year-old Rathlin Man reconstructed in RTÉ’s epic history series From That Small Island

The face of one of Ireland’s most ancient ancestors, Rathlin Man, has been revealed in stunning detail as part of From That Small Island, a major new four-part documentary which premiered on RTÉ One earlier this month and is available to watch now on RTÉ Player.

The documentary, narrated by acclaimed Irish actor Colin Farrell, embarks on an ambitious journey through 10,000 years of Irish history, from the island’s earliest settlers to the modern global diaspora of more than 80 million people.

Among the most striking moments comes in the debut episode, with the first television appearance of the facial reconstruction of Rathlin Man — a discovery that sheds new light on the origins of the Irish people.

The story of Rathlin Man: Ireland’s Bronze Age connection to modern DNA

Rathlin Man’s remains were discovered in 2003 during an archaeological excavation of a megalithic tomb on Rathlin Island, off the north coast of County Antrim. Buried with three other individuals in a wedge tomb typical of the early Bronze Age, he lived around 2,000 BCE, over 4,000 years ago.

What makes Rathlin Man especially significant is what science has since revealed about him.

His skeleton was one of the earliest in Ireland to undergo full genome sequencing, carried out by geneticists at Trinity College Dublin. The results were groundbreaking. His DNA showed clear evidence of the so-called Yamnaya steppe ancestry—a genetic signature of a population that migrated from the Pontic-Caspian steppe (modern-day Ukraine and southern Russia) into Europe during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age.

The same steppe ancestry is now known to form a major part of the genetic makeup of modern Irish people. Rathlin Man’s genome was especially close to present-day populations in northwest Ireland, suggesting remarkable continuity across the millennia.

Further analysis confirmed that he had brown hair, blue eyes, and lactose intolerance, a trait typical for that era but now largely absent in Irish adults due to later genetic adaptation.

Now, with advanced facial reconstruction techniques based on skull morphology and DNA markers, Rathlin Man’s face has been digitally brought to life, allowing modern viewers to meet a man who lived thousands of years ago — and to recognise something of themselves in him.

Bringing the Irish story to life on screen

The unveiling of Rathlin Man is just one of many highlights in From That Small Island, created by Bríona NicDhiarmada, writer and filmmaker behind 1916: The Irish Rebellion.

This latest production combines high-end visuals, dramatic reconstructions, new archaeological discoveries, and deeply personal storytelling to reframe how we think about Ireland’s past.

Filmed across 17 countries, from Ireland and Belgium to Singapore and Barbados, the series tracks the Irish journey across continents and centuries, exploring both well-known milestones and hidden chapters.

Episode highlights: From the Céide Fields to the Diaspora

The first episode explores prehistoric Ireland and includes the poignant discovery of the remains of a 5,000-year-old baby with Down syndrome, buried with care after being breastfed—offering a powerful glimpse into compassion in ancient society.

The series continues through the Viking Age, the Christianisation of Ireland, and into colonial and postcolonial eras, blending archaeological evidence with personal stories and expert commentary.

Highlights include:

• The first written mention of hurling, Ireland’s ancient sporting tradition;

• Revelations about cannibalism and plague in Ireland’s medieval past;

• Exploration of Irish complicity in the transatlantic slave trade;

• Forgotten Irish figures in global history, including:

  
  

  • A Galway man aboard Columbus’s 1492 voyage;

  • Two Irishmen on Magellan’s circumnavigation;

  • A Mayo-born general who led the Argentinian army;

• The story of the Irish-language printing press in Leuven;

• A Longford priest who heard Louis XVI’s final confession before his execution.

The series features insight from leading historians and international voices, including former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, and is accompanied by an original musical score by Irish composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire.

Broadcast details

From That Small Island

📺 Watch now on demand on RTÉ Player

🎙 Narrated by Colin Farrell

🎼 Original Score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire

A Story of continuity and change

The reanimation of Rathlin Man’s face gives a powerful sense of continuity — a reminder that the story of the Irish is not just myth or legend, but something living, traceable in DNA and tradition, language and migration.

Through its ambitious scope and emotionally resonant storytelling, From That Small Island affirms that Ireland’s history is not only rooted in the past, but alive in the present and shaping the future. From a tomb on Rathlin Island to television screens around the world, the voice of ancient Ireland has never been clearer.