From Cork to Donegal: Ronan Keating’s coastal journey begins on new BBC NI series

A new BBC Northern Ireland series sees Ronan Keating return to his roots, taking viewers on a personal and visually rich journey along Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Coast.

Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic blends travel, family, and heritage, offering audiences an intimate look at the places and experiences that have shaped the Irish star’s life.

A personal journey along the west coast

The series charts an ambitious route through some of Ireland’s most striking coastal counties — from Cork and Kerry to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Londonderry.

Along the way, Keating reflects on his childhood and family life, weaving personal stories into a broader exploration of landscape, culture and tradition.

Episode one: Cork kicks off the adventure

The opening episode, which aired on Monday, 16 March, begins in County Cork — Ireland’s southernmost and largest county.

Joined by his nephew Ruairí, Keating quickly reveals his competitive side as the pair go head-to-head in the traditional Irish sport of road bowling, navigating the winding back roads around the port town of Castletown Berehaven.

But the episode also shifts pace, highlighting quieter and more reflective experiences.

Keating explores an expansive rewilding project, learning how to forage for wild edible plants, before travelling to the Beara Peninsula to visit Ireland’s first Tibetan Buddhist temple and retreat centre.

Backed by BBC NI and Northern Ireland Screen

The series is a co-commission between BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Daytime, developed under the Hot House initiative with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

Produced by Alleycats TV, the programme aims to showcase not just the scenery of Ireland’s west coast, but the stories, traditions and people connected to it.

How to watch

Episode one is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The series continues on Monday, 23 March at 8pm on BBC One Northern Ireland.

At a glance

• New BBC NI travel series follows Ronan Keating along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast

• Explores Cork, Kerry, Mayo/Sligo, Donegal and Londonderry

• Episode one features road bowling in Castletown Berehaven

• Includes rewilding project and foraging experience

• Visits Ireland’s first Tibetan Buddhist temple on the Beara Peninsula

• Co-commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Daytime

• Supported by Northern Ireland Screen under the Hot House initiative

• Produced by Alleycats TV

• First episode aired Monday, 16 March, 2026

• Next episode airs Monday, 23 March at 8pm on BBC One NI