New RTÉ series explores one man’s mission to restore an Irish rainforest

Sculptor and climate activist Eoghan Daltun, whose journey to rewild an area in Ireland is chronicled in An Irish Atlantic Rainforest

A remarkable effort to transform an ecologically damaged West Cork farm into a thriving native rainforest will be explored in a new two-part documentary series beginning this weekend.

An Irish Atlantic Rainforest follows sculptor and climate activist Eoghan Daltun, who has spent years rewilding land on the rugged Beara Peninsula and allowing nature to reclaim an area once damaged by overgrazing and invasive species.

The series begins on Sunday 23 August at 6.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

From city life to the Beara Peninsula

The tree canopy

In 2009, Eoghan left Dublin behind and moved to a derelict farm at the south-western tip of Ireland.

The land he inherited was ecologically depleted, with years of overgrazing and the spread of invasive plants preventing its native woodland from recovering.

His solution was both radical and straightforward: remove the pressures damaging the land, step back and give nature the opportunity to heal itself.

That approach has helped create an environment resembling the ancient Atlantic oak forests that once covered much more of Ireland.

Allowing nature to recover

In the Irish rainforest

Rewilder Eoghan Daltun with his dog, Charlie, on the the upper part his Beara property, near Bofickil, which is in the early stages of temperate rainforest rewilding. (Photo: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times)

The documentary explores Eoghan’s work as the custodian of the land and his wider campaign to protect Ireland’s remaining native oak forests as they face pressure from climate change, invasive species and grazing.

Rather than presenting environmental decline as inevitable, the series demonstrates how damaged habitats can recover when given sufficient protection and time.

It is based on Eoghan’s bestselling book of the same name, which recounts the transformation of his farm and makes the case for restoring Ireland’s native forests.

‘We as individuals can make a difference’

Director Gary Lennon, of Gambit Pictures, discovered Eoghan’s story after reading a review of the book.

He said:

“I was sitting outside a bookstore, grabbing a coffee and reading the paper, when I came across a review of Eoghan’s book. It sounded fantastic, so I went inside and bought it. That night I read it in one sitting.

“I was so impressed with Eoghan’s story and life. Unlike other books and films in this universe it was positive and inspiring. It showed that we as individuals can make a difference.

“When filming I attempted to give the audience the same feeling I felt every time I entered the rainforest. I hope the cinematography, music and sound give a sense of the rainforest.

“It is a place of awesome beauty, unlike anywhere I have seen in Ireland. Hopefully it inspires many more rainforests in Ireland to burst into life again.”

How to watch

In the Irish rainforest

The first episode of An Irish Atlantic Rainforest will be shown on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 6.30pm on Sunday 23 August. The second instalment will complete the two-part series.

Commissioned by RTÉ Specialist Factual, the production was co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán through its Sound and Vision scheme and RTÉ’s joint production programme with European broadcaster ARTE.

The series was also made with the support of University College Cork and Irish film industry incentives provided by the Government of Ireland.

At its heart, the documentary offers viewers a hopeful example of what can happen when damaged land is protected—showing that the remnants of Ireland’s ancient forests may still have the capacity to return.