RTÉ unveils first look at The Walsh Sisters — Marian Keyes’ Dublin novels brought to the screen

The Walsh Sisters L-R (Caroline Menton (Rachel), Danielle Galligan (Claire), Stefanie Preissner (Maggie), Máiréad Tyers (Helen), Louisa Harland (Anna)

RTÉ, in collaboration with the BBC, Screen Ireland and Cineflix Rights, has released the first official image from The Walsh Sisters, a brand new comedy drama series based on the beloved novels of best-selling Irish author Marian Keyes.

Set in Dublin and brimming with family drama, laughter and emotional depth, the six-part series will debut on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this autumn.

Adapted from Keyes’ internationally bestselling novels Rachel’s Holiday and Anybody Out There, the series follows the lives of the five Walsh sisters — Anna, Rachel, Maggie, Claire and Helen — as they navigate life’s triumphs and tribulations in their late twenties and thirties.

Set in their hometown of Dublin, The Walsh Sisters is a sharply observed portrait of sibling life — a messy mix of inside jokes, hand-me-down resentments, and decades-old wounds. Yet through heartbreak, grief, addiction and parenthood, their shared DNA and love of power ballads bind them together in the most unexpected ways.

A Stellar Irish Cast

Leading the cast is Louisa Harland (Derry Girls, Renegade Nell) as Anna Walsh, with Caroline Menton (Oddity) taking on the fan-favourite role of Rachel.

Joining them are Danielle Galligan (Shadow and Bone) as Claire, Máiréad Tyers (Extraordinary, Belfast) as Helen, and Stefanie Preissner (Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope) as Maggie.

Veteran actor Aidan Quinn (Legends of the Fall) stars as Jack “Daddy” Walsh alongside Carrie Crowley (An Cailín Ciúin) as the eccentric Mammy. Also appearing are Jay Duffy as Rachel’s love interest Luke, Samuel Anderson as Anna’s partner Aidan, and Debi Mazar as the formidable Chaquie.

The series is adapted by Stefanie Preissner and directed by Ian Fitzgibbon (Hullraisers, Moone Boy), with Patrick O’Donoghue (Brooklyn, The Wonder) producing. Kefi Chadwick (Death in Paradise) joins as additional writer.

Marian Keyes: “Thrilled” by the Adaptation

Author Marian Keyes has spoken with enthusiasm about seeing her novels transformed for screen:

“It’s impossible to overstate how thrilled I am with this production. Stefanie Preissner’s scripts alchemised the vibe of my novels into a new and compelling thing. Individually and collectively the five young women playing the sisters astonished me. Their warm, bickery engagement feels just like a family.”

She added:

“There’s a lot that’s very funny and warm but some of the scenes are dark and deeply moving. This probably sounds like a strange thing to say but even if I wasn’t involved in this, I’d be dying to see it.”

Celebrating One of Ireland’s Most Successful Writers

Marian Keyes is one of Ireland’s most successful and celebrated novelists. Since publishing her debut in 1995, she has sold over 39 million copies of her books worldwide, with her work translated into 36 languages.

Her novels — including Grown Ups and Rachel’s Holiday — have earned critical and commercial acclaim for their warmth, wit and unflinching honesty.

Keyes’ writing explores timely and challenging themes such as addiction, mental health, domestic violence, immigration, and women’s rights. She has received five Irish Book Awards and was named Author of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2022.

In 2024, Rachel’s Holiday was ranked 14th in The Sunday Times list of the top 50 novels of the 20th century. Her latest novel, My Favourite Mistake, became a number one bestseller in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Beyond fiction, Keyes is a passionate advocate for writers and creatives. She has chaired the Comedy Women in Print prize, funded scholarships for aspiring authors, and hosted popular writing workshops via Instagram Live. She also co-hosts BBC Radio 4’s Now You’re Asking podcast with actress Tara Flynn.

Coming This Autumn

Produced by Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Pictures, The Walsh Sisters promises to capture the heart and spirit of Keyes’ novels while delivering a fresh take on contemporary Irish family life.

Executive producers include Dixie Linder and Nick Marston (Cuba Pictures), David McLoughlin (Metropolitan Pictures), David Crean and Dermot Horan (RTÉ), James Durie and Tom Misselbrook (Cineflix Rights), along with Marian Keyes, Stefanie Preissner and Tony Baines. Cineflix Rights will distribute the series internationally.

With its rich characters, Dublin setting and emotional honesty, The Walsh Sisters is set to be one of the most eagerly awaited television dramas of the year.