Tracks & Trails returns to screens with Rathlin Island and Cave Hill featured in new spring series

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin and Anton Savage at Ravensdale, Co. Louth in RTÉ‘s latest series of Tracks & Trails

Spring’s most soothing television watch is back this week as RTÉ’s much-loved walking series Tracks & Trails returns for its 13th season, bringing viewers across some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes — including a dedicated Northern Ireland episode featuring Belfast’s Cave Hill and Rathlin Island, Co Antrim.

The new five-part series begins this Friday, 10 April, at 8.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, with presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin returning to guide audiences through a fresh collection of scenic routes, local histories and personal stories rooted in the landscape.

Now firmly established as a spring television favourite, the series once again blends breathtaking scenery with rich conversation, heritage and culture, pairing each trail with well-known Irish voices whose own connections bring added meaning to the journeys.

This season’s return is expected to resonate strongly with viewers across Northern Ireland, with Episode 3 devoted entirely to locations in Belfast and Antrim, airing on 24 April.

A fresh spring return for a much-loved series

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin in RTÉ’s Tracks & Trails

Presenter, musician and podcaster Doireann Ní Ghlacáin is back at the helm for the new run, which will travel through Louth, Roscommon, Longford, Antrim, Kildare and Dublin over five weeks.

The programme has built a loyal following for its calm, reflective format, combining practical walking inspiration with stories drawn from archaeology, history, music, mythology and personal memory.

This latest series promises more of the same, with each episode split into two parts and featuring a mix of broadcasters, historians, musicians, writers and public figures.

Slieve Foye Forest Park, Co. Louth in RTÉ’s Tracks & Trails

From archaeologists uncovering forgotten histories to artists finding creative inspiration in wild landscapes, the new season continues the show’s distinctive formula of pairing place with personality.

Northern Ireland episode puts Cave Hill and Rathlin Island in the spotlight

For local viewers, one of the standout dates in the new series calendar will be Thursday, 24 April, when Tracks & Trails turns its focus to Northern Ireland.

The episode opens with broadcaster Holly Hamilton taking on the iconic Cave Hill in Belfast, one of the region’s most recognisable walking routes and a landmark that dominates the city skyline.

The second half of the programme then heads north to Rathlin Island, where singer and senator Frances Black explores the island’s rugged coastline and celebrated natural beauty.

The inclusion of Rathlin and Antrim gives the new season strong local appeal, showcasing one of Northern Ireland’s most striking landscapes to audiences across the island.

Opening episode heads to County Louth

Archaeologist Paul Gosling and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin in Slieve Foye Forest Park, Co. Louth, in RTÉ’s Tracks & Trails

The new season begins this Friday with a journey through County Louth.

In Part I, broadcaster and journalist Anton Savage explores the dramatic route from Ravensdale Forest to Omeath.

Part II then follows archaeologist Paul Gosling from Slieve Foye Forest Park to the medieval town of Carlingford, promising a mix of dramatic scenery and historical insight.

Archaeologist Paul Gosling in RTÉ’s Tracks & Trails

The opening episode sets the tone for the weeks ahead, combining natural beauty with the stories that have shaped each place.

Full episode schedule for the new series

Episode 1 – 10 April | County Louth

Part I: Ravensdale Forest to Omeath — Anton Savage

Part II: Slieve Foye Forest Park to Carlingford — Paul Gosling

Ravensdale Co. Louth in RTÉ’s Tracks & Trails

Episode 2 – 17 April | Roscommon and Longford

Part I: Strokestown Park House loop and Rathcroghan Archaeological Trail — Myles Dungan

Part II: Clondra Greenway to Corlea Trackway Centre — Sinéad Hussey

Episode 3 – 24 April | Northern Ireland

Part I: Cave Hill, Belfast — Holly Hamilton

Part II: Rathlin Island, Antrim — Frances Black

Episode 4 – 1 May | County Kildare

Part I: Athy to Vicarstown along the Barrow Blueway — Jack L (Jack Lukeman)

Part II: Monasterevin to Robertstown along the Grand Canal — Celine Byrne

Episode 5 – 8 May | County Dublin

Part I: Dún Laoghaire Pier to Dalkey Island — Luke O’Neill

Part II: Tibradden Wood to Glencullen — Maia Dunphy

A timely return as walking season begins

Ravensdale Co. Louth in RTÉ’s Tracks & Trails

The return of Tracks & Trails comes as many people begin planning spring and summer walks, with the programme offering both inspiration and practical route ideas from right across the island.

Its mix of accessible trails, compelling storytelling and familiar faces has made it a standout seasonal watch, and this year’s inclusion of Belfast and Rathlin Island is likely to be a major draw for Northern Ireland audiences.

With longer evenings and warmer weather approaching, the new series arrives at an ideal moment for viewers looking for fresh ideas for days out closer to home.

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At a glance

• Tracks & Trails returns for its 13th season

• First episode airs Friday 10 April at 8.30pm

• Available on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player

• Presented by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin

• Series runs for five episodes

• Northern Ireland episode airs 24 April

• Features Cave Hill, Belfast

• Includes Rathlin Island, Co Antrim

• Guests include Holly Hamilton and Frances Black

• Series covers routes across Ireland through spring