Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season 1— a complete guide to the new Channel 4 travel series
Ireland holds a special place in Julia Bradbury’s heart. The popular presenter was born in Dublin to her Greek mother and British father and lived there until she was two years old.
Since then, Julia’s connection to the Emerald Isle has deepened — her partner Gerard Cunningham is an Irishman and subsequently, their children are too.
In her new four-part C4 travelogue, Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey, the star goes on a nationwide tour of Ireland to learn more about the place she first called home…
Here, in a lovely interview, Julia takes a break from her whirlwind book tour for bestseller Walk Yourself Happy, to guide us through her new series…
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season 1— release date
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season one airs on Channel 4 at 8.35 pm on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
The remaining three episodes will air weekly at the same time. All four episodes will also be available as a boxset on All4 after episode one airs.
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey — premise
During her Irish adventures Julia explores the history, cuisine and culture of the country. Travelling to Cork, Galway, Donegal, Dublin and Derry along the way, she tries her hand at everything from pottery and woodturning to surfing and foraging.
Julia Bradbury on her Irish connections
“It’s not only the place of my birth, but I also have links to the country through my partner, Gerard Cunningham, and my children, so Ireland has a very special place in our family’s life,” explains Julia.
“It's a real gift to be able to film a similar Irish programme to the one I did with my mum [2020 ITV series The Greek Islands with Julia Bradbury] a few years ago.”
Julia on her early years in Ireland
“I was two when we left, so the memories I have are very much the memories we created as a family when I was growing up. I can’t hand-on-heart say I remember our house in Blackrock, but looking back at photographs, talking with family and revisiting Ireland many times, it’s cemented its place in my heart.
“We have some fantastic photos. There’s one of me in a romper suit on top of Killiney propped up against the trig point with my dad, sister, Gina, and our big white Pyrenees Mountain Dog, Llara, who was the size of a horse! I’ve done many trig points in my lifetime, but I can proudly say that this was my first!”
Filming locations over the four episodes
“In terms of geography we’ve gone South, West, East and North. Each episode is an hour so we could really do a deep dive and let each one breathe.
“In episode one ‘South’ I loved exploring the famous Rock of Cashel and enjoying French chef Oliver Queva’s food in Kinsale. He’s fully embraced local ingredients, fantastic seafood, and eating seasonally, which I’m passionate about.
“A highlight from the West was visiting Co. Clare’s magnificent limestone landscape, the Burren, and going to poet WB Yeats’ Tower [in Galway]. I also picked up a unique Aran sweater, which is as gorgeous as it is famously itchy!
“In Dublin [East] I visited Croke Park Stadium, an incredibly iconic place full of history, and met with a family link through my partner — his cousin Helen Cunningham and her son Scott Holder run the award-winning Phoenix Park Cafe.
“In ‘North’ I explored Derry/Londonderry, learning about The Troubles from a brilliant tour guide called Charlene McCrossan. It’s a family business and she told me about her parents' forbidden romance after they met at an ice rink during The Troubles.”
Were there any standout or unexpected moments during filming?
“Yes, on the day we filmed at the Famine Graveyard in Skibbereen I was talking about the very moving and sad event of the Irish Famine [it took place between 1845 to 1852 and led to an estimated one million deaths] and, out of nowhere, it started to snow. It was spine-tingling. The emotional and physical scar that the Famine left on the country and Irish people is shocking.”
During the series you try your hand at everything from kayaking to wood turning. Have you picked up any new skills?
“I had a go at throwing pots at Rossa Pottery in Cashel and am thrilled to say that those two pots are now pride and place in my kitchen. The owner, Alan, told me I’m a natural and if I wanted to start a new career, I might have a chance to become the next potter at Rossa’s!
“Another one is when I did not learn to swim in Donegal! My surfing tutor, Anthony in Bundoran, promised he would get me standing on the surfboard… He did, but I can’t tell you for how long - you’ll have to watch to see. [Laughing] I think there should be a television vote to see whether or not this could be a new career for me!”
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season 1 — episode guide
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season 1 — episode 1
South
Tough week? Shoulders around your ears? Not on Julia Bradbury’s watch! In her charming new travelogue, the popular presenter explores the history, landscape, cuisine and culture of Ireland, which holds a special in her heart - she was born in Dublin and is married to an Irishman. In this opening episode, Julia tours the Rock of Cashel, samples the culinary delights of Kinsale and enjoys a tranquil kayaking excursion in Castlehaven Bay, before inhaling a lungful of fresh Irish air at Mizen Head in this passport to peaceful relaxation that will have you planning an Irish holiday before the credits roll.
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season 1 — episode 2
West
Julia Bradbury pulls on her walking boots for a breathtaking visit to the West of Ireland this week, exploring the hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Her journey kicks off in Co.Clare in the unique natural limestone landscape of the Burren. And, despite appearances, there is nothing barren about the Burren! This rocky plain - the largest of its kind in the world - it’s a hub for plantlife, foraging and farming, something Julia discovers first hand…
"I met with Cathal and Bronagh O’Rourke. Their family has farmed that land for generations. Their cattle shelter underneath trees in an overgrown forest in the foundations of an old chapel. They are, what I’d call, 'happy cattle!'" says Julia, who enjoys a delicious outdoor gourmet meal after an afternoon’s foraging during her visit. ‘It was incredible to spend time on the Burren’s magnificent limestone pavement.’
Next on the menu is a visit to Yeats’ Tower, once a favourite haunt of famous poet W.B. Yeats, followed by a jaunt into Galway City. Here Julia unpicks the history of the region’s famous knitwear - the Aran Jumper - and hears a great yarn about a special connection to the cast of The Quiet Man, starring Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne!
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season 1 — episode 3
Dublin/East
The destination in this episode is Dublin, a cosmopolitan European capital and the place where Julia was born. Kicking off with a visit to the iconic Croke Park stadium, here Julia gets an overview of what adventures lie in store.
From tantalising experiences of the city’s music and fashion scenes to learning about James Joyce’s literary legacy and popping into her cousin’s cafe in Phoenix Park, it’s an exhilarating expedition and does a great job of showcasing this many-sided metropolis.
With tranquil coastline walks, gorgeous green spaces, lively, booming pubs and cafes, Julia’s Dublin odyssey is blooming marvellous!
Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season 1 — episode 4
North
For the last leg of Julia Bradbury’s Emerald Isle adventures she puts her best foot forward, as she explores the myths and folklore of Lough Neagh in Antrim, takes a guided tour around Derry/Londonderry, learns to surf in the wilds of Bundoran in Donegal, and follows in WB Yeats’ footsteps in Sligo. This is all wrapped up with a well earned Edwardian seaweed bath! This final visit turns out to be a breathtaking one for the presenter in more ways than one, as she fills her boots with legends, landscapes and loads of lovely walks.
Is there a trailer for Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey season 1?
Yes! This newly released trailer gives a great teaser of what viewers can expect from the uplifting four-part C4 series.
The Outdoor Guide
For more on Julia Bradbury's Irish Journey and information on her walks and points of interest from the series check out TheOutdoorGuide.co.uk
