The Wild Atlantic Way, the magnificent West Coast of Ireland – was once described by William Butler Yeats as ‘ the land of your heart’s desire’’. John Creedon is about to explore it’s landscape, seascapes and culture in this new 3 part RTÉ One series, ‘Creedon’s Wild Atlantic Way’. He begins his road trip in Kinsale in Cork and travels right to the very top of our island – Donegal’s Malin Head.
The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal drive in the world, coming in at two and a half thousand kilometres and John Creedon is determined to travel it by whatever means required.
“My car is always happiest when it’s pointed west,” claims John, who’s vehicle of choice is a 1960s VW campervan, which he affectionately calls his Seanvan ( after the Irish song An tSean Bhean Bocht’ ). ‘My parents had one just like this . It was even the same colour and we made a few trips to England in it back in the 70s’ But the Wild Atlantic Way is more than just a road trip. The sea will be John’s highway and he travels by ferry, currach, helicopter, light aircraft, cable-car and even horseback as he seeks to discover why this beautiful yet savage landscape exerts such a hold on us.
The Wild Atlantic Way has drawn people to its coastline for centuries, from early Christians monartries to the Viking raiders. It also witnessed the tyranny of the Cromwellian era, the heartache of the famine and the scourge of emigration. Despite all of this, Ireland’s west coast has survived to become a sanctuary and refuge for many.
John wants to get to the heart of this re-imagining and reinventing of the west. He will discover how we have been redefining our relationship with the Atlantic Ocean, as Ireland develops a reputation as a cold water paradise for water enthusiasts.
From Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve – the best place in the Northern hemisphere to see the night sky – to the Schull pirate ship preserved beneath the sea, John will uncover the wonderful secrets and stories of this extraordinary coastline. Other highlights include a courtesy call to Jeremy Irons’ castle in West Cork, a helicopter ride to Fastnet Rock lighthouse, Dingle’s colourful Bealtaine Festival, the Beatles’ little known holiday to the Cliffs of Moher and the untold saga of the 1962 plane crash out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean,. There’s Sligo’s hidden archaeology, a stunning Summer Solstice sunrise in Donegal and a boat trip with Donegal actor Sean McGinley
Poetry, music, festivals and a window into the lives of the people who live where the land meets the ocean – all of this will be part of this 3 part series.
Creedon’s Wild Atlantic Way is a visual feast of landscape and seascape where we can immerse ourselves in the magic and spirit of the West coast of Ireland , with John Creedon as our guide.