Sometimes, a property presents itself to Dermot Bannon and very early on, he realises this is much, much more than about a house. It’s about memory, it’s about sanctuary, it’s about life itself.
Orla McDermott grew up in Aughris Co. Sligo. She went to Sligo IT to study business and it was there she met Dominic, her husband to be. She adored everything about Dominic. They got married, had their son Lachlan and purchased their dream home in Aughris. They had plans to do up the house and were determined to make this a reality.
During their first Christmas in 2022, Dom noticed a pain in his side and was referred for tests. At the same time, Orla found out they were pregnant with their second child. What happened over the following months can only be described as catastrophic, a progression of an aggressive cancer in Dominic.
On the 18th July, Dom sadly passed away surrounded by his loving family. His baby girl Eden Dominique Keenehan arrived on the 6th of October.
One year later, with plans in hand, steely determination and a resilience like no other, Orla meets Dermot Bannon and so begins their journey together.
This 1970s sea side bungalow that Orla owns has many problems. It’s cold, and the heat is on constantly on in the winter. There is damp and mould throughout and Orla is determined to get the house to a standard for herself and the kids that will last forever.
Room to Improve Episode 3 Dermot Bannon RTÉ One Sunday January 19th 9:30pmRoom to Improve
Episode 3
Sunday January 19th
RTÉ One
Architect Dermot Bannon and homeowner Orla in SligoRoom to Improve
Episode 3
Sunday January 19th
RTÉ One
Architect Dermot Bannon and homeowner Orla in Sligo
Popular chef Neven Maguire continues his brand new third series of Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails this week.
This seven-part culinary adventure takes Neven from the verdant North to the sun-drenched South as he discovers more flavours, stories, and culinary traditions that make Portugal a food lover’s paradise.
Each of the seven episodes highlights a unique region.
Neven says: “Portugal is a country of endless culinary wonders. Every region has its own particular cuisine, and it’s been an absolute joy to meet the chefs, producers, and artisans who bring these flavours to life. I can’t wait for viewers to join me on thisexploration of one of Europe’s most vibrant food destinations.”.
Programme two: Neven travels to Amares, Braga, and Barcelos in the north of Portugal, where he delves into the heart of rural Portuguese cooking. He stays at the Pousada Mosteiro de Amares, originally a 12th century Cistercian monastery and now a luxurious hotel where the chef shows him a traditional, regional recipe made with game meat sausages. In Braga, Portugal’s oldest city, Neven tries some of the famous local petiscos (tapas) at Dona Petisca, where he also learns how to make an authentic Caldo Verde soup. Still in Braga, Neven visits the contemporary Filho Da Máe restaurant which combines Portuguese and South American cuisine. Here he meets chef Julian Junqueir
and tries a raw sea bass ‘Tiradito’ dish. On the outskirts of Braga, Neven visits the spectacular sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, famous for its elaborate ‘Stairway of the Five Senses’. In the city of Barcelos, Neven visits the Terra do Gallo pottery where he learns how a traditional, colourful pottery rooster is made. Barcelos roosters are famous throughout Portugal, and Neven tries his hand at painting a rooster. Neven’s own recipe this week is an Azores Beef Casserole.
(Episode 2) Neven Maguire visits the UNESCO world heritage site of Bom Jesus do Monte. Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new series, episode two, January 15th, RTÉ One(Episode 2) Neven Maguire with chef Julian Junqueira at Filho da Mãe restaurant. (Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new, episode two, January 15th RTÉ ONE)(Episode 2) Neven Maguire with potter Carla Ferreira in the Terro do Gallo Pottery. (Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new series, episode two, January 15th, RTÉ ONE)(Episode 2)Neven Maguire cooks Azores Beef Casserole.(Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new series, episode two, January 15th, RTÉ One)(Episode 2)Neven Maguire meets Lia Carvalho of Dona Petisca in Braga. (Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new, episode two, January 15th, RTÉ One)
Director Mark Boland
Series Producer David Hare
Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails is produced by Inproduction TV Ltd and Scéal Creative Ltd’and Sponsored by Flogas
In 2019, Katie and Jason Rehill and their two children moved into their new home in Palmerstown. They had come from a one bedroom apartment in Kilmainham, and this 1970s semi d was everything they wanted it to be, including a long garden.
Cut to five years later and what was originally a dream space turned into a damp, cold and cluttered house, in need of a complete renovation.
In this episode of Room to Improve, Dermot and Claire have to address what many families up and down the country have to deal with – bigger kids with bigger lives, and with that comes less space for everyone.
When meeting Katie and Jason at their house for the first time, Dermot is taken on a tour of a very cramped household. The front room is filled with children’s toys and accessories, from a gymnastic mat to a goal post. As Dermot says, the house is a shrine to the kids’ family life. In the kitchen, the adults aren’t doing much better, with this small space barely able to seat people at the table.
One of the most distressing parts of the house for Katie, is the damp. With their son Harry having asthma, it’s a constant worry to Katie and Jason, seeing the damp creep down the walls.
Dermot understands all their concerns and so gets to work on the design.
Dermot wants to add a large extension from the kitchen down one side of the house, taking it into the long unused garden. This will be a kitchen and living area where the family can relax. In the original downstairs area, there will be a kids’ room and also a cosy room for Katie to relax in. There will also be four bedrooms and an office for Jason.
Katie and Jason live extremely busy lives and the decisions that come about are overwhelming. Asbestos needs to be dealt with, internal versus external insulation is initially confusing, toilets need to be chosen, but Quantity Surveyor Claire Irwin is always there to support them and keep an eye on the budget.
The big feature of this house is the new extension and there’s no surprise that Katie and Jason differ on some elements of the design. One such feature is the design of the kitchen. Jason wants everything shoved away, out of eyesight, closed off, even the sink!! Katie laughs, but Dermot gets it. As Dermot says, when one person in an open plan space is relaxing, and the other one is working, it creates tension.
With a deadline looming – getting in before Christmas, a decision is made that effects the build, but ultimately makes everyone happier.
Room to Improve Episode 2 Dermot Bannon RTÉ One Sunday January 12th 9:30pmRoom to Improve Episode 2 Dermot Bannon RTÉ One Sunday January 12th 9:30pmRoom to Improve Episode 2 Dermot Bannon RTÉ One Sunday January 12th 9:30pmRoom to Improve Episode 2 Dermot Bannon RTÉ One Sunday January 12th 9:30pmRoom to Improve Episode 2 Dermot Bannon RTÉ One Sunday January 12th 9:30pmRoom to Improve Episode 2 Katie and Jason Rehill RTÉ One Sunday January 12th 9:30pmRoom to Improve Episode 2 Katie Rehill, Dermot Bannon, and Jason Rehill RTÉ One Sunday January 12th 9:30pmRoom to Improve Episode 2 Dermot Bannon RTÉ One Sunday January 12th 9:30pm
This seven-part culinary adventure takes Neven from the verdant North to the sun-drenched South as he discovers more flavours, stories, and culinary traditions that make Portugal a food lover’s paradise.
Each of the seven episodes highlights a unique region.
Neven says: “Portugal is a country of endless culinary wonders. Every region has its own particular cuisine, and it’s been an absolute joy to meet the chefs, producers, and artisans who bring these flavours to life. I can’t wait for viewers to join me on thisexploration of one of Europe’s most vibrant food destinations”.
Programme one: Neven begins his journey in Viana do Castelo, a picturesque coastal town in Northern Portugal. Here, he explores the rich bounty of the Atlantic Ocean, sampling freshly caught seafood at the Pousada Viana do Castelo where he is staying. He also travels up a mountain to the stunning Basilica de Santa Luzia, visits Dona Farinha, a traditional bakery to learn how to make a very special cake; and tastes wines from a local winery Quinta de Paços. Neven also visits Camelo restaurant where he meets chef Andrea Matos and enjoys an authentic tasting menu, followed by a trip to the village of Ponte De Lima which offers breathtaking views in the region. Neven completes this first episode by cooking two desserts – Chocolate Salami and Portuguese Custard.
Neven Maguire
(01)Neven makes Chocolate Salami with Portuguese Custard in programme one, Wednesday January 8th 2025.(Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new series)(01)Neven Maguire with Andrea Matos of Camelo restaurant. (Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new series episode one, January 8th, 2025)(01)Neven meets Noemia Branco of Dona Farinha bakery (Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new series, episode one, January 8th))(01)Neven meets Paulo Matos Graça Ramos of Quinta de Paços winery (Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new series, episode one, January 8th)(01)Neven with Christina Carames, chef at pousada Viana do Castelo. (Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails, new series, episode one, January 8th)
Director Mark Boland
Series Producer David Hare
Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails is produced by Inproduction TV Ltd and Scéal Creative Ltd Sponsored by Flogas
In the new series of Room To Improve, architect Dermot Bannon returns with four new designs for four incredible properties.
Charlestown in Mayo, Palmerstown in Dublin, Aughris in Sligo and North Strand in Dublin are the locations for each property.
This year, we see Claire Irwin return as Quantity Surveyor. With soaring costs on materials around the country and budgets being pushed, Claire has to work harder to make sure everyone gets their dream home on budget and on time. To achieve this, Claire will have to keep Dermot on his toes.
First stop for Dermot and Claire is Charlestown in Co. Mayo.
Karen Mulligan was born and raised in this village, in the family business that was a home as well as her Dad’s butcher’s shop. Having spent 14 years living and working in London, post the pandemic she has decided to return back to her much loved hometown and her family, and turn the now derelict building into her forever home that she has dreamed of for many years.
Along with this incredible conversion, the new series of Room To Improve features a sea side bungalow, a 1970’s family home and a small city centre two up two down, that needs a lot more than love and attention.
Room to Improve Claire Irwin and Dermot Bannon Episode 1 RTÉ One Sunday January 5thRoom to Improve Claire Irwin and Dermot Bannon Episode 1 RTÉ One Sunday January 5thRoom to Improve Claire Irwin and Dermot Bannon Episode 1 RTÉ One Sunday January 5thRoom to Improve Dermot Bannon Episode 1 RTÉ One Sunday January 5thRoom to Improve Dermot Bannon Episode 1 RTÉ One Sunday January 5thRoom to Improve Dermot Bannon Episode 1 RTÉ One Sunday January 5th
***Please note – TX times are provisional until the final schedules are issued on Tuesday 3 December***
How to Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O’Connell (New, two-part special)
Part 2 Monday December 23rd 2024, RTÉ Oneat 7pm
Rory O’Connell is back with two brand new Christmas specials in which he shares festive recipes and creative cooking tips to help make cooking over the holiday period a stress free and enjoyable experience.
Last year, Rory’s Christmas programmes attracted a combined audience of 553,000 viewers.
Rory has been teaching people how to cook for 40 years – the Ballymaloe Cookery School which Rory co-founded with his sister Darina celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.
“The ritual around eating and meals is about so much more than just the food itself”, Rory says.
” And I suppose that’s never more true, really, than at Christmas”.
“It’s the time of the year when you pull out some of those dishes that you only use once a year, and most of the preparations can be done before your guests arrive, allowing you, the cook, to enjoy the event as much as everyone else.”
Programme two: Monday December 23rd, 7pm
Rory’s first recipe in this second festive programme is Choux Pastry and Choux Rings with Smoked Trout and Almonds.
He then prepares Three Cheese Mille Feuille with Cranberries.
Rory makes a very seasonal Christmas Ice cream with Whiskey soaked Prunes, served in an ice bowl.
How To Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O’Connell is produced and directed by David Hare of InProductionTV and sponsored by Flogas
How to Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O’Connell (Presenter Rory Christmas 2024)- Episode 2How to Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O’Connell – Two part special
***Please note – TX times are provisional until the final schedules are issued on Tuesday 3 December***
Sunday December 22nd and Monday December 23rd 2024, RTÉ One
Sunday 7.30pm and Monday 7pm (Please note the different tx times)
Rory O’Connell is back with two brand new Christmas specials in which he shares festive recipes and creative cooking tips to help make cooking over the holiday period a stress free and enjoyable experience. Last year, Rory’s Christmas programmes attracted a combined audience of 553,000 viewers. Rory has been teaching people how to cook for 40 years – the Ballymaloe Cookery School which Rory co-founded with his sister Darina celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.
“The ritual around eating and meals is about so much more than just the food itself”, Rory says.
” And I suppose that’s never more true, really, than at Christmas”.
“It’s the time of the year when you pull out some of those dishes that you only use once a year, and most of the preparations can be done before your guests arrive, allowing you, the cook, to enjoy the event as much as everyone else.”
Programme one: Sunday December 22nd, 7.30pm
In the first of Rory’s two new festive programmes he prepares Salad of Roast Butternut Squash with Chickpeas and Salmoriglio, an Italian lemon and herb sauce .
He follows this with Savoury Turkey and Ham Bread and Butter Pudding, and Rory completes this first menu with Chocolate and Pear Flan.
How to Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O’Connell – Two part specialHow To Cook Well at Christmas with Rory O’Connell. (Two part special Sunday December 22nd and Monday 23rd RTÉ One)
As Christmas approaches, the festive buzz grows – trees are decorated, music fills the stores and the scramble for gifts begins. It’s bright, noisy and expensive.
So This Is Christmas shares the heartfelt journeys of five ordinary people navigating personal challenges during this complicated season. Through their stories, we witness the familiar joys and struggles of the holidays. Full of warmth, humour and humanity, the film invites audiences to reflect on what Christmas truly means while celebrating the spirit that holds us all together.
So This Is Christmas. Wednesday 18th December at 21:35 on RTÉ One.So This Is Christmas. Wednesday 18th December at 21:35 on RTÉ One.So This Is Christmas. Wednesday 18th December at 21:35 on RTÉ One.So This Is Christmas. Wednesday 18th December at 21:35 on RTÉ One.So This Is Christmas. Wednesday 18th December at 21:35 on RTÉ One.
Una O’Dwyer is one of Ireland’s few female craft butchers and is based in Cashel. As a Master Butcher Una is highly skilled. Neven visits Una, aka The Butcher’s Daughter, to talk about creating her range of artisan meat products and continuing family traditions.
Back at the Cashel Palace Hotel Neven chats to Stephen Hayes, Director of Culinary, as he shows Neven his recipe for Lamb Stew.
Later in this second and final episode of Neven’s Christmas at Cashel, Neven heads to Ballydoyle Racing Stables where he meets World Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien.
Neven is then treated to a performance by The Sunday Singers Cashel, singing an ancient Irish carol in the Hall of the Vicar’s Choir, one of the medieval buildings located on top of the Rock of Cashel.
“I’m delighted to film my Christmas programmes in Cashel this year, somewhere that I haven’t been to before in my series,” says Neven. “Tipperary, and in particular the Golden Vale, is renowned for excellent food producers and we were able to use some of these great ingredients in the programmes. Staying at the Cashel Palace Hotel was a real treat, and I was able to cook with Stefan McEnteer, head chef at the Bishop’s Buttery, once again – he cooked for me in Blacklion 10 years ago and I’m thrilled that the Bishop’s Buttery was awarded a Michelin star this year. Filming at the 15th century Hall of the Vicar’s Choir on the Rock of Cashel, and meeting Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle Racing Stables were two very special moments for me.”
Neven’s Christmas at Cashel is produced by David Hare of InProductionTV and sponsored by Bord Bia.
Always choose food with the Bord Bia Quality Mark this Christmas so you know that it has been produced to the highest Bord Bia quality standards, independently verified at every stage.
Neven’s Christmas at Cashel. Neven with his Turkey Roulade dish. – Episode 2/2, Tuesday 10th December at 20:30 on RTÉ One.Neven’s Christmas at Cashel. Neven and Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle Racing Stables. – Episode 2/2, Tuesday 10th December at 20:30 on RTÉ One.Neven’s Christmas at Cashel. Neven Maguire presents Neven’s Christmas at Cashel. – Episode 2/2, Tuesday 10th December at 20:30 on RTÉ One.Neven’s Christmas at Cashel. Neven with craft butcher Una O’Dwyer (R) and the O’Dwyer family. – Episode 2/2, Tuesday 10th December at 20:30 on RTÉ One.Neven’s Christmas at Cashel. Neven with The Sunday Singers Cashel Choir. Episode 2/2, Tuesday 10th December at 20:30 on RTÉ One.
