WATERTOWN, NY (January 16, 2024) – Internationally acclaimed and EmmyTM nominated Irish singer Michael Londra, continues his travels across the lush and charming Emerald Isle in season four of IRELAND WITH MICHAEL, sharing its rich history, eclectic culture, and emotive music with Public Television viewers. The program, produced by Londra and presented by Detroit Public Television, will air across public television stations beginning Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 and will be distributed by The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). WPBS-TV will air season 4 of the series Saturdays at 5:30 pm, starting January 20th, 2024.
Combining panoramic footage from the Emerald Isle, captivating vignettes of hideaways and sightseeing marvels, unique cultural experiences, and memorable music and dance performances, IRELAND WITH MICHAEL gives audiences a front-row seat to the country’s reckless beauty, stunning coastlines, awe-inspiring architectural wonders and the talent and warmth of its people.
In each of the eight, half-hour episodes of IRELAND WITH MICHAEL, Londra explores the country’s storied history, majestic castles, and epic outdoor pursuits, taking viewers on an Irish adventure the only way he knows how – through music, song and dance. Along the way he meets local artisans, experiences traditional fare and delights viewers with the heart and soul of Irish culture — its melodic music.
“I have a love of adventure in me,” Londra said. “Every time I return to Ireland, I find another hidden gem to share with our Public Television viewers. Ireland is not just another enchanting place – it’s even more wondrous due to the artistry, talent and authenticity of its best asset, its people.
“Public Broadcasting has given me another wonderful opportunity to share the exquisite beauty and spirit of its people with viewers so they can connect with what makes Ireland so incredibly special,” he said.
Londra journeys to the quaint and enchanting towns along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Hidden Heartland, and the Causeway Coastal Route. In each episode, he encounters talented artists and delights in performances from world-renowned musicians and dancers, along with a Michelin- starred chef, a master brewer, a chocolatier, local weavers, and award-winning gardeners — all who represent the finest of modern-day Ireland while paying homage to the history and heritage that inspire them.
During season four, Londra starts out visiting the Heartland, specifically Westmeath, which conceals compelling mysteries that are sure to pique curiosity. He explores the refined grandeur of Belvedere House along with Athlone, the residence of Count John McCormack, Ireland’s most renowned tenor before embarking on a leisurely cruise along the Shannon River, the country’s longest river.
He visits the charming lakeside village of Killaloe where he picked up the bodhrán alongside iconic musician Tommy Hayes. He explores the Aillwee Caves in the unique Burren region of County Clare and later indulges in the culinary delights of Ireland’s sole Michelin-starred pub. This leg of the adventure is elevated by the ethereal harmonies of the Shannon Gospel choir.
He resumes his travels northwards for a Game of Thrones studio tour then heads to the Carrick- a-Rede rope bridge. He takes a moment to enjoy a performance by the extraordinary vocal supergroup, Onóir and as another day unfolds, he stops to visit Alex Thomas, the esteemed master distiller at Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
He jaunts over to a cherished, quaint village on the riverside of Carlow. From there he heads to Borris to learn the art of lace making before taking a tranquil stroll through Saint Mullin where he is awed by both the traditional ballad ensemble, Green Road, and the uniquely unconventional Gráinne Hunt.
Londra takes off for Wicklow, a treasure trove of cultural and artisanal marvels. He braves the Avondale Treetop Walk, an experience that rewards him with stunning panoramic vistas before meeting up with Fiachra Garvey, a celebrated concert pianist and sheep farmer. Delving into the gastronomic heritage of Wicklow, he talks with a food historian and experiences the joys of foraging and organic farm-to-table food at Brook Lodge.
Londra’s adventures lead him to Ulster, where he ponders the impressive art collection of King Charles and Queen Camilla and pays a visit to the Ulster Folk Museum, where he delves into the art of blacksmithing and is treated to a performance by the folk band, The Honey Dew Drops.
To wrap up the season, Londra participates in an escapade known as the MAD DASH. This exhilarating journey is brimming with unexpected encounters, with a brief yet memorable pause at Fore Distillery to sample rum and poitín (legitimate Irish moonshine). Musical interludes punctuate the route, featuring exceptional talents such as banjo virtuoso and national champion, Aoife Dunleavy.
To learn more about the series IRELAND WITH MICHAEL, the upcoming season and for access to episode descriptions and clips, visit www.irelandwithmichael.com. Funding for the program is provided by Tourism Ireland, C.I.E Tours, Aer Lingus and public television viewers.
About WPBS
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