REVIEW Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland

Kellie Burch reviews Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland, the new travel series from Belfast-based Afro-Mic Productions.

REVIEW: ADRIAN DUNBAR’S COASTAL IRELAND

In much the same way that Adrian Dunbar immortalised Northern Ireland with his Line of Duty Belfast-isms, his latest venture promises to shine a new light on his homeland, this time focussing on the rugged coastal line of Ireland.

In a new two-part Channel 5 series, produced by Belfast-based Afro-Mic Productions with funding support from Northern Ireland Screen, Enniskillen-born Adrian Dunbar reconnects with his roots as he travels from Ireland’s most southernly point before heading north. As he covers over 600 miles, Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland visits breathtaking locations, marvels at feats of engineering, tours historic sites, samples some tantalising local cuisine, catches up with old friends and celebrates the literary culture of the island, north and south.

Episode one, which aired on 4th February but is also available on Catch Up on My5, sees Dunbar start his journey at Mizen Head. The unspoilt and spectacular coastline is the real star of this travel series, and as Adrian says, “Mizen Head is an example of nature at its finest.” Filmed in September 2020 in accordance with strict COVID-19 protocols and guidance from Tourism Ireland, Adrian’s journey sees him meet an assortment of people on his travels such the engineering experts behind the remarkable Mizen Head Footbridge. Opened in 2011, this breathtaking spot attracts over 50,000 tourists a year.

As Adrian, and the skeleton filming crew charting his journey, head northwards, they explore the many facets of coastal Ireland, such as its indisputable reputation as a foodie location. Stops include Ballymaloe House in Cork – where Adrian talks to Darina Allen – and The Courthouse Restaurant in Kinlough – where Chef and proprietor Piero Melis cooks up a storm; these interludes highlight why quality local produce has put Ireland on the culinary map.

It seems fitting that distinguished actor Adrian Dunbar also delves into the creative side of Ireland. Adrian chats to celebrated photographer John Minihan about his famous portraits of Samuel Beckett and Princess Diana, and visits Benbulben in Co, Sligo which was the inspiration for a lot of the work by Nobel Prize winning poet W. B. Yeats. Adrian also meets up with old pals whose families who have noted links with Ireland’s coast. On the itinerary were stops with Barry Britton from Rossnowlagh, whose family helped establish Ireland as a surfer’s paradise, as well as Billy Keane, eldest son of prestigious playwright John B. Keane.

What makes this series totally engaging is Dunbar’s palpable joy at getting to achieve life-long ambitions. His trip to the Skellig Islands is a particular highlight, which sees him hike 618 steps to explore the ruins of a monastic settlement situated on the UNESCO world heritage site. If one UNESCO site was not enough, Adrian also has the opportunity to visit the virtually unchanged Aran Island, which he describes as “a place lost in time”.

Adrian’s journey continues in episode two, which aired on 11 February. This segment takes the viewer to Northern Ireland from Donegal by ferry, and proceeds along the world renowned Antrim North Coast. It’s here he finds legends of the mythic kind at the Giants Causeway, and in human form when he meets motorcycle super star Michael Dunlop. The series ends with the serene beauty of the Mourne Mountains, a range of enormous peaks which sweep down into the Irish Sea, where Adrian sums up his journey in style surrounded by the landscape that inspired CS Lewis to create Narnia.

In a time when travel and exploration seem a distant memory, Afro-Mic Productions’ new series creates the perfect form of escapism. With the combination of engaging storytelling from a truly charismatic narrator, stunning scenery and adventure-filled locations, Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland allows you to explore these local wonders from the comfort of your very own home, until we can once again do it in person.

Adrian Dunbar’s Coastal Ireland – Both episodes are also available on Catch Up.