RTÉ’s new documentary series Wild Conamara, premiering this weekend, takes viewers on a thrilling wildlife journey through one of the most spectacular and internationally renowned corners of Ireland.
With Galway city resident Eoin Warner as guide, the two-part series takes viewers from sea to summit; from the abandoned islands off Conamara’s Atlantic coast to the very tip of its highest peak, Binn Bhán. Along the way, Warner reveals the intimate lives of the region’s wild creatures, the challenges they face, and the wild places they depend on; all interwoven with stories of dedicated locals striving to protect and keep the wild kingdom of Conamara alive and kicking.
At first glance, Conamara’s vast boglands, lost valleys, and wave-washed coasts may seem desolate, but look closer, and Conamara still hides a treasure trove of natural secrets. Some of Ireland’s last crystalline rivers are sanctuaries for struggling Atlantic salmon and the legendary freshwater pearl mussel – Ireland’s oldest living inhabitants. High crags and sweeping valleys are the hunting grounds of soaring white tailed eagles and some of Ireland’s most beloved mammals – pine marten and majestic red deer.
Red squirrels are making a comeback in remnants of Atlantic rainforest, while offshore, squadrons of basking sharks have appeared in recent years. Conamara’s islands provide safe havens for some of the very greatest world travellers – Arctic terns, storm petrels, Manx shearwaters, and great skuas who arrive every year to raise their family on these isolated outposts.
Conamara is often described as being more sea than land, and Warner begins his wild journey just offshore, where he encounters grey seals and basking sharks, just some of the creatures that move through this watery realm. He visits abandoned islands, now home to myriad avian athletes who travel some of the greatest journeys on earth. On MacDara’s Island, the annual seafarers’ Mass takes place every July, and between the islands, cattle swim in search of their dinner. He also meets Corncrake Life, a group who, alongside local farmers, have managed to turn the tide on the fate of the beloved corncrake.
Warner heads inland on the second stage of his wild journey and finds one of the last remaining pockets of Atlantic rainforest in Conamara – Derryclare Woods. Home to pine marten, red squirrel, and the newly arrived woodpecker, these oak woods offer a window into the past and a wilder Conamara.
Episode two also features the Dúlra Project, a conservation workforce who battle the toxic march of rhododendron across the landscape. Crossing vast boglands, Warner goes in search of our lost birds, before heading skyward to the highest of the 12 Bens, Binn Bhán, with red deer rutting and wild salmon returning to their natal streams along the way.
Produced by Crossing the Line Productions, the series was commissioned by RTÉ’s head of specialist factual content, Colm O’Callaghan and produced in partnership with Coimisiún na Meán, ARTE, and with the support of Tourism Ireland and incentives for the Irish Film Industry provided by the Government of Ireland.
Wild Conamara begins on RTÉ One on Sunday, May 31 at 6.30pm.
