Tracks & Trails returns for a fresh new season
First episode airs this Friday at 8pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player with Doireann Ní Ghlacáin presenting
Guests include Barry Murphy, Brooke Scullion, Bryan Dobson, Claire Byrne, Fiona Mitchell, James Kavanagh and Mark Devenport
The much-loved series Tracks & Trails returns this Friday, May 9 at 8pm for its 12th season, offering viewers a fresh and inspiring look at Ireland’s most beautiful walking routes. This season brings even more fresh air as the four-part series is fronted by broadcaster, musician, and podcaster Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, who explores seven counties alongside an array of well-known Irish personalities.
Each episode captures heartfelt conversations and scenic adventures, as Doireann and her guests traverse woodland paths, coastal trails, historic sites, revealing not just the natural beauty of the landscape, but also the emotional and cultural connections that make these places so meaningful.
This season’s featured guests include:
- Bryan Dobson, former RTÉ news anchor, exploring the rich heritage of Leitrim
- Mark Devenport, ex-BBC Political Editor, walking the dramatic coastline of Down
- Claire Byrne, renowned broadcaster, revisiting her roots in Laois
- Fiona Mitchell, acclaimed journalist, uncovering hidden gems in Offaly
- Brooke Scullion, Eurovision singer, hiking the heartlands of Fermanagh
- Barry Murphy of Hermitage Green, celebrating culture and scenery in Limerick
- James Kavanagh, social media personality, bringing his wit and wonder to Wexford
With sweeping views, reflections, and a renewed appreciation for Ireland’s vast natural offerings ,Tracks & Trails is a timely reminder of the value of slowing down and reconnecting.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Episode 1 – May 9th
Leitrim & Down: Mullaghgarve Mass Rock and Cloone Looped Trail, followed by the North Down Coastal Path
Guests: Bryan Dobson & Mark Devenport
Episode 2 – May 16th
Fermanagh & Wexford: Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and the magical Tintern Trails
Guests: Brooke Scullion & James Kavanagh
Episode 3 – May 23rd
Limerick: From Abbeyfeale to Rathkeale on the Limerick Greenway, plus a city walk through Limerick’s historic core
Guest: Barry Murphy (Hermitage Green)
Episode 4 – May 30th
Laois & Offaly: The Glenbarrow Old Mill Loop in the Slieve Bloom Mountains and the mythical Giant’s Grave Loop
Guests: Claire Byrne & Fiona Mitchell
RTÉ Communications: Sharon Sorohan

