New Channel 4 travel series takes viewers on a literary adventure across the island of Ireland
New TV series – co-produced by Tourism Ireland and fronted by Sandi Toksvig – airs in Great Britain
From Dublin's rich literary landmarks to the beautiful landscapes of Sligo and the Bellaghy countryside that inspired Seamus Heaney, a new Channel 4 travel series will take viewers on a captivating journey to the places that have inspired some of our literary greats.
Sandi's Ireland: A Literary Journey, fronted by broadcaster, author and comedian Sandi Toksvig, begins airing in Great Britain on Channel 4 and More4 today (3rd September). Co-produced by Tourism Ireland and produced by Cornelia Street Productions, the series sees Sandi – a lifelong lover of literature, theatre and music – explore the landscapes, places and people that have inspired some of our greatest writers, poets and storytellers.
Dublin, Sligo, Edgeworthstown, Monaghan, Belfast and Bellaghy all feature, with Sandi meeting contemporary writers, poets and performers, to explore how the island of Ireland’s rich storytelling traditions continue to thrive and evolve today. Viewers can expect spectacular scenery, fascinating experts and insight into the places that helped shape some of the world's most celebrated literary voices.
Click below to view the trailer for the series.
Aidan Power, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Marketing, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to support the production of ‘Sandi’s Ireland: A Literary Journey’ through our International Programming Ireland Fund. Sandi’s journey will shine a spotlight not only on our rich literary heritage but also on the spectacular landscapes that have inspired generations of writers – inspiring viewers to come and explore the island of Ireland for themselves.”
Sandi Toksvig said: “Visiting the island of Ireland to film this new series was a wonderful experience. As a lifelong book lover, I’ve always wanted to explore Ireland’s rich literary culture and understand why the island is home to so many phenomenal storytellers. Following in the footsteps of some of Ireland’s literary giants and exploring the landscapes, places and people that have inspired them was a real treat.”
Publicity and broadcasts like this are a key element of Tourism Ireland’s programme of promotional activity, to inspire travellers in Great Britain, and elsewhere around the world, to put the island of Ireland on their holiday wish-list.
Notes to Editors:
- Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination.
- In 2025, overseas tourism delivered €6.4 billion to the island of Ireland.
- Tourism Ireland’s international website is www.ireland.com, with 21 market sites available in 18 different countries, as well as one international site, in seven language versions around the world.
- Tourism Ireland is an agency of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in Ireland and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.