These unmissable Irish TV shows are bound to keep you entertained over the Christmas season.
It’s nearly time to cosy up on the couch with a selection box and tune into those Christmas specials we look forward to each year. From TV film premieres to New Year’s Eve parties, these are the can’t-miss Irish TV programmes to watch with family and friends.
Deadly Cuts
The World Television Premiere of this Irish film will be on Virgin Media at 9pm on Christmas Day. A comedy set in a hair-dressing salon in Dublin, the stylists accidently become vigilantes and must tackle the gang violence in their community.
Foscadh
Another TV premiere, Foscadh follows 28-year old recluse John Cunliffe as he navigates coming into adulthood after the passing of his over-protective parents. He now has to learn on his own the inner workings of love, trust and vengeance as well as continue developing the lucrative windfarm he inherited. Directed by Seán Breathneach, this film will be on TG4 at 9.30pm on 2 January.
Battle of the Christmas Lights
This two-part special is a family-friendly programme on Virgin Media on Christmas Eve at 12:45pm and Christmas Day at 12pm. Next door neighbour families take part in Christmas themed challenges with the winner taking a year of free shopping in Home Store and More.
The Big Christmas Rewind
Join Irish celebrities and their families to rewind through the best of Irish television. Flick to RTÉ One at 6:20pm on Christmas Eve to see stars such as Saoirse-Monica Jackson from Derry Girls, Doireann Garrihy and Pat Short roll back the years in this heart-warming, cosy programme.
A Note for Nature
This documentary is the ultimate love letter to the wild Irish landscape. Hosted by Jane Stout, Pádraic Fogarty and Seán Ronayne, this RTÉ programme is a call to action to protect our planet. Accompanied by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and musicians such as Christy Moore, Niamh Regan and Iarla Ó Lionárd, you can watch it on Christmas Eve.
Paul Muldoon – Laoithe is Liricí
This TG4 documentary focuses on the life and work of Irish poet Paul Muldoon. His creative life is explored, including his work with famed Irish musicians such as Bono, Ruth Negga and Paul Brady. Watch it at 9:20pm on 29 December.
Don’t Look Back in Anger
Playing on Virgin Media on 29 December, Don’t Look Back in Anger recalls the crazy events of 2022. From the highs to the lows, this annual special is the perfect watch to recap on an eventful year.
Una Healy and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra
Una Healy will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party accompanied by guests including The Waterboys, David Gray and Brian Kennedy, as well as the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Following Una’s party, Walking on Cars will play us into the New Year from Custom House Quay in Dublin. Tune in at 10:25pm on New Year’s Eve on RTÉ One.
