TV: Cork has a starring role in coast documentary

A deep and reciprocal relationship has existed between Irish people and the ocean for millennia.

In a new documentary, Sáile, on TG4 on Wednesday at 9.30pm, actor Carrie Crowley journeys to the core of this relationship, exploring how the ocean has shaped our culture, traditions and identity, and how it can offer us a profound experience of healing, renewal and connection.

The programme pays a visit to Cork’s glorious coastline, as Carrie, 61, explores the science behind a changing ocean. Marine biologist Gearóid McCarthy, from Clonakilty, outlines the impact of rising sea temperatures on fragile marine ecosystems.

Meanwhile, at Roche’s Point, Frances Gallagher introduces Carrie to the concept of ‘tropification’ - a striking indicator of climate change in Irish waters.

As a committed sea and fresh water swimmer, Carrie is passionate about the health benefits of being in or near water, but she is also deeply aware of the changes happening to the quality of our waters and the health of our ocean into the future.

In the documentary, the host of Eurovision in 1997 and star of series such as Fair City and The Clinic, follows a journey along Ireland’s west and south coasts, meeting people whose lives and work are closely tied to the sea.

In her native Waterford, Carrie returns to the beach of her youth, Trá an Bháid, where she joins a local swimming group for a dip.

At Rossnowlagh in Donegal, she meets renowned surfer and environmentalist Easkey Britton. Then she moves on to Connemara, where archaeologist Michael Gibbons discusses a local shell midden and its significance.

Carrie visits the Coral Strand in An Cheathrú Rua, where she meets Danny de Bhailís.

The presenter also heads to Ros Muc, a place she first visited at the age of 10 while learning Gaeilge, where she speaks with a seaweed harvester about traditional practices.

In Dingle, folklorist Aoife Granville shares local stories and traditions, and Carrie joins musician Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich for a swim off the pier at Cuas an Bhodaigh.