Bryan Dobson explores Leitrim roots in new season of TV show Tracks and Trails
RTE's hit series Tracks and Trails returns this week to walk viewers through some of Ireland's most spectacular gardens. The popular show, which is now in its 12th season, will be back on screens from Friday at 8pm with presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin on RTE One and RTÉ Player.
Guests this year include Barry Murphy of Hermitage Green, Eurovision singer Brooke Scullion, former RTÉ news anchor Bryan Dobson, broadcaster Claire Byrne, journalist Fiona Mitchell, social media personality James Kavanagh and ex-BBC political editor Mark Devenport.
An RTE spokesperson said: "The much-loved series returns 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."
The spokesperson added: "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.
"With sweeping views, reflections, and a renewed appreciation for Ireland's vast natural offerings, Tracks and Trails is a timely reminder of the value of slowing down and reconnecting."
Dobbo will explore the rich heritage of Leitrim, Devenport is in Down, Byrne revisits her roots in Laois, Mitchell uncovers Offaly's hidden gems, Scullion hikes the heartlands of Fermanagh, and Murphy celebrates the culture and scenery of Limerick, while Kavanagh hits Wexford.
In the first episode, Dobson and Devenport separately enjoy the tracks and trails in Leitrim and Down, visiting Mullaghgarve Mass Rock and Cloone Looped Trail, plus the north Down coastal path.
When Dobson, from Dublin, retired last May after 40 years with the national broadcaster RTE, he revealed that he would be spending some reflective time at his cottage in lovely Leitrim. He launched the book Leitrim: History and Society in 2019 to promote the hidden history of Leitrim from the earliest times right up to the present.
His holiday home in Ballinaglera near the border with Fermanagh sprung from his family roots in Leitrim town Mohill, the hometown of comedian Katherine Lynch. She last week laughed off a shock survey that revealed Asia is visited more often than her home county.
The Irish Mirror revealed that research by Airbnb showed that more Irish people have visited sprawling Asia (25 per cent) than lovely Leitrim (18 per cent). The Airbnb survey claimed 82 per cent of people in Ireland have never visited Leitrim.
Award-winning personality Katherine joked: "Mohill is probably the capital of Leitrim. Leitrim is a great place. We have such fantastic things to see."
Tracks and Trails returns this Friday, May 9, at 8pm on RTE One.
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