West Donegal-set television drama sells broadcasting rights to 68 countries

An Irish language drama filmed in west Donegal has been sold to 68 countries worldwide, demonstrating the “universal appeal” of the Irish entertainment product.  

CRÁ was commissioned by TG4 and BBC Northern Ireland and premiered in November 2024. The success of the initial six-part series, show mainly in Gaoth Dobhair, has led producers and broadcasters to aim for a second series to begin filming in 2026.

Major platforms, such as AMC Networks/Acorn TV in the USA and ARTE in France, acquired the rights for the show, which is currently streaming under the title ‘Boglands’ in the Irish language with subtitles. 

CRÁ possesses a stellar cast of Irish talent, including Dónall Ó Héalai, Alex Murphy, and Hannah Brady. 

The drama is set in what is described as the “hauntingly beautiful Donegal landscape”, as Ó Héalai’s character, Garda Conall Ó Súilleabháin attempts to investigate the death of his mother alongside Ciara-Kate (Hannah Brady), a determined journalist using her true crime podcast to unearth the local village’s darkest secrets.

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TG4’s Director General, Deirdre Ní Choistín, said: “The global success of CRÁ, is a proud moment for TG4 and for Irish-language public service media.

“It demonstrates that Irish language creativity and storytelling can have universal appeal. CRÁ reflects TG4’s commitment to delivering compelling content that resonates far beyond Ireland and the Irish language community, and we are delighted that CRÁ will reach audiences around the world.”

Fíbín Media’s Executive Producer, Darach Ó Tuairisg, commented: “From day one, we knew CRÁ was special.

“It’s a modern, layered mystery grounded in a uniquely Irish setting, showcasing the best of Irish talent. To now see it resonate in 68 countries, including being the first Irish language series to air on BBC Network and to see it broadcast in territories like the US and Australia in original language is a testament to the strength of our creative team and to the global appetite for compelling, original, Irish-language stories.”