New series of Aistear an Amhrin shares extraordinary stories behind Ireland's best-loved songs

New series of Aistear an Amhr in shares extraordinary stories behind Ireland's best-loved songs

RT One and RT Player, Saturday 19 September

Preview: Aistear an Amhr in

Aistear an Amhr in returns to RT One and RT Player for a third series on Saturday 19 September at 8.20pm and delves into the extraordinary stories behind some of Ireland's best-loved songs.

Presented by Garry Mac Donncha and Sin ad N Churn in, the series begins with a two-part special which explores the history of The Auld Triangle, one of Ireland's most iconic songs. The song is widely associated with Brendan Behan, yet Behan never claimed to have written it. Through access to the Behan and Shannon families, contributions from musicians and historians, Sin ad N Churn in seeks to find out who really wrote The Auld Triangle. Dublin busker Mick McLoughlin also performs an incredibly poignant version of the song next to the original triangle in Mountjoy Prison.

In Put 'Em Under Pressure, Garry Mac Donncha explores the story behind the anthem that became the soundtrack to Ireland's Italia '90 adventure. This episode reveals how a unique blend of music, sport and national pride created a cultural phenomenon that united the entire country and still resonates more than three decades later.

You Raise Me Up follows the remarkable journey of the song written through an Irish Norwegian collaboration, made famous by Brian Kennedy, Josh Groban, Daniel O'Donnell and Westlife. The programme explores how a song rooted in Irish creativity became one of the most performed songs in the world and a global anthem of hope, comfort and resilience.

Amhr n Mha nse, explores the mystery behind the beloved sean-n s song which tells the story of a dying woman whose final wish was to be buried on her native island in Conamara. With the help of local historians and sean n s singers S amus and Caoimhe U Fhlatharta, M irt n Tom She in n and S le Denvir, the programme traces the origin of the song through local history, folklore and tradition, and asks whether its heroine, M ire N Chlochartaigh, really existed and whether her final wish was ever fulfilled.

Carrickfergus examines the enduring appeal and mysterious origins of one of the most beloved songs in the Irish tradition. Featuring contributions from Iarla Lion ird, Brian Kennedy, John Spillane, Doireann N Ghlac in and the late Se n S , the programme traces the journey of a song that has captivated audiences across generations and around the world.

Finally, in Weila Waile, the disturbing history hidden within one of Ireland's best-known folk songs is explored. The series finale journeys from the streets of Dublin to the heart of a centuries-old ballad tradition, uncovering tales of crime, punishment, poverty, and resilience. It is a fascinating exploration of how folklore preserves the truths history often leaves untold.

Aistear an Amhr in begins with part one of The Auld Triangle on Saturday 19 September at 8.20pm on RT One and RT Player.

-ENDS-

IMAGES: https://we.tl/t-F7cqdpr1i7JzNMgm

For more information:

adaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill, RT Communications Lead

LINK:	https://about.rte.ie/2026/09/17/new-series-of-aistear-an-amhrain-share...
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