Each episode sees Dermot visit a different location, meeting farmers, fishermen, artisan producers and chefs and discovering some of our best food and drink experiences. The series takes him to Wexford, Dublin, Kinsale, Cork city and Belfast.
In the Belfast episode, which will air on Friday (27 September), viewers will see Dermot making macaroons inspired by fifteens at Mamó Patisserie with Great British Menu’s Gemma Austin and tasting Guinness wheaten bread and scallops at the Waterman with award-winning chef and restaurateur Niall McKenna. Dermot also discovers Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage at Titanic Belfast and discusses all things whiskey at The Friend at Hand and McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience.
The five episodes will air on each weekday all this week, from Monday to Friday, and will also be available to view on the streaming service ITVX.
Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of GB, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to team up with Dermot O’Leary and support the production of this new five-part TV series, Dermot’s Taste of Ireland. With millions of people across GB set to watch the series this week on ITV1 and on the streaming service ITVX, it’s an excellent way to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland – showcasing our delicious local produce, wonderful culinary offering and beautiful landscapes.
“Publicity and broadcasts like this are a key element of Tourism Ireland’s programme of promotional activity, to inspire travellers in GB, and elsewhere around the world, to put Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland on their holiday wish-list.”
Commenting on the new series, Dermot O’Leary said: “The island of Ireland has a very special place in my heart, it’s where I have my earliest and most fond memories and makes up a huge part of my identity. Filming there for this series was such a wonderful experience, bringing back some really happy memories and also allowed me to experience lots of new things I hadn’t seen before, and see how Ireland has evolved.”