‘Mahon’s Way’ returns to UTV with a beautiful new series
Date Posted: August 15, 2024
Joe Mahon returns to UTV on Friday 30th August with ‘MAHON’S WAY’ for another series in which he will travel the length and breadth of Northern Ireland (and sometimes a wee bit further), exploring the heritage, history and culture which make this place so unique.
Joe has spent most of the last year exploring the local countryside and this 10-part series will take the viewer on a fabulous journey of discovery. The series has everything – ancient townlands, castles and stately homes; stories of trailblazing people who helped shape so many places on these shores, and often further afield; flora and fauna of rivers, lakes and forests; and history and stories behind poetry and songs, and art.
From Kilrea to Kinawley, Clandeboye to Carrickfergus, Joe has travelled far and wide to bring to the fore the perhaps lesser-known spaces and places, people and history to the brand new series of Mahon’s Way.
In the first episode Joe finds himself in Bushmills, learning how each twist and turn of the River Bush has a different name, and how the river has played an important role in helping to shape the town. He meets some interesting locals, one of whom regales Joe with poetry in his native Ulster-Scots tongue, delivered in that beautiful north Antrim accent that he refused to change despite the best efforts of school teachers! And he also gets an exclusive run out to the Giants Causeway on the tram! In further episodes, he goes as far as Kinawley in Fermanagh, Ramelton in Donegal, and Carrickfergus, among others.
Joe commented, “I have had a wonderful time filming this new series and I am always amazed at the new stories and tales I learn from each place I visit, despite my many years travelling the length and breadth of this place we call home. I can promise the viewer an enlightening, engaging and visually arresting experience, with help from local residents, story-tellers, poets and experts all eager to share their knowledge.”
‘Mahon’s Way’ is part funded by the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund and Heidi McAlpin, Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund Executive at Northern Ireland Screen said, “Joe and the team on Mahon’s Way never fail to unveil illuminating and engaging Ulster-Scots connections as they continue their journey across Northern Ireland, and into Donegal. Each person encountered and story shared is further enhanced by Joe’s beautiful words and easy rapport. The Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund is delighted to play a part in bringing it to the UTV audience.”
UTV’s Programmes Editor Tony Curry commented, “We are very excited about this new series. Joe has been the front man for many and varied series for UTV over the years, and our audiences love his easy relaxed style, as he explores Northern Ireland’s rich heritage and the people and places along the way. This ‘Mahon’s Way’ is as entertaining and delightful as previous series, and viewers will definitely learn something new along the way.”
‘MAHON’S WAY is produced by Westway Film Productions for UTV, supported by Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund. You can watch the first episode on Friday 30th August at 9pm on UTV and on catch up on ITVX.
