Homes in Galway are set to feature in a new 8-part series on TG4, which will see Síle Nic Chonaonaigh visit different locations around Ireland to meet those who have built houses by the water.
In the first episode of Tithe Cois Uisce, Síle visits artist Donnchacha Quilty on the outskirts of Galway City, as well as masseuse Veronica Lydon in Letterard.
In the final episode of the series, Síle meets with Micheál Ó Grálaigh and his wife Máire Ní Thoibín who have waited a long time for their dream location to come up on the Promenade in Salthill, and they finally see their dream come to life.
Episode 5 sees Síle meet with islanders who discuss everything from the difficulties in building on an island, experienced by Máirtín Ó Conceanainn and Síghle Cotter on Inis Mór.
Tracey Jeffrey of Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen in Newtownards, Co. Down also features in episode 1, while in episode 2, Síle visits some more unconventional homes that have made interesting use of space, from surfer Kealan’s camper van to PJ’s barge and JP and Katie’s ‘modular home’.
In the third episode, Síle meets with the designers of two wonderful homes. First, she meets Donegal architect Tarla MacGabhann in ‘Breac House’ in the rugged and beautiful setting of Horn Head.
Moving along to Strangford Lough she meets architect Melanie and her husband, engineer Martin Hamill in Quarry Hill Church, a wonderful project and home they have renovated.
Episode 4 sees Síle meet with those who have decided to build hideaways in secluded areas. Antóin MacGabhann is a civil engineer and has built ‘Plug-In Cottage’ on the banks of a river estuary in northeast Donegal.
Gillian Beare’s parents had been welcoming visitors to Finn Lough since 1983, now Gillian and her brother have taken over and have created the perfect hideaway.
Mary O’Dirsoll talks about the rich history of the Manor House on Rathlin Island, and two caretakers explain what it is like to live all alone on the Great Blasket island.
In episode 6, Síle visits two homes that are hyper aware of climate change in the sixth episode. Irish poet and Aosdána member Paddy Bushe has lived on the water’s edge in Waterville, Co. Kerry for 50 years, and he tells how his home has got closer and closer to the sea over this time.
She also visits Nicholas and Annie Bowen in Skibbereen who built ‘Passive House’ and are doing their utmost to remain as sustainable and climate aware as possible.
Episode 7 features families who have by the water and what it means to them. For generations, some of these families have lived by the water and explain its importance and how they couldn’t possibly be anywhere else.
Síle also visits ‘Lost Cottage’ in the final episode, a haven which is nestled away in Co. Kerry which was a long time in the works for owner Brian Spain.
