Celebrity chef Anna Haugh is set to take viewers on a captivating Irish food tour, celebrating the culinary diversity and cultural richness of her homeland. Starting Monday, 6 January, this exciting new series, Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour, will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland at 8pm, with the entire series also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
This 15-part journey, commissioned by BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen, highlights the best of Irish produce, traditions, and flavours. Anna begins her adventure in Ballycastle, County Antrim, and ends in County Cork, exploring both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland along the way. Each episode pairs Anna with a celebrity guest who brings their own memories and experiences to the table, as they join her in creating a dish inspired by local ingredients and heritage.
The series kicks off in Cork, widely regarded as the “foodie capital of Ireland,” where comedian Katherine Ryan reflects on her grandmother’s traditional but unremarkable Irish cooking. Together, they explore the vibrant culinary scene and prepare a special meal that redefines Katherine’s impression of Irish food.
In episode two, snooker legend Dennis Taylor revisits his roots in County Tyrone. Alongside Anna, he goes fishing and cooks with Lough Neagh eel, one of the region’s most unique delicacies. As the series progresses, other highlights include a visit to Dublin’s bustling markets with actor Eilish O’Carroll, a potato-planting session in Ballycastle with garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, and a rugged expedition through County Mayo with presenter Angela Scanlon.
The tour is as much about people and traditions as it is about food. For example, singer Shayne Ward connects with his Irish Traveller heritage in County Louth. Guided by Anna, he learns about tinsmithing, one of Ireland’s oldest crafts, and helps harvest cabbage on a local farm.
Throughout the series, viewers will also see appearances from a range of familiar faces, including Ed Byrne, Laura Whitmore, Vanessa Feltz, Pauline McLynn, Bundee Aki, and Una Healy. Together, they help Anna showcase the breadth of Ireland’s culinary offerings, from rustic seaweed snacks in Portrush to globally inspired street food in Dublin.
This immersive food tour is brought to life by Below The Radar TV, with a focus on connecting the audience to Ireland’s rich culinary traditions and the stories behind its iconic dishes. Whether it’s an outdoor cooking session in Tyrone or goat hotpot in Antrim, Anna highlights the heart and soul of Irish cooking.
Don’t miss Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour, starting 6 January. It promises a delightful journey through Ireland’s food, culture, and people, leaving viewers with a newfound appreciation for the island’s culinary treasures.
