Ireland with Simon Reeve

Ireland with Simon Reeve is an invigorating, eye-opening television series airing on BBC 2 in 2015 that takes its viewers on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes, compelling history and contemporary life of Ireland. Guided by the incomparable adventurer, journalist and author Simon Reeve, the series gives an intimate perspective on the complexities and rich tapestry of Irish life, both north and south of the border.

The series pairs Reeve's knack for making insightful connections with the authenticity of his interactions with local people. By embracing the local culture and digging deep into Ireland's social, political and natural environment, Reeve uncovers a side of Ireland that is both heartening and challenging.

Over two comprehensive episodes, the series provides a tour of Ireland that is far from the well-trodden tourist trails. Reeve begins his journey in the extreme Atlantic coast, then works his way across the country, uncovering stories about the Irish lands and seas. This exploration highlights the crucial role Ireland has played in European and global history.

The first episode features a significant focus on the breathtaking natural scenery of Ireland, and Reeve takes advantage of every opportunity to immerse in its beauty. His enthusiasm for Ireland’s environmental wonders, from wild stags to sharks, and for its innovative conservation strategies, provides a fully-rounded exploration. The episode features the geological marvels of the west coast, a fishing trip off the Aran Islands, and even a pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick, a place of ancient and complex religious significance.

While nature and wildlife are recurrent themes, Reeve also makes hard-hitting observation on the early 21st-century realities of a country still recovering from a damaging financial crisis. In the first episode, he investigates a variety of socio-economic issues facing Ireland in the aftermath of the “Celtic Tiger” boom and subsequent bust, including homelessness and rural/urban disparities. He sensitively uncovers a side of Ireland that is seldom seen by outsiders, highlighting both the resilience and spirit of struggle in the Irish people.

The second part of Ireland with Simon Reeve is a journey through Northern Ireland. Reeve travels from the dramatic Antrim coast to the dividing walls of Belfast and onward to the frontier town of Crossmaglen. The programme captures the nuances of living in a region that still bears the scars of the Troubles, while also illustrating the sense of hope, tremendous progress, and reconciliation efforts that emerged post-conflict era. Reeve does an excellent job balancing both these dimensions of Northern Ireland life, rarely veering into the sensationalism often associated with discussions of the area's history.

Emerging from this is Reeve’s ability to unpack a sophisticated understanding of the Irish identity and its inherent complexities. The people he meets and the stories he uncovers demonstrate how the traditional and modern clash and blend in intriguing ways. From exploring the impacts of Brexit to engaging with radical social changes like the recognition of same-sex marriage, Reeve approaches each element with both sensitivity and an unerring ability to ask difficult questions, punctuating each episode in memorable ways.

Simon Reeve’s journey through Ireland is not just an adventure but goes beyond that, it’s a tell-all tale that simultaneously celebrates and challenges Ireland. The programme beautifully encapsulates the contradictions, the history, the challenges and the raw beauty that makes Ireland a place of such unique charm and potent life force, making the series an enticing experience for both those familiar with Ireland and those new to its compelling narrative.

In a nutshell, Ireland with Simon Reeve is more than a physical journey through Ireland. It’s an emotional and eye-opening exploration into the very soul of the country. It breaks away from facile stereotypes and takes its audience on a well-rounded tour of a nation steeped in history yet steadily grappling with a complicated modernity. Reeve's quest is an illuminating, deeply empathetic portrayal, tangible in every word, gesture and insight. The series encapsulates the spirit of Ireland - a place of paradoxes and raw splendour.