Donegal features strongly in the new season of TG4’s Moving West

Stories of people who moved to Donegal will be shared in three episodes of the six-part series, which will air on Tuesday, June 2

Published 21st May 2026, 20:09 BST Mary Kennedy with Syrian mover Ahmad Ahmad of Donagh Bees in Carndonagh | TG4 Stories of people who moved to Donegal will be shared in three episodes of the six-part series, which will air on Tuesday, June 2 Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

Donegal is well represented in a new series of TG4’s Moving West.

Moving West, which is now in its fourth season, documents the significant transformation underway across the West and Northwest of Ireland. Communities once shaped by emigration are now experiencing renewed growth, as people choose to live, work and build futures across the region.

The six-part series will air on TG4 from Tuesday 2 June at 7.30pm, with new episodes broadcast weekly.

The first episode is set in Glenties, writer Billy MacInnes has long since made the move west his own. Originally from Scotland, his journey to Donegal was far from straightforward, but the town has been home since he settled there more than twenty years ago.

Playwright Billy MacInnes, who moved from Scotland to Glenties | TG4 The third episode shows Mick and Helen Power, who moved to Glenties from Kinsealy in Dublin with their son Mikie, have embraced the town’s thriving arts scene, with Helen involved in the local musical and drama society and Mick painting the surrounding landscape. Anne McGill of the Lughnasa Creative Arts Centre reflects on how newcomers like Mick and Helen bring fresh energy to communities across Donegal.

Artist Michael Power who moved from Dublin to Glenties | TG4 In episode four, Mary also meets Abdul Ahmad and his wife Malek, who fled Syria and eventually settled in Carndonagh after spending time in direct provision. A former teacher, Abdul, has returned to a tradition he learned as a child. Beekeeping. Producing honey and candles while raising his family in Donegal.

Produced by Dundara Television and Media in partnership with the Western Development Commission and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the series highlights the opportunities that exist across Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon.

Presented by Mary Kennedy, the new season explores the personal and professional journeys of those who have chosen to relocate, from returning emigrants and growing families to innovators, remote workers and business founders. Their stories reflect a wider narrative of regional resilience, creativity and ambition.

“Every story in Moving West is deeply personal, but together they tell a much bigger story about modern Ireland,” Presenter Mary Kennedy said. “ People are looking for connection, balance and purpose, and the west offers all of that in abundance. It’s inspiring to meet those who have taken that step and to see the positive impact they are having on their communities.”

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Since its debut, Moving West has resonated strongly with audiences interested in lifestyle change, regional opportunity and reconnecting with place. The series has also received national recognition, including a Best Collaboration award at the 2026 Spider Awards.

Filmed across the six western counties, the series captures both the practical realities and emotional experiences of relocation. It showcases how communities are attracting diverse talent and fostering environments where people can thrive, professionally, culturally and socially.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said: “Moving West provides a powerful insight into the opportunities that now exist across the western region. It highlights the innovation, enterprise and quality of life that make the west an increasingly attractive place to live and work. Programmes like this play an important role in showcasing the success of regional development policies and in encouraging more people to consider the west as a place where they can build their future.”

At its core, Moving West aligns with the Western Development Commission’s goal of promoting balanced regional development, demonstrating how the region is emerging as a hub for innovation, sustainability and quality of life. Themes explored in the series include remote working, entrepreneurship, sustainable living, cultural connection and the growing international interest in the West and Northwest of Ireland. The series also highlights the importance of the Irish language as a key cultural and economic asset, supporting its preservation while showcasing its role in vibrant, modern communities across the region.

Allan Mulrooney, Chief Executive of the Western Development Commission, said: “Moving West reflects a fundamental shift in how people view the West and Northwest of Ireland. Increasingly, it is recognised not only for its natural beauty and strong communities, but also for its economic potential, innovation and quality of life. Through the stories in this series, we see people actively choosing the west as a place where they can build meaningful careers, start businesses and raise families. For the WDC, balanced regional development is about creating the conditions for people and communities to thrive. This series brings that vision to life by showcasing the diversity, ambition and opportunity that now define the Western Region.”

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