DERMOT O’LEARY EXPLORES EMERALD ISLE GASTRONOMY

Television broadcaster Dermot O’Leary is embarking on a brand new adventure, Dermot’s Taste of Ireland for ITV1 and ITVX. The five part series will take the much-loved presenter back to his family roots in the Emerald Isle on a gastronomic tour to discover the island of Ireland’s best kept delicious secrets.

From traditional Irish stew to soda bread, fresh seafood, and boxty potato pancakes, Dermot will taste his way across the island, meeting the chefs and locals that champion and celebrate Ireland’s gastronomic heritage.

Having opened two of his own fish-themed restaurants and sharing some of his favourite home recipes on ITV’s This Morning, he is now taking his passion on the road whilst exploring Ireland’s ancient landscapes, diverse cities and stunning coastlines.

He will visit Michelin Star restaurants in Kinsale, the ‘gourmet capital of Ireland; fish for oysters by the sea in Cork; sit down for some home-grown comfort food in Wexford; and explore the buzz of the Dublin food scene, before venturing across to Northern Ireland and the bustling city of Belfast and beyond.

Host, Dermot O’Leary said: “I can’t wait to embark on this trip, to explore two of my great loves, Ireland and food.

“The food scene in Ireland is so exciting and to meet the people and try the produce will be a real treat.

“It’s exciting to see modern Ireland through second generation eyes, and to show that Ireland’s food is more than cabbage and stews... although all their cabbage and stews are also great!’

Leanne Clarke, assistant commissioner, ITV Entertainment & Daytime ITV said: “We are thrilled to be commissioning this brand new series, Dermot’s Taste of Ireland with one of our much-loved talents here at ITV.

“We can’t wait to learn more about the history and culture that Ireland has to o er.”