Arranmore Island native Helena Ní Ghallachóir has produced and directed a new TG4 documentary series exploring the lives of people from around the world who have made Ireland’s offshore islands their home.
Trasna na dTonnta begins on TG4 on Monday, 14th September at 8.30pm and follows the experiences of the “New Irish” who have settled on five islands, including Arranmore and Tory in Donegal.
Produced and directed by Helena Ní Ghallachóir of HG Productions, the four-part series explores migration, identity and belonging through the stories of people who have travelled from across Europe and beyond to begin new lives in some of Ireland’s most remote communities.
Donegal features prominently throughout the series.
The opening episode follows Ukrainian refugees Krystyna and Diana, who found sanctuary on Tory Island after fleeing war in their homeland.
Colm Mac Ruaidhrí, manager of An Club on Tory Island, describes the arrival of new islanders as something positive.
He also welcomed their interest in learning the Irish language.
“New people, new blood, new accents even,” he says.
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Colm Mac Ruaidhrí – Manager of An Club Tory Island in
Trasna na dTonnta
Arranmore features in the final episode, which follows Father John from Nigeria, who has become a valued part of island life as the local priest.
Filmed over 12 months from January 2025 to January 2026, Trasna na dTonnta also follows people from Ukraine, South Africa, France, Scotland and Germany who have settled on Sherkin, Bere and Dursey islands in Cork.
Some had never travelled by boat or lived beside the sea before arriving on an Irish island.
Across the series, they share the journeys and life-changing decisions that brought them to Ireland and reflect on building a new sense of home and belonging within their adopted communities.
Trasna na dTonnta begins on TG4 Monday 14th September 8.30pm