Sponsored by RTÉ Player International
RTÉ Player International has launched a packed schedule of festive Christmas content, so no matter where you are in the world, you can feel like you are home with RTÉ Player International and catch up on some great Irish TV.
From Christmas carols broadcast from Áras an Uachtaráin to mouth watering traditional Irish Christmas recipes, to the Luke Kelly: Prince of Dublin documentary and the Fair City Christmas special, there’s a huge selection of great Christmas programmes to keep everyone entertained over Christmas.
Here are 10 top Irish TV Christmas picks on RTÉ Player International:
1. Carols from Áras an Uachtaráin
Music fans are in for a treat with brand new programming featuring some of Ireland’s favourite artists.
On Christmas Eve, Mary Kennedy meets President and Mrs. Higgins as they bring Carols from Áras an Uachtaráin with musicians including Imelda May, John Sheahan and Mick Flannery.
Christy Moore joins the Higher Hopes homeless choirs in Dublin and Waterford to record a two track EP for release this Christmas.
Francis and John Brennan are tow of Ireland's top hoteliers2. At Your Service with Francis and John Brennan
On Christmas Day, Ireland’s top hoteliers, Francis and John Brennan are back to undertake a special Christmas project on At Your Service.
Catch the Fair City Christmas special on RTÉ Player International3. Fair City Christmas Special
Fair City fans can look forward to an hour long special of their favourite soap on Christmas day. Debbie’s wayward son Emmet arrives home and causes more trouble for the O’Briens.
The Dillons get an unexpected surprise when Neasa arrives home for Christmas, Paul pulls out all the stops to give the Brennans a Christmas they will never forget while Ellie takes ill and ends up in hospital giving Heather the opportunity to bask in the reflected attention.
New Year's Eve Live with Keith Walsh and Kathryn Thomas4. New Year’s Eve Live
Ring in the New Year with Kathryn Thomas and 2FM’s Keith Walsh on New Year’s Eve Live as they soak up the atmosphere from the VIP Lounge at the New Year’s Festival Dublin Three Countdown Concert featuring The Coronas along with special guests Ryan Sheridan and more.
5. Luke Kelly: Prince of Dublin
Utilising RTÉ’s Archives Library alongside rare material from The Dubliners private archive collection, Luke Kelly: Prince of Dublin sees a selection of today’s music stars, including Imelda May, Glen Hansard and Kodaline’s Jason Boland consider the quintessential Dubliner’s celebrated life, his colourful times and untimely death.
Other contributors include brother Paddy Kelly, fellow Dubliner John Sheahan, songwriter/producer Phil Coulter and friend Paddy Reilly.
6. Christmas Food Specials
Christmas food specials featuring inspiring recipes from some of Ireland’s best known chefs, including; Kevin Dundon, Rachel Allen, Richard Corrigan and Catherine Fulvio.
With Christmas around the corner, these festive food tips on RTÉ Player International is all you need for a food filled Christmas.
The Al Porter Show Picture Andres Poveda7. The Al Porter Show
The Al Porter Show is an all singing, all dancing and unashamedly old school (but oh-so-modern) variety show filmed at the Olympia theatre.
Featuring PJ Gallagher, 2015’s America’s Got Talent winner ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, British magician Peter Firman, Irish improve hip hop crew Abandoman and Edinburgh favourite Spencer Jones along with Al’s troupe of dancers and cameos from Rory Cowan, Patrick McDonnell and Joe Rooney.
For an alternative approach to 1916 catch up with the Rubberbandits8. The Rubberbandits’ Guide to 1916
And on the cusp of the centenary of 1916 is The Rubberbandits’ Guide to 1916 sees the boys crash through Irish history from Brian Boru, through the Famine and right up to Irish Independence.
9. Republic of Telly
With hilarious reviews, live music from Attention Bébé and an exposé on what life is actually like for Santa’s elves, there’ll be plenty to laugh at in the Christmas edition of Republic of Telly.
It's that time of the year again...oh yes it is!10. Twigín Christmas Panto!
This Christmas on RTÉjr there is a sensational selection of festive family fun for all our viewers including a very special Twigín Christmas Panto!, along with old classics, new favourites and sprinkled with short films of our viewers at Christmas time.
Christmas and New Year on RTÉ Player…
Binge on your favourite Christmas specials, classic boxsets, and online extras over the festive season with Christmas, New Year and Family collections available on-demand on RTÉ Player.
If you’re away this Christmas and missing home, you can stay in touch with RTÉ Player International for iPhone and iPad.
Make sure you avail of our amazing festive offer available in app now. For €4.99 per month (or equivalent in your country) you can watch Box sets of great Irish drama like The Clinic and RAW, laugh out loud comedy like Father Ted and Callan’s Kicks and brand new documentaries such as Ireland’s Rising, The Irish Abroad and the beautiful Creedon’s Wild Atlantic Way amongst many more.
To watch outside Ireland, simply download the RTÉ Player International app for iPhone and iPad.
For more see @RTEPlayerInt on Twitter
Check out RTEPlayerInternational on Facebook
Go to www.rte.ie/playerinternational
See More: Featured, RTE, RTE Player International, Sponsored, TV Guide
