She's the face of RTÉ's Operation Transformation, and has been lighting up the airways on RTÉ Radio 1 recently while covering for Ray D'Arcy, but for the next few weeks fans will see Kathryn Thomas on an adventure around Ireland.
The TV presenter is back on the road for a second round of RTÉ One's No Place Like Home, embarking on a summer 2021 expedition of the country from the most northerly point on the island of Ireland.
Building on the huge popularity of last year’s series - which saw her explore Wexford, Waterford, Mayo and Sligo - Kathryn's new venture will see her undertake a trip from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
In each episode, two well- known Irish faces will also take a short break together in a bid to find what's on offer to Ireland's eager staycationers.
To kick things off, our host will walk along the insanely rugged clifftops and dramatic landscapes of Malin Head, featured in the latest Star Wars movie, and catches up with Micheal Gallagher.
The Donegal Postman has delivered the goods around the Bluestack Mountains for 48 years, and has developed a reputation for successfully predicting the Irish weather using traditional techniques handed down by the generations before him.
Kathryn is meeting him especially to check his weather forecast for her trip down the west coast. During this chat he’ll also give a nod to the influence of fairies on Donegal’s culture and weather!
At Mullin’s shop, Kathryn stops off to the get some maps from Mrs Mullins, who’s worked behind the counter for almost 70 years, before venturing into the newly opened Wild Ireland Sanctuary to meet the Bearman of Buncrana Killian MacLaughlin.
How did a former solicitor convince the locals to let him bring bears and wolves to the wilds of Inishowen and how realistic is it that he can return these wild animals to their ancestral homes?
The beaches of Donegal are the hidden gems of the county and Kathryn samples one or two of her favourite sandy spots in Co Donegal, with an eye on swimming safely and local lifeguard services.
Heading down South and inland from the rugged coast, Kathryn’s sights are set on Lough Mardal Lodge, which features eco-friendly accommodation on the shore of Lough Mardal. It’s run by Marcus and Claire Tindal who gave up a life as rock 'n’ roll and events managers to set up a more stable lifestyle in Donegal with their twins, now aged six.They have 12 yurts on site and Kathryn will settle down here for the night.
Kathryn takes her daughter Ellie on a walk across the Fairy Bridges in Bundoran. This is a series of ancient sea stacks stretched along the town’s coastal area. The 360° view provides a panorama of Slieve League and beyond across the bay where Kathryn’s Donegal journey started and points the way forward for the next leg of her western odyssey.
Later in the programme Singer Tolü Makay and her friend poet, performer and writer Felicia Olusanya AKA Felispeaks hit Kilkenny and surrounding areas. Tolü and Felicia arrive in the Marble City on the hunt for some fun and games, and a bit of devilment.
Watch No Place Like Home on Sunday, 22nd August at 6.30pm
