Set record on this, it begins on RTÉ tonight.
A comprehensive guide to one of the most defining events in Irish history will begin tonight with the broadcast of The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine on RTÉ One.
Narrated by Liam Neeson, the landmark two-part series will tell the definitive story of the worst humanitarian disaster in Irish history and one of the most important events in the history of Europe.
Marking the 175th anniversary of the Great Famine, the series will consist of two 60-minute episodes and is the result of a collaboration between RTÉ, University College Cork (UCC), the European Culture TV channel ARTE and the Department of Culture.
Commissioned by RTÉ Cork, it is the second major partnership between RTÉ and UCC following the well-received three-part documentary series on the War of Independence, The Irish Revolution, which aired in February 2019.
Narrator Liam Neeson said he felt it was important to be involved in the series because “it marks a defining national moment in how Ireland found hope in the face of catastrophic tragedy”.
“The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine is a compelling series for all generations to watch and learn from,” Neeson said.
“The Famine spawned the Global Irish Diaspora of 70 million around the world, over 30 million of which are in the US. Being one of the global Irish, I felt it was important to be involved in the series because it marks a defining national moment in how Ireland found hope in the face of catastrophic tragedy.
“Hope is something we all need right now.”
The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine begins on RTÉ One tonight at 9.35pm.
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