James Nesbitt's Ireland

Episode 5 (1x5)

: 15, 2013

In episode five, James celebrates the good times to be had throughout Ireland. In County Clare, he meets matchmaker Willie Daly, who has been bringing lonely hearts together for decades, often in the nearby town of Lisdoonvarna. It’s a pretty village with just 800 residents but every September, 20,000 singles tumble into town looking for love at the annual matchmaking festival. It’s a huge success as Willie explains: “Last year I’d say about 186 got married, related to the festival.” Willie is on-hand with his magical book. He explains: “It’s a lucky book, this book was used by my father and my grandfather. If you touch the book with both hands you’re going to be in love and married inside of six months. If you’re already married and you touch the book you renew your honeymoon.” James is happy to give it a try, before later turning his hand to a bit of matchmaking himself. At a food festival in Dingle, County Kerry, Ryan Coote is preparing his artisan pizza. Ryan is passionate about local produce and has converted a double-decker bus into a fully mobile pizzeria. He’s willing to go to any lengths to bring the best toppings to his customers and as an expert spear fisherman, Ryan takes to the water in search of some fresh fish and seafood. Ryan says: “I can get really good ingredients, I can get really good local salads, really good local cheeses which are just made down the road, so everything I can have I’m confident in that I’m not selling junk food, I’m selling good food.” Also this week, we meet renowned racehorse trainer Jessica Harrington and her family, including her daughter Kate who is a competitive rider. Kate competes at the week-long Galway Races, which attract punters from all over the World. James fully understands the appeal. He says: “For me, there is definitely no bigger thrill in the world, so much so that I am a proud part-owner of a racehorse and nothing makes me happier than watching it sprin