Carrie Crowley- Credit: Colm Hogan
The new TG4 documentary "Sáile" explores rising sea temperatures and the implications for Ireland.
A deep and reciprocal relationship has existed between Irish people and the ocean for millennia. In this documentary actor Carrie Crowley journeys to the core of this relationship, exploring how the ocean has shaped our culture, traditions and identity and how it can offer us a profound experience of healing, renewal and connection.
As a committed sea and fresh water swimmer, Carrie is passionate about the health benefits of being in or near water, but she is also deeply aware of the changes happening to the quality of our waters and the health of our ocean into the future.
We are living in a time where much of our water bodies, rivers and seas have become degraded. All Irish marine waters are vulnerable to the increasing climate crisis and marine heatwaves are a new phenomenon in our ocean.
What is happening to our waters? How do we best protect this resource which supports the health and vitality of our bodies, minds, hearts and communities? In this documentary, Carrie goes on a search for answers to these questions.
Carrie follows a journey along Ireland’s west and south coasts, meeting people whose lives and work are closely tied to the sea. In her native Waterford, Carrie returns to the beach of her youth, Trá an Bháid, where she joins a local swimming group for a dip.
Carrie and Gerard McCarthy, oceanographer.
At Rossnowlagh in Donegal, she meets renowned surfer and environmentalist Easkey Britton. On to Conamara, where archaeologist Michael Gibbons discusses a local shell midden and its significance. She visits the Coral Strand in An Cheathrú Rua, where she meets Danny de Bhailís.
Carrie travels to Ros Muc, a place she first visited at the age of 10 while learning Gaeilge, where she speaks with seaweed harvester Máirtín Sonny (RIP) about traditional practices.
Sáile Carrie and Frances Gallagher - Roches Point.
The documentary also explores the science behind a changing ocean. Marine biologist Gearóid McCarthy, from Clonakilty, outlines the impact of rising sea temperatures on fragile marine ecosystems. At Roche’s Point, Frances Gallagher introduces Carrie to the concept of “tropification”—a striking indicator of climate change in Irish waters.
In Clochar, Corca Dhuibhne, folklorist Aoife Granville shares local stories and traditions. While in Corca Dhuibhne, Carrie joins musician Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich for a swim off the pier at Cuas an Bhodaigh.
Carrie Crowley & Breandán Ó Beaglaoich in Corca Dhuibhne.
From the drowned Mesolithic landscapes of Cois Fharraige in Conamara, to the Copper Coast in Co. Waterford, in this one-off authored documentary, Carrie Crowley goes on a personal journey in Ireland’s waters, swimming and exploring these questions with some of the greatest thinkers, activists, swimmers and sea dogs, passionate to preserve our waters into the future.
Watch the trailer below:
"Sáile" will air Wednesday, April 29th at 9.45pm on TG4 and on www.tg4.ie.
The documentary is funded by TG4 and Coimisiún na Meán.