RTÉ Cork-set show 'The Ballycotton Sessions' to feature Damien Dempsey, Saint Sister & The Coronas

Seachurch Productions has announced a brand new RTÉ music show, The Ballycotton Sessions.

The 8-part series, hosted by radio and TV presenter Louise Duffy, will see some of Ireland’s best-known and well-loved musicians and artists perform and chat amid the stunning surroundings of Ballycotton Village.

The east Cork village’s newly renovated 'Sea Church' will provide the backdrop for the series. The Sea Church is a unique venue housed in the fully refurbished former Church of Ireland, which first opened in 1835 and has been lovingly restored as a multi-purpose entertainment venue.

The acts featured in The Ballycotton Sessions will include The Academic, Robert Grace, Damien Dempsey, Wallis Bird, rapper J Yellow L, Saint Sister, Jack L and The Coronas.

Each episode will spotlight an artist who will join Louise for an interview and perform in the intimate venue.

A unique and picturesque laid-back fishing village, 40km from Cork City, Ballycotton was chosen as the ideal location for the show - framed by its magnificent ocean views.

The church itself suffered over the years due to a dwindling local Church of Ireland population. Eventually, the structure gradually fell into disuse and was finally closed. In 2018, Ballycotton-born Pearse Flynn set out to realise a dream of his own when he purchased the church from American vendors.

A multi-million euro revamp began to take this diamond in the rough from decline and into restoration. Special care was taken in the renovation of the church and a huge amount of time, energy and passion have been dedicated over a two-year restoration programme.

The first episode of The Ballycotton Sessions will air on Thursday, February 17th at 11 pm and will also be available to view on-demand on the RTE Player.

Photo credit: AV3 media