Roman Kemp and Father Martin Embark on Irish Road Trip Exploring Folklore and Family Bonds

Roman Kemp and his father Martin are embarking on a father-and-son road trip across Ireland to explore the island's ancient mythology and folklore. The three-part series launches on Channel 4 on August 10th, following the pair as they balance humour, reflection, and discovery while investigating how inherited stories shape family identity.

The Journey Begins

The premise emerged from Martin's long-standing affection for Irish culture and storytelling traditions. Having previously lived in Dublin, Martin expressed enthusiasm about returning to explore the country's mythological heritage alongside his son Roman, who regularly films the BBC One quiz show The Finish Line in Belfast but had never ventured beyond the studio and hotel. The pair decided to venture into the countryside to experience the landscapes and legends firsthand.

During their travels, they encountered locations tied to Irish supernatural folklore, including County Derry, where they investigated the legend of Abhartach, described as an ancient Irish vampire. Another stop took them to Glandore in West Cork, where Queen of the Banshees Clíodhna is said to create ominous sounds through the waves as a death omen. The coastal roads along Cork proved particularly striking, with Roman noting they witnessed dolphins during their drives, while Martin described the rugged beauty and historical depth embedded in every landscape.

Family Dynamics on Screen

The series captures genuine father-and-son interactions, including moments of friction and affection. Martin revealed he initially suggested driving but ultimately left the task to Roman once they reached the car. The pair spent considerable time together during the production, with Roman having previously completed a seven-week journey across Central America with Martin for Race across the World, which they won in 2025. Martin's wife Shirlie, a former chart-topping artist from Pepsi and Shirlie, appears in the series providing remote support and organisation from home, while their daughter Harley Moon opted out after spending seven weeks with Roman during their previous travel adventure.

Tourism Ireland is supporting the series, with the organisation's Head of Great Britain, Julie Wakley, expressing enthusiasm about how the programme will showcase the island's scenery, heritage, and cultural traditions to British audiences. The episodes blend personal reflection on family legacy with broader themes of how music, memories, and shared history connect generations across time.