From Katie Hannon’s daring ride in Ireland’s rarest car to the tiny seaside village of Curracloe turning into a war‑zone and a Rathmines shopkeeper caught up in the Dublin Castle scandal, this RTE2 programming blends drama and documentary for a gripping episode of British TV. A quick overview at a glance offers UK television and UK viewers a fresh slice of entertainment, making it a standout entry in the series for any television guide looking for programme highlights.

‘Katie Hannon rides in Ireland’s rarest car, the small seaside village of Curracloe becomes a war zone, and a Rathmines shopkeeper becomes embroiled in the Dublin Castle scandal’ is a three‑part documentary‑drama series that blends investigative journalism with cinematic storytelling. Fronted by veteran RTE presenter Katie Hannon, each hour‑long episode follows a distinct narrative thread – a historic vintage car that only a handful of enthusiasts own, the sudden transformation of a tranquil coastal community into a wartime flashpoint, and the unexpected political fallout surrounding a local shopkeeper caught up in the Dublin Castle scandal. The programme is positioned as a flagship offering on RTE2, delivering full details of Irish history, contemporary politics and human drama in a format that resonates with UK television audiences. Viewers can anticipate a meticulously researched blend of archival footage, on‑the‑ground reporting and personal interviews. In the first episode, Hannon takes the wheel of the rare 1930s Austin 7, exploring its engineering quirks while meeting the car’s custodians who recount its wartime service and post‑war survival. The second episode transports the audience to Curracloe, where a simulated invasion exercise turns the village into a temporary war zone, prompting an examination of military preparedness and community resilience. The final episode follows the Rathmines shopkeeper’s legal battle, revealing how a seemingly ordinary retail dispute escalated into a national political scandal that reached the corridors of Dublin Castle. The series balances drama with documentary rigour, offering an in‑depth review of each storyline. Each episode is anchored by Katie Hannon’s incisive interviewing style, which draws out candid testimonies from historians, veterans, local residents and political insiders. The series boasts high‑definition cinematography of the Irish coastline, rare footage of the vintage car in motion, and recreated scenes that bring the wartime drills to life. A standout moment is the live‑broadcast of the Curracloe exercise, where viewers witness the coordination between the Irish Defence Forces and civilian volunteers. Additionally, the Rathmines episode includes exclusive access to court documents and behind‑the‑scenes footage of parliamentary debates, providing a rare glimpse into the mechanics of Irish governance. These elements combine to create a compelling documentary‑drama that feels both educational and entertaining. The series offers a fresh perspective on stories that echo familiar British themes – heritage vehicles, coastal defence, and political intrigue – making it instantly relatable for UK television viewers. Its focus on a rare car mirrors the UK’s own fascination with classic motoring, while the Curracloe war‑zone scenario taps into the long‑standing interest in military exercises and community impact. Moreover, the Rathmines scandal provides a comparative lens on political accountability, resonating with audiences accustomed to British political documentaries. The programme’s blend of drama, documentary and investigative journalism aligns with the expectations of discerning British TV fans who appreciate depth, authenticity and high production values. RTE2 has positioned the series as part of its commitment to flagship documentary content that competes with premium British channels such as BBC Four and Channel 4. By featuring a high‑profile presenter like Katie Hannon and tackling stories of national significance, the series reinforces RTE2’s reputation for delivering thoughtful, well‑researched programming. It sits alongside other acclaimed RTE2 series that explore Irish history and contemporary issues, offering UK viewers a gateway to Ireland’s cultural narrative while maintaining the standards expected of a top‑tier entertainment and documentary service. This placement ensures the programme receives prominent scheduling, promotional support and cross‑platform availability, making it an essential entry in any UK television guide.