Crá: BBC’s Dark New Irish Crime Drama Uncovers Secrets Buried in the Bog

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Get ready for a dose of murder, mystery, and Irish intrigue as Crá, the latest crime drama, hits BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland on Sunday, November 17. This six-part series, filmed in the haunting landscapes of County Donegal, dives into a dark tale of secrets, family ties, and the unsettling power of modern media.

The story kicks off in a remote village where a shocking discovery rocks the community—a body, buried in the bog, is unearthed by Garda Barry Roche (Alex Murphy). Things take an intense turn when Garda Conall Ó Súilleabháin (Dónall Ó Héalai) realizes that the body belongs to his mother, Sabine, who disappeared fifteen years ago. Ordered off the case because of the personal connection, Conall finds himself drawn back in with the help of Ciara-Kate (Hannah Brady), an up-and-coming true-crime podcaster intent on exposing the secrets lurking in the village.

As Ciara-Kate's podcast gains traction, the investigation plays out in real time for a growing audience, adding pressure and unpredictable twists with each episode. The two unlikely partners face the difficult task of sifting through long-buried secrets, navigating a close-knit community that's fiercely protective of its own.

With a strong cast that includes veterans like Barry McGovern and Róisín Murphy, plus fresh talent in Hannah Brady, Crá promises powerful performances and an atmosphere thick with tension. Written by Doireann Ní Chorragáin and Richie Conroy and directed by Philip Doherty, the series combines sharp writing with stunning visuals of Donegal's rugged landscape.

Produced by Fíbín Media and Zoogon Ltd for BBC Gaeilge and TG4, Crá is supported by Northern Ireland Screen's Irish Language Broadcast Fund and others, making it a standout Irish-language drama (with English subtitles) that brings authenticity to every scene.

Tune in to BBC iPlayer or BBC One Northern Ireland on November 17 at 10:30 p.m., with the entire series dropping on BBC iPlayer after the premiere. This is one dark mystery you won't want to miss!