The six-part crime drama Blackshore made a subtle yet impactful debut on the BBC last week, quickly garnering a dedicated following among viewers. This Irish detective series, which centres on a compelling small-town mystery, has been praised for its gripping narrative and strong performances.
Blackshore Premiere and Viewing Information
Originally premiering in Ireland on RTÉ in February 2024, Blackshore arrived on BBC Four on Saturday, January 17, with a double-bill opening. The first episode aired at 9pm, followed immediately by the second at 9:55pm. For those eager to binge-watch, the entire first season is now available on BBC iPlayer, with many fans describing it as "gripping from beginning to end". The series continues on BBC Four with episodes three and four scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at 9:25pm, though all six instalments can be streamed on demand via iPlayer.
Meet the Star-Studded Cast
Leading the ensemble is Lisa Dwan, renowned for her roles in Topboy and MobLand, who portrays DS Fia Lucey. Her character, a detective grappling with allegations of undue force in Dublin, is dispatched to her hometown of Blackwater to investigate a missing persons case, forcing her to confront a traumatic past.
She is joined by Rory Keenan, known for Striking Out and Versailles, who plays Cian Furlong, Fia's detective partner in Blackwater. Amy De Bhrún, familiar to audiences from Line of Duty and Vikings, takes on the role of Niamh, who is married to DI Cian Furlong.
The supporting cast includes:
- Aidan McArdle (Bergerac, Showtrial)
- Stanley Townsend as town businessman Bill
- Andrew Bennett
- Jade Jordan
- Clara Fitzgerald
- Orla Charlton
- Dara Devaney
- Barry McGovern
Filming Locations in Ireland
While the series is set in the fictional town of Blackwater, filming took place in picturesque Irish locations, including Killaloe in County Clare and Ballina in County Tipperary. Reflecting on the experience, Lisa Dwan shared with RTÉ, "It really is nice to be back and filming in Ireland. It's amazing, actually. The whole project. I just thank my lucky stars for the role. And I really love the crew and all the cast."
Episode Count and Series Details
The first season of Blackshore consists of six episodes, each approximately 50 minutes in length. All episodes are currently accessible on BBC iPlayer for streaming. Despite fan calls for a second season, the BBC has not yet confirmed whether Blackshore will return for series two, leaving viewers in suspense about the future of this acclaimed drama.
