The show

Father Ted is a TV sitcom set on the fictional Craggy Island, a remote location off Ireland's west coast, starring Dermot Morgan as the eponymous Father Ted Crilly, alongside fellow priests Father Dougal McGuire (Ardal O'Hanlon) and Father Jack Hackett (Frank Kelly).

Exiled on the island for various past incidents, the priests live together in the parochial house with their housekeeper Mrs. Doyle (Pauline McLynn).

The show was critically acclaimed, receiving multiple BAFTA awards, and remains a popular sitcom in Britain and Ireland.

Image: Father Ted's House

The three priests answer to Bishop Len Brennan, who has banished them to Craggy Island as punishment for different incidents in their past: Ted for alleged financial impropriety (apparently involving some money 'resting' in his account and a child being deprived a visit to Lourdes so that Ted could go to Las Vegas), Dougal for something only referred to as the "Blackrock Incident" (resulting in many nuns' "lives irreparably damaged"), and Jack for his alcoholism and womanising, particularly for an incident at a wedding.

The show revolves around the priests' lives on Craggy Island, sometimes dealing with matters of the church but more often dealing with Father Ted's schemes to either resolve a situation with the parish or other Craggy Island residents, or to win games of one-upmanship against his enemy, Father Dick Byrne of the nearby Rugged Island parish

Location

Location work for Father Ted was done mostly in County Clare, including locations at Corofin, Ennis, Kilfenora, Ennistymon, and Kilnaboy. The Parochial House is McCormack's at Glenquin, on the Boston road from Kilnaboy.

Tourism

Father Ted has generated a micro-tourism industry with some companies operating Father Ted tours such as tedtours.com who promote Father Ted tours and the REAL Craggy Island. You can follow in the footsteps of Ted, Dougal, Jack and Mrs. Doyle. Drink in their local pubs, have tea & cake with the real Mrs. Doyle.

The Parochial House

Glanquin Farmhouse is part of an organic farm and the home of the McCormack family. It is also well known as the location of Father Ted's House. Due to popular demand, Cheryl and Patrick McCormack with family offer tea and home-made baking by appointment. They provide a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere while relating the story of Father Ted, as well as the history of the house and locality with its rich ancient heritage and traditions.

All visits are by pre-booking only.

To make a booking, please text Cheryl McCormack on +353 87 921 46 94 or email: glanquincheryl@hotmail.com to book. Due to popularity Cheryl is only able to respond on a first come, first served basis, so do book early to avoid disappointment. For information about visiting Father Ted's House, please visit their website.