Tourism Ireland has announced that applications are now open for its 2025 International Programming Ireland Fund. Now in its 5th year, the Fund is designed to showcase the island of Ireland to an international audience through high-quality and engaging TV projects.
Launched in 2021, to date the fund has supported over 50 high-quality TV programmes including celebrity-led travelogues such as Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey for Channel 4; culture travelogues including Ireland with Michael by Wexford House for PBS, Titanic, Our Secret Histories for Channel 4 and Home of Halloween currently in production for ARTE; nature documentaries such as Ireland’s Wild Islands by Crossing the Line Productions for ARTE, Smithsonian, Sky Nature UK and SVT Sweden; and game show formats such as Het Perfecte Plaatje by ITV Netherlands for RTL4.
Successful projects will feature content that inspires and educates audiences about the island of Ireland, with concepts that showcase the regions around Ireland, as well reasons to explore in spring, autumn and winter. Projects should incorporate some of the below:
- Discovery and exploration – new unique experiences to appeal to mind and spirit.
- Meaningful connection to place and people – local authentic experiences.
- Meaningful connection to nature – immersion and rejuvenation by the natural beauty of the island of Ireland.
Through a competitive selection process, producers can apply for a maximum investment of up to €200,000 (funding to be no more than 50% of the global budget for the project). Projects must demonstrate commitment from a broadcaster or distributor to be aired on channels in Tourism Ireland’s key markets, including USA, GB and Mainland Europe.
The Fund will have two application rounds in 2025, in February and June, with ‘speed-pitching’ events scheduled (both virtually and in-person) in the run-up to each round for interested producers with developed TV concepts.
For more information, please see the links below.
Guidelines on the application process.
Guidelines and registration information for Speed Pitching sessions.
PDF of Application Form for reference.
Application Form for February Round of Programming Ireland Fund.Opens in new window
