It's pretty much unanimously agreed that Father Ted is one of our country's all time finest exports. In fact, it's hard to believe that a show so synonymous with Irish humour originally found it's television home on across the pond on the UK's Channel 4. It's even harder to believe that a show so beloved by practically the entire nation was co-created by a man who's become better known for his distasteful, transphobic rants than he is for inventing unforgettable characters like Mrs. Doyle, Father Jack and Dougal.
Controversies aside, it's true to say the jokes and one-liners from Father Ted have brought Irish people across the world together for decades now, and with all of the show shot here on the stunning Emerald Isle, it makes sense that people would crave the opportunity to step directly into the rainy world of Craggy Island. Well, with the aptly named Ted Tours, now you can.
Available to book for big or small groups, the Ted Tours take participants all around Co. Clare to various classic Father Ted locations including the 'Song For Europe' Waterfall, The Chinese Pub, Mrs. O'Reilly's house and, of course, no Ted Tour would be complete without a stop at the iconic Father Ted Parochial House for tea and cakes.
As you will see from photos, attendees are strongly encouraged ('Ah, go on!') to dress up as their favourite characters from the show as they embark on this journey of nostalgia with many tour-goers donning nuns' habits, clerical collars and Mrs. Doyle-esque Irish mammy garments.
If you're roadtripping it to Clare and luggage is looking a little tight however, the lovely folks at Ted Tours will be able to help with costuming to ensure you and your gang capture a picture perfect moment.
The tours are led by bona fide Father Ted experts in the area, many of whom are locals who were even involved in the filming of the series in the nineties.
As if all this alone doesn't sound like the ultimate day out, if it weren't for that pesky COVID-19 pandemic this month we would be looking forward to a full-blown Father Ted Festival complete with big screenings, a priests vs nuns dance-off and a Lovely Girls competition on the Saturday night. We're already mourning the loss of this festival from our social calendars and we've only just found out it ever existed - still, another event to look forward to next year!
In the meantime, to book a Ted Tour for you and your friends simply visit the official website here. Ah, go on. Go on. Go on, go on, go on...
Featured Image Credit: TedTours.comTopics: Ireland