Dermot Bannon's Super Spaces

In this new two part series, Dermot Bannon looks at a variety of super spaces in which we live, work and socialise. From beautiful renovations to small container homes, from tiny converted out houses to coffee huts, Dermot is excited to see the bold, the beautiful and the cleverly designed spaces that can be found around the island of Ireland.

Right in the very north of Ireland, Basalt House in Portrush, Co. Antrim is one of the most breathtaking homes Dermot has ever visited. And in Co. Kerry, Dermot spends time with the owner of Limehouse Cottage, a beautiful renovated farmhands cottage, set in the hills near Glenbeigh.

He talks to sea swimmers at the stunning Clontarf Baths, who use this facility not only to help their stamina but also their mental health.

Dermot heads to the brand-new International Rugby experience in Limerick, designed by architect Niall McLoughlin. Here he explains how this building, set in the Gothic quarter, is bringing new life and energy to the city. He also gets a little tour from Paul O’Connell, who wants to test Dermot, to see if has the makings of a great rugby player. 

In this series, Dermot wants to talk to people whose lives have been positively affected by well designed civic spaces. He travels to Westport to learn about their town planning. He sees first-hand the impact of some of the changes slowly implemented over the last 20 years - the gradual removal of car park spaces on the main streets to make way for parklets, streamlining of street signage and the opening up of new pedestrian laneways.

Dermot also visits some stunning architecturally designed houses, including An Tuí, a renovated cottage with a contemporary extension and thatch roof in Kildare, Stilt House in Connemara, the small but stunning Charleville House on the North Strand in Dublin, and the magnificent Vaulted House in Sandymount, Dublin.

Dermot Bannon’s Super Spaces airs this Wednesday, September 4th @9:35pm on RTÉ One