ardal O’Hanlon: From Father Ted to Island Adventures and a Fridge Full of Failed Sauerkraut
Ardal O’Hanlon is a name synonymous with Irish comedy, instantly recognizable from his iconic role as Father Dougal McGuire in Father Ted. However, his career has blossomed far beyond the parochial confines of Craggy Island, encompassing travel documentaries, stand-up tours, and a continuing presence on both British and Australian television. Recently,he’s captivated audiences with Return to Paradise,and we sat down with O’Hanlon to delve into his diverse interests,near-death experiences,and even the surprisingly long life of a homemade sauerkraut experiment.
A Passion for Exploration & Language
You might recognize O’Hanlon from his recent Irish-language show, Inis na nIontas, which explored the stunning islands surrounding ireland. When asked about future travel aspirations, his answer was surprisingly specific. Japan is high on his list, but with a linguistic twist.
“It woudl have to be in English,” he admits with a laugh. “My Irish is really not that good. People often assume I’m fluent, and try speaking to me in Irish, but I actually have better Spanish!” He envisions documenting his Japanese journey in Spanish, complete with English subtitles – a truly multilingual adventure.
The Culinary Experiment Gone Wrong
Every kitchen has its secrets, and O’Hanlon’s holds a notably fermented one. During the pandemic, like many, he took up a new hobby: making sauerkraut.
“It’s easy to make, but requires discipline,” he explains. “you shred cabbage, add salt and peppercorns, than let it ferment for up to a month.” He aimed to recreate a cherished memory of a summer spent in Germany, but the result fell short of his expectations. Three years later, that less-than-perfect sauerkraut still resides in his refrigerator, a testament to a good intention and a slightly disappointing outcome.
Facing the Elements: Near-Death Experiences at Sea
O’Hanlon’s adventurous spirit isn’t limited to television. He recounted two harrowing experiences while filming Death in Paradise in the Caribbean, both involving the unpredictable power of the ocean.
First, a spontaneous trip to montserrat with colleagues turned perilous when a hurricane unexpectedly blew in. ”Twenty-foot waves were washing over our tiny boat,” he recalls, describing a scene of fear and desperation. The boat captain, lost and overwhelmed, was even crying.
Another incident involved rescuing his children while snorkeling.he had to swim in deep water, far beyond his comfort zone. “I only like swimming if I can stand on the bottom,” he confessed, “but I could see 200 feet below me and thought, ‘I’m not going to make it.'”
Space over the Sea: A Clear Preference
Given these experiences, the choice was clear when asked whether he’d prefer to die at the bottom of the sea or deep in space. “I’m slightly afraid of the water,” he stated simply. “So, the answer to your question is: space.”
Where to Catch Ardal O’Hanlon
You can currently enjoy O’hanlon in the second series of Return to Paradise, airing on BBC1 in the UK and ABC in australia starting November 15th. Additionally, he’s touring the UK and Ireland with his stand-up show, Ardal O’Hanlon: Not Himself, with dates continuing through November 16th and resuming in March 2026.
Find tour dates and information here.
