First episode of 'The Traitors Ireland' airs Sunday night

Hit international series filmed at Slane Castle in March

The players in 'The Traitors Ireland' show will be revealed when the first episode airs tomorrow (Sunday) night, when Siobhán McSweeney as host will charge into chaos, suspicion and stylish skulduggery. Some 22 contestants from all around the country were selected following a national casting call for applications last year.

Filmed at Slane Castle, RTE says that "this spine-tingling new adaptation of the global phenomenon brings suspicion, strategy and sabotage to Irish soil".

A group of strangers arrive at the castle. Their mission: to win €50,000 without getting murdered or banished. The twist? Traitors walk amongst them, sowing doubt and deceit at every turn.

Expect conniving glances over banquet breakfasts, whispers in corridors and enough drama to make even the most loyal viewer question their instincts.

As tension rises and alliances crumble, viewers will be left asking: who’s lying, who’s loyal and who’s next? Siobhán McSweeney of 'Derry Girls' will guide viewers through the game, keeping an eagle-eye on the action as contestants fight to stay in the game. 

Kevin McGahern will then delve into the behind the scenes in 'The Traitors Ireland Uncloaked'. As soon as viewers have finished with their latest fix of The Traitors Ireland on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, they’ll be able to join Kevin and celebrity guests and players from the game for all the best analysis and reaction to the latest betrayals, mind games and manipulations.

Uncloaked will take fans of The Traitors Ireland deeper into Slane Castle with dissection of the episodes and exclusive access to the banished and murdered players. This access all areas show will be available on RTÉ television, RTÉ Player and all podcast platforms.

Each episode will feature an exclusive interview with the banished or murdered player. With bonus unseen footage, some will learn the identity of the Traitors for the very first time!

The Traitors Ireland was filmed at Slane Castle in March, which saw “22 strangers travel to a lonely castle for the suspenseful psychological reality competition, where they compete in the ultimate game of deceit, treachery, and trust, all with the potential to win €50,000 or more. However, among them lurk the Traitors, who try every night to kill a player covertly and escape detection. Before they become their next victim, it is the responsibility of the other players, the Faithfuls, to identify the Traitors and remove them from the game.”

Retailer Very are sponsors of The Traitors Ireland. The sponsorship deal with Very includes 240 Very credited stings airing across The Traitors Ireland episodes on RTÉ One and RTÉ One +1 as well as other content.

The deal also covers live broadcasts on RTÉ Player, all available catch-up episodes, and sponsor logos on all dedicated promos across television, audio and social media channels.  The package also includes 2 x 10” credited stings top and tail around The Traitors Ireland segments on the official radio partner of the series.

Catherine O’Toole, head of marketing at Very said: “The Traitors is a show that has become a global phenomenon, a cultural moment that sparks conversation, fuels speculation, and keeps audiences guessing, and we can’t wait for it to come to Ireland! Through our sponsorship of The Traitors Ireland, which is set to be a key cultural moment this autumn, we’ll be able to bring our ‘flamazing’ brand world into play and add a splash of flamboyance to the mystery. Viewers will see distinctly Very branded stings across the live shows and on catch-up featuring our much-loved Irish flamingo, Cherry.  We’re proud to champion Irish storytelling and production, and this collaboration is a testament to our ongoing commitment to premium partnerships that build meaningful, long-term connections with our customers.”

Alex Culligan, head of media sponsorship, Core Sponsorship, said:  “The Traitors Ireland is the most anticipated and exciting TV programme and TV sponsorship to come to the market this decade. It is set to captivate the nation, so we knew it would be the ideal platform for the right brand. Very wants to connect with a highly engaged audience at a key time of year for the brand, so the timing and the opportunity are a perfect match.”

Gavin Deans, commercial director, RTÉ said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Very as the sponsor of what promises to be the biggest TV event of the year, The Traitors Ireland. Excitement is building across RTÉ, and it’s vital for us to collaborate with partners who share our passion for championing Irish storytelling and production. Very’s commitment to supporting homegrown content makes them the perfect partner for this landmark series. We’re grateful for their support and look forward to bringing this phenomenal show to audiences across Ireland together.”

The Traitors Ireland is produced by Kite Entertainment. Since its launch in the Netherlands on RTL 4 in 2021, the format has proved its international appeal with over 30 territories adapting local format versions. Hit international adaptations include Studio Lambert’s multi-Emmy-winning US version for NBC Universal’s streaming service Peacock and their BAFTA winning UK version for the BBC. A successful merchandise line for The Traitors including a board game, card game and apparel wear is also available, and The Traitors Live Experience is now live in London.

A multi-award-winning ratings hit, The Traitors was recently named as K7’s format of the year in 2024 and the format was awarded C21’s International Format Award for Best Host of a Television Format. Previously the Dutch version De Verraders received the Rose d'Or award 'Golden Rose' for Best Reality and Factual Entertainment. All3Media International handles tape and format rights and licenses The Traitors IP.

Sunday, 9.30pm, RTÉ One.