Award-winning crime thriller Aontas is coming to BBC iPlayer in March 2026

A critically acclaimed Irish language crime thriller, Aontas, is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Northern Ireland, and TG4 on Monday, March 16th. The film has already garnered significant international recognition, winning awards at several film festivals throughout 2025.

A Tense Narrative Unfolds

Aontas centres around Mairéad, portrayed by Carrie Crowley, a woman grappling with personal turmoil who leads two unlikely accomplices – her sister Cáit (Bríd Brennan) and Sheila (Eva-Jane Gaffney) – in an attempt to rob a rural Irish Credit Union. The film explores the unraveling of their plans and the inescapable weight of the past.

Did You Know? Aontas secured Best Film Feature at the San Diego International Film Festival, San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, Maryland International Film Festival, Three Rivers Film Festival, Ojai International Film Festival, Manchester International Film Festival and Irish Film Festival London.

The cast also includes Seán T. Ó Meallaigh (Colly), Marcus Lamb (Dara), Art Parkinson (Éamonn), Naseen Morgan (Elma) Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh (Brian), Bríd Ní Chumhaill (Nóirín), Mary Ryan (Mary), Christopher Grant (Caoimhín), Frankie McCafferty (Len) and Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhrighde (Con). The film’s script is the work of Damian McCann and Sarah Gordon, with production led by Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh and Christopher Myers for Púca Pictures.

Expanding Irish Language Programming

The arrival of Aontas is part of a larger celebration of Irish language and culture on BBC Gaeilge, known as Seachtain na Gaeilge. This annual event will feature a range of programming, including the documentary Tubaiste sa Phortach, which revisits the site of a World War Two plane crash and will air on BBC Two Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, March 29th at 10pm.

Expert Insight: The simultaneous release across multiple platforms – BBC iPlayer, BBC One Northern Ireland, and TG4 – suggests a deliberate strategy to maximize viewership and accessibility for audiences interested in Irish language programming. This coordinated approach could indicate a growing investment in and recognition of the cultural significance of Irish language content.

BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster will also participate with a programme called Blas, featuring special content throughout March. Two digital series, Cumhacht na bhFocal and Arbh fhearr leat…, will be available on the BBC Gaeilge website. Archived programmes like Crá, Ceolta, Bog Amach, Iarsmaí, and The Irish Houses: Scéal Phobal Bhóthar Seoighe will be available on BBC iPlayer, alongside Ceann Dubhrann on BBC Sounds.

Further Exploration of History and Language

Tubaiste sa Phortach, produced by Clean Slate Television, investigates the 1943 crash of an RAF Wellington bomber on Mount Errigal in County Donegal, which resulted in the deaths of all six crew members, including pilot Leonard Ashby Court. Journalist Kevin Magee accompanies the pilot’s son, Ian Court, on a visit to the crash site.

Blas will also feature AI Unpacked Week, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and the Irish language, and a series following BBC Radio Ulster presenter Stephen McCauley as he learns to speak Irish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aontas about?

Aontas is an Irish language crime thriller following three women – Mairéad, Cáit, and Sheila – as they attempt to rob a rural Irish Credit Union and confront their pasts.

When and where can I watch Aontas?

Aontas will be available on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Northern Ireland, and TG4 on Monday, March 16th.

What other programming is part of Seachtain na Gaeilge?

Seachtain na Gaeilge will include the documentary Tubaiste sa Phortach, the Blas programme on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, and a selection of archived programmes on BBC iPlayer.

As BBC Gaeilge continues to expand its programming, what role do you see Irish language media playing in preserving and promoting cultural identity?