Smother is an Irish thriller drama series written by Kate O’Riordan and directed by Dathaí Keane, starring Dervla Kirwan as Val Ahern, a mother who is determined to protect her family at any cost.
The series is produced by BBC Studios and RTE and began filming in February 2020, premiering on 7 March 2021 on RTÉ One. A second series premiered on RTÉ One on 9 January 2022, showcasing, once again the stunning landscapes of West Clare.
Filmed in Lahinch and surrounding areas, Smother is funded by Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland and the WRAP Fund and with BBC Studios distributing the project internationally, Smother, has raised the profile of filming in Clare providing significant employment and investment in the local economy.
Produced by Treasure Entertainment, Smother has been a catalyst for local talent with a number of episodes written by local writer Ursula Rani Sarma and a host of local talent and trainees assisting on the production.
Smother has been supported by Clare County Council through its involvement with the WRAP Fund and Innovate Limerick / Film in Limerick, who have a regional remit for developing the sector in the Mid-West. Film in Limerick have produced the short behind-the-scenes film on the filming in Lahinch.