Slane Castle has played host to its fair share of exciting events but none as psychologically gripping as The Traitors Ireland (2025), the local iteration of the deceit-driven reality game show that found major success in the US, UK and the Netherlands. The RTÉ programme, produced by Kite Entertainment, carries on the same concept and structure as its predecessors, with 24 contestants being divided into “Faithfuls” or “Traitors”, entering a game of psychological warfare for the chance to win €50,000.
Every couple of episodes, audiences are treated to a Round Table segment where participants vote off the suspected Traitor, “banishing” them from the castle. Naturally, these voting segments are among the most heated in the show where fingers are pointed, motives are questioned and emotions run high. In between the crucial vote casting, contestants spend their time forming strategic alliances and attempting to win challenges – none of which is unique in The Traitors universe. However, The Traitors Ireland manages to carve out its own path by leaning into its “Irishness”.
Thankfully, this isn’t done through gimmicks or cliches (which wouldn’t appeal to local audiences anyway) but through the inclusion of authentic Irish culture. Siobhán McSweeney, Slane Castle, Irish Wolfhounds and the cúpla focail each play a part in setting the show apart from other versions. The flying drone shots and the lingering frames of the castle at night showcase Slane in all her glory and as host Siobhán McSweeney is a force to be reckoned with. Between her impeccable styling and sharp wit, she brings a delightfully dramatic flair to the show. Siobhán is a magnetic presence and the seriousness with which she approaches her role immerses the audience into the world and makes them believe in the stakes.
While the beautiful location and engaging host certainly establish The Traitors Ireland as an intriguing production, it is ultimately the brilliant casting that makes the show so watchable. When buzz began to generate around the show back in late 2024, Grainne McAleer, Commissioning Editor of Documentaries and Series for RTÉ commented “We want to hear from all kinds of people. Those who can make friends and influence people. Those who can lie and connive their way to the top, and those who can plot their own unique path to victory”. Safe to say they succeeded in this objective as the programme boasts contestants of all ages, backgrounds and occupations each with a hunger to make it to the top.
The cast delivered and embraced the show’s premise of deceit from day one, some more gleefully than others. One of those eager contestants was Eamon, who strategically decided to conceal his real job as a member of An Garda Siochana and opted instead for the title of courier, stating that “If I was a Traitor and I knew there was a guard in the castle they’d be the first one gone”. Father and son duo, Paudie and Andrew also ramped up the deception by pretending to be strangers which is later jeopardised in a hilarious moment when Andrew slips up, calling Paudie “daddy”.
From content creator Vanessa to recent business graduate Kelley to retired prison officer (and fan favorite) Paudie, the diverse cast also ensured that the show didn’t market itself towards too specific of demographic. The idea that reality TV holds up a mirror to society isn’t a new one but it is especially true for a smaller production such as this. The show feels intimate at times and allows us all to see a bit of ourselves in the contestants from how they deal with the stressful environment to the relatable motivation of going on the show to win a deposit on a house.
Within the world of reality TV which so often lures viewers in with outlandish concepts and scripted drama, The Traitors Ireland is a standout with its gripping premise, ruthless methods, seamless production and likeable cast. I implore reality TV haters to give it a chance, and for established fans or those who just wouldn’t mind an extra €50,000: recruitment has begun for season 2!
