Waterford to be showcased by Wexford man on American television

The sunny south east counties of Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny will provide the focus of attention on American TV this month through the work of renowned Wexford singer and entertainer, Michael Londra.

The Model County native will be highlighting the best tourism attractions in the three counties on the first show of his new series of 'Ireland Wit Michael' that will be aired on PBS on January 9.

A singer, producer and TV show, Michael's show is broadcast to millions of people across the USA and this year will be series 5 of the hit show.

Premiering on PBS, the show will obviously have a focus on Michael's native Model County, however, a large portion of the first episode will also focus attention on areas of the Déise county as part of Ireland's Ancient East.

'A flavourful journey' aspect of the show will bring attention to culinary treasures of the south east and viewers will see Michael visit places like Dungarvan on the Copper Coast, where he will participate in a cookery lesson with chef, Paul Flynn, at the Tannery Restaurant.

The regions food and drink producers will also be touched on in the show.

The show provides a real boost for local tourism here with millions of households across America seeing first hand what Ireland has to offer and by showcasing the country's attractions, culture, and hospitality, it inspires US tourists to visit, contributing to local businesses and the wider community.

The shows audience spans 49 US states and the show has aired over 44,000 times putting everything from food, culture, drama, heritage and Irish landscapes to artisan craftsmanship and music to the forefront of millions of potential North American travelers watching from their living rooms.

In the forthcoming episode, while in Wexford, Michael will focus attention on his hometown’s finest cultural and historical highlights including Wexford Arts Centre, where the Frederick Douglass exhibit - part of Ireland’s Frederick Douglass Trail - connects local history with global significance. This poignant feature highlights Wexford’s historic commitment to justice and equality, linking the county with the broader story of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Bridging Ireland’s Ancient East and the world, Michael Londra has always been more than a performer; he’s a proud ambassador for his hometown and the south east  region. Whether through his Emmy-nominated PBS special, his music and travel series, live concerts, or guided tours, he has introduced countless people to the heart of Ireland as a whole.

For 2025, Michael has curated eight guided tours designed for those inspired by the show, offering visitors the chance to experience Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny firsthand With bespoke itineraries that include local landmarks, unforgettable meals, and scenic countryside, his show  ensures that every visitor leaves with a true taste of Ireland.

People in Waterford and across Ireland will be able to stream 'Ireland with Michael Season 5', from January 9, by going to https://www.pbs.org/show/ireland-michael.

Looking to the future, as Season 5 begins, preparations for Season 6 are already underway. The producers of 'Ireland with Michael' are inviting local artists, towns, and institutions across the island of Ireland to get in touch and share their stories, with opportunities to participate in upcoming episodes. Anyone interested in featuring their talent or location can contact the production team directly at info@irelandwithmichael.com.

Michael Londra is an Emmy-nominated Irish singer and producer known for his celebrated PBS special, Beyond Celtic. A former lead tenor of Riverdance, on Broadway, his passion for his homeland shines in all his work. His commitment to preserving and sharing Irish culture has garnered him fans worldwide. A skilled theatrical producer, Michael is also a lead producer of 'Get Happy', a Broadway-bound musical set to premiere in 2025, based on the MGM classic movie 'Summer Stock'.