Mayo family star in RTÉ festive listings

CHRISTMAS is around the corner and once again, Mayo production company GMarsh TV feature strongly in the RTÉ festive listings with their flagship adventure series, Bush Kids.

This is the third series of Bush Kids and it stars the brave Ryan family from Ballina - Aoibhe (9), Connor (7), Allanah (5) and their dad Brendan - who survived three days in the Mayo wilderness under the guidance of bushcraft guru Tom Bán.

In other episodes, the intrepid McQuaid family come all the way from Newry to Mayo to pit their wits against the windswept coast of Innisbiggle.

This year, producer Gillian Marsh has really upped the ante, with one family enjoying an adventure in the Arctic Circle.

Airing from December 14 to 25 on RTÉ 2 and the RTÉ Player, get ready for a wild adventure as the unstoppable Tom Bán, bushcraft guru and survival maestro, leads a merry troop of young explorers through the untamed beauty of mountains and rivers in the thrilling third series of Bush Kids.

Across 12 episodes, four brave families are whisked away to wildly different natural playgrounds to put their survival skills to the test, with Tom Bán as their trusty guide. They'll share secrets of the wilderness and tackle the great outdoors head-on.

With a heart set on mastering the art of wilderness survival and bushcraft, Tom has chanelled his lifelong passion into his career. He's now the go-to guru for bushcraft and nature classes, sharing his wisdom and enthusiasm with eager learners of all ages throughout Ireland.

The Ryan clan enjoy a rip-roaring ride as they trek alongside a babbling river, soaking up the stunning views and mastering the art of wilderness DIY as Tom Ban transforms them into mini survivalists who can build a five-star shelter out of twigs, whip up a feast on a crackling campfire, forage for wild treats, and turn a branch into a Swiss army knife (well, sort of).

They’ll also unravel the mysteries of how the river was a lifeline for our nature-savvy ancestors and might even snag a fish or two with their newly forged gear. And just as their wild journey peaks, the Summer Solstice - Ireland’s tribute to the sun - will make their last night even more memorable.