The Daily Star Ireland
The Irish edition of The Traitors is nearly here, and anticipation is building for what promises to be a gloriously mischievous slice of television. The international hit, which combines psychological gameplay, deception, and drama, is about to get a uniquely Irish twist—and that means sharper banter, stronger rivalries, and plenty of craic.
For the uninitiated, the format sees contestants living in a castle, tasked with building up a prize pot through group challenges. Most players are “Faithful,” but a handful are secretly designated as “Traitors,” whose goal is to eliminate the Faithful and walk away with the prize. Faithfuls can vote out suspected Traitors at nightly Round Tables, while the Traitors pick off their targets in secret. If the Faithful root out every Traitor, they share the money; if even one Traitor survives to the end, they take the pot alone.
Here’s why the Irish version, launching on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Sunday, August 31, is set to be irresistibly entertaining.
1. Siobhán McSweeney as Host
There could hardly be a more fitting presenter than Derry Girls star Siobhán McSweeney. Where the UK has Claudia Winkleman—stylish, cool, almost ghostlike in her delivery—Ireland will get McSweeney’s sharp tongue and irrepressible personality.
She’s witty, sarcastic, and unlikely to resist calling someone a “feckin’ eejit” if they make a clumsy mistake. Just as easily, she could slip into the role of an Irish mammy, offering comfort to nervous contestants one moment and egging on the Traitors the next.
When announced as host, McSweeney said: “Like everyone, I’m a huge Traitors fan, so when I was asked to host the Irish version, I jumped at the chance. The Irish have a charm and ability to deceive while smiling which will make this version rather special.”
2. The Setting: Slane Castle
The grandeur of Slane Castle—best known for its iconic concerts and sloping grounds overlooking the River Boyne—provides a picture-perfect backdrop. With its gothic architecture, shadowy corridors, and imposing presence, it’s the ideal stage for whispered conspiracies and late-night betrayals.
By day, it’s history and heritage. By night, with flags flying and round tables set, it becomes “Slain Castle.” Deadly, in more ways than one.
3. Ireland Is a Village
Ireland’s small size means contestants are unlikely to remain strangers for long. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows you—or, worse, knows about you. Expect awkward exchanges like: “Ah, you’re from Cork? My cousin Jimmy knows a lad from there,” followed by tales that are… not entirely flattering.
The mix of inter-county rivalries, half-familiar connections, and “small world” moments will add extra spice to every accusation and alliance.
4. Natural Mixers
Irish people are famously chatty and welcoming—just ask any tourist who has been smothered with tips, directions, and pub recommendations on a DART ride. That friendliness will likely see contestants bonding quickly, acting like lifelong pals within hours.
Of course, by the time the first vote arrives, those fast friendships will be tested—and quite possibly torn apart.
5. Factions and Splits Are Inevitable
If there’s one thing Ireland does brilliantly, it’s division. From political parties to local GAA clubs, history is full of splinters, splits, and breakaways. That instinct will surely surface in The Traitors Ireland. Alliances will fracture, friendships will sour, and factions will form faster than you can say “Round Table.”
6. The Art of Phony Bonhomie
Irish charm often comes with a wink and a dose of insincerity. Who hasn’t promised a holiday acquaintance: “Sure, drop by anytime—you can stay with us, no bother,” with no real intention of following through?
On this show, that talent will be supercharged: contestants smiling sweetly, promising loyalty, then turning around and voting their “friends” off minutes later.
7. Every Player for Themselves
When push comes to shove, Irish survival instincts kick in—just think of the supermarket rushes before a snowstorm or during the early days of Covid. Collective spirit is often left behind as everyone scrambles to secure their own supplies.
That mindset will be right at home in The Traitors Ireland. When the stakes are high and the prize pot is brimming, self-preservation will win out over solidarity. And we, the viewers, will enjoy every deceitful twist.
A Sneakily Perfect Fit
From its setting and host to the quirks of Irish culture, The Traitors Ireland seems tailor-made for maximum drama and entertainment. With backstabbing, bluffing, and plenty of banter, this could end up being the most treacherous—and the most Irish—version of the global phenomenon yet.
The Traitors Ireland begins on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Sunday, August 31.
