This Tuesday, “Who Do You Think You Are?” welcomes comedian and actress Aisling Bea, who embarks on a genealogical journey to explore her Irish roots. Pregnant and eager to unearth her family’s past, Aisling begins her investigation alongside her mother and aunt in County Laois. What she discovers there adds a new dimension to her understanding of her heritage, linking her to the turbulent history of Irish independence.
Aisling’s research reveals her great-grandfather’s involvement in the fight for Irish freedom, a story that intertwines with the larger narrative of a nation struggling for self-determination. Her exploration also takes her to County Limerick, where she uncovers details about her maternal Sheehy line, unearthing tales of strong women and their resilience through difficult periods like the Great Famine. She learns of a violent crime that impacted her three-times great-grandparents and discovers her great-great-grandmother was a teacher on the remote Blasket Islands.
Aisling’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” episode is more than just a family history lesson. It’s a personal journey of discovery that resonates with her own passions for Irish history and culture, and her feminist perspective.
Tune in to BBC One on Tuesday, 20 May at 9:00 PM GMT to follow Aisling’s ancestral adventure.
