A golf bag, a few friends and an entire island to explore: Bill Murray has found a fine reason to hit the road. In A Course Called Ireland, the actor joins a documentary journey across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The trailer, released on 8 October, heralds a series in which golf courses become meeting points, while the encounters themselves give the trip its true direction.
Bill Murray in Ireland: golf as a starting point
Six episodes with writer Tom Coyne
Produced by Skydance Sports and Stellify Media, the series brings together Bill Murray and his friend Tom Coyne. The project is inspired by Coyne’s book, A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint, and the Next Tee. Its lengthy title already sets out an appealing programme: walk, look around, stop off and begin again.
Paramount+ has announced six episodes of around 30 minutes each. Their playground spans both parts of the island, making room for those close to the actor and for spontaneous moments. The result remains to be seen: at this stage, the trailer and production information offer an outline of what the programme promises, rather than grounds on which to judge the episodes.
An invitation to look beyond the stops along the way
The premise is likely to appeal even to those who have never held a golf club. A sporting itinerary sets the destinations, but it also leaves room in between: a road between two appointments, a conversation that runs on, an unexpected encounter. It is precisely in these gaps that the production places the documentary’s ambition.
For future travellers, this approach offers a simple idea: choose a few key stops without trying to fill every hour. A series may inspire you to set off; the best detours, meanwhile, mostly require keeping a little time free.
Friends, brothers and Irish guests
Chris O’Dowd and Joanne McNally join the journey
Those announced as taking part include Chris O’Dowd, Joanne McNally and Jason Kelce. Bill’s brothers, Joel and John Murray, also join the adventure. Their presence broadens the story beyond the original duo, adding a family-and-friends dimension highlighted by the producers.
The interest will lie in seeing how these personalities shape the journey, rather than counting famous appearances. A trip among friends has its own dynamics: each person’s habits, differing paces and what happens when the plan is no longer perfectly under control.
When can you watch A Course Called Ireland?
Two broadcast schedules to distinguish
The launch is scheduled for 23 October 2026 on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer, followed by 25 October at 9.30pm on BBC Two, UK time, according to information reported by RTÉ. Paramount+ has set its international premiere for 25 October, excluding the UK and Latin America from this announcement.
For readers in France, this international announcement does not confirm the availability of the programme in the French catalogue, or whether subtitles or dubbing will be provided. Check the local programme listing before taking out a subscription to watch it. The UK broadcast times are not an announcement of a showing on a French channel either.
