Sara O'Kane explores underground Fermanagh tonight on UTV

Entitled ‘Hidden NI’, the series is presented by UTV’s Sara O’Kane who travels across Northern Ireland (and sometimes a little bit further) celebrating our hidden gems, and finding out about places we never knew existed, as well as exploring places we don’t normally get to see.

Sara, who hails from Whitehead but now lives in Trillick, spoke to The Impartial Reporter about the programme. She said: “The newsroom came up with the idea to show people places they don’t really know about or don’t ordinarily get access to, and then we all collaborated and came up with ideas.”

The latest episode will highlight Fermanagh and the cave system below ground. Explained about some aspects of filming, Sara said: “For the caving aspect, we had to wait to see about rain. If you remember, we had all that extreme weather conditions [some months ago, before filming] and we waited to see when was safe with water levels.

"As soon as we got the green light, we got our gear and went up around Boho."

All of the caves used during filming are part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.

Speaking about the series, Sara said: “I hadn’t caved before, so I didn’t know what to expect, and I wouldn’t like small spaces but I loved getting out and being adventurous, which is why I agreed to do the series!

"I love getting out and about and doing things, especially around Fermanagh, where I do a lot of wild swimming."

Emphasising the importance of completing a guide, Sara marvelled at the wonder of the caves and said: “Going through the caves with the water and the life down there, it is like another wee world.

“This programme was a team effort – you might see me in front of the lens, but it is the guys on the ground organising things [who brought it all together], and a big thanks to everyone who took part; they were just brilliant.”

Sara filming in Boho as part of the Hidden NI programme

Sara took a break from the news cycle to film this programme. Reflecting on this, she said: “When I was asked to do this, I was a wee bit nervous because obviously I am in the news cycle, and I’m used to the day-to-day grind of news, so I just thought it was something different.

"I got to meet so many amazing people, because Northern Ireland is full of them, and I enjoyed stepping outside of the news.”

UTV Programme Producer Alison Fleming said: “UTV has a long history of highlighting the extraordinary in the ordinary through its news and programmes, and we hope the viewers come away from watching this new series feeling not only entertained by Sara’s adventures, but also educated, knowing that little bit more about our rich natural surroundings here.”

Tonight's episode will focus on Fermanagh caves as well as some of Northern Ireland’s other hidden gems, and will air at 8.30pm.

The series is a UTV production and is sponsored by Further Space. You can catch up with the show on www.itv.com/utvprogrammes.