Cú Chulainn, one of Ulster's most famous legendary characters, is the hero of this five part cartoon series. In five action filled five-minute programmes we follow his daring deeds from his boyhood to his tragic death.

This bilingual series contributes to a range of learning areas across the Northern Ireland KS1 and KS2 curricula including Language and Literacy, The World Around Us, Personal Development and Mutual Understanding and Art and Design.

English and Irish Language versions of the site and series are available via the English and Gaelige links.

1. Programme 1: Growing Up

   Granda is persuaded by his grandchildren to tell them one of his Irish stories.
   He relates to them the story of Setanta (a.k.a. Cú Chulainn) who enjoys a happy school-free childhood until he feels that he must fulfil his destiny, so beginning his career as a warrior and a legend.

   

   Watch Now

2. Programme 2: The Name

   Setanta is invited with his friends to a great feast but he starts to daydream and is left behind. By the time he arrives the feast has begun, the gates are locked and worse, the guard dog attacks him.

   

   Watch Now

3. Programme 3: In Love and War

   Cú Chulainn falls in love with Emer one of the most beautiful women in Ireland. They pledge loyalty but soon they must part as he has to continue his military studies in Scotland with Scathach. As a test he is pitted against a multi-faceted enemy.

   

   Watch Now

4. Programme 4: The Great Challenge

   Queen Maeve of Connaught wants to own the fabled Brown Bull of Cooley. She offers to buy it but the rejection of her offer angers her so much that she decides that she will own that bull come what may. Maeve lines up a formidable army against Ulster and invokes magic against the Ulstermen.

   

   Watch Now

5. Programme 5: The Hero's Death

   The army of Connaught was making no headway against Cú Chulainn. He was picking Maeve's men off one by one. Ferdia, foster brother of Cú Chulainn, is eventually matched against Ulster's hero. For days they battle it out and by night they assist and nurse each other. They pledge always to be brothers but eventually Cú Chulainn kills Ferdia.

   

   Watch Now