Comedian and actress Aisling Bea explores her family history in the upcoming episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, airing Tuesday, May 20 at 9:00 PM GMT on BBC One. Bea, pregnant at the time of filming, begins her ancestral investigation in County Laois with her mother and aunt.
The journey uncovers a significant connection to Ireland’s past, as Bea learns her great-grandfather was involved in the country’s early struggle for independence. Her research further extends to County Limerick, where she examines her maternal Sheehy lineage.
Bea’s exploration reveals stories of resilient women within her family, particularly during challenging periods such as the Great Famine. She also learns about her three-times great-grandparents who were victims of a violent crime and discovers that her great-great-grandmother was a teacher on the remote Blasket Islands, connecting her personal passions for Irish history, culture, and feminism to her ancestors’ lives.
