Award for hit TV show with strong focus on Mayo stories

The television production company behind Moving West, a series that highlights the lives of people who move to locations across rural Ireland, including Mayo, has won a major national award.

Dundara Television and Media, which has offices in Galway and Kildare, TG4 and the Western Development Commission (WDC) won the Best Collaboration Award at the 2026 Spider Awards, recognising the success of the TG4 television series Moving West, which is also supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The award was presented at the 2026 Spider Awards ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin. The Spider Awards are Ireland’s longest running digital awards programme recognising excellence in digital media, technology and online innovation.

Moving West follows individuals, families and entrepreneurs who have chosen to relocate to the west of Ireland, capturing stories of indigenous Irish startups, small business owners, remote workers connected to global companies, and professionals linked to foreign direct investment who have built their lives and careers in the region.

Season four will air on TG4 later this year, with a broadcast date to be announced shortly. Presenter Mary Kennedy told the Western People earlier this year that viewers can expect to hear from people from all walks of life who have made Mayo their home on the new season, from an Irish language planning officer who came down to Mayo from north Donegal to a Garda from Dublin who has now made Westport his home.

Reacting to the award, Mary Kennedy said: “One of the great joys of presenting Moving West is travelling across the West of Ireland and meeting the incredible people who have chosen to make their lives there.

“Their stories are inspiring, surprising and often deeply moving, and the programme shines a light on the warmth, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that exists in communities across the region.”