Bracken

Bracken is an Irish television soap opera broadcast from 1978 to 1982 on RTÉ One in Ireland. It mainly centred about rural life in and around County Wicklow in the Republic of Ireland. The main stars of the show were Gabriel Byrne and Niall Tóibín. The show was created and written by Wesley Burrowes. The show is chiefly known for being the link between two long standing RTÉ series, in that Gabriel Byrne's character, Pat Barry, had first appeared in The Riordans, towards the end of that show's run. The characters of Dinny and Miley Byrne, played by Joe Lynch and Mick Lally, first appeared on this series, they were later to become the central stars of Glenroe. Each of the three series were created by Wesley Burrowes.

Directed by —, Bracken leans on a strong ensemble — Gabriel Byrne, Niall Tóibín, Joe Lynch — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1980.