I’m not a gaeilgeoir but I spent a day as an extra on Ros na Rún — here's how I got on

From fake drinking to silent sipping, Bernard O’Shea brings us behind the scenes of Ros na Rún

Bernard O’Shea on the Ros na Rún TV set with cast and crew. Pictures: Ray Ryan

When I was first asked to visit the set of Ros na Rún, I pictured myself striding in with the confidence of a seasoned TV veteran — getting my makeup done, chatting effortlessly in Irish, and delivering an unforgettable turn as “Man Casually Sitting in Café”. My brain was in for a serious Modh Coinníollach-induced meltdown, as I quickly realised my school Irish was about to be tested.

There’s something oddly surreal about stepping into the world of a soap opera you’ve only ever watched from the comfort of your couch. The Ros na Rún set isn’t just a collection of buildings — it’s a fully realised miniature village with its own pub, shop, and café. It feels alive, even when the cameras aren’t rolling. And for one day, I was about to be a part of it — albeit in the most inconspicuous, non-scene-stealing way possible.