Discover Ireland’s Hidden Creators in New Video Series Leviathan

An original new video series is set to shine a spotlight on Ireland’s remarkable food, craft, and music scene. Leviathan, a nine-part travel and cooking series, celebrates the country’s vibrant creative culture, showcasing the stories of wild food foragers, artisan makers, organic farmers, and musicians.

Produced independently by BYOC Films and led by chef, musician, and photojournalist James Gabriel Martin, Leviathan explores the deep connections between Ireland’s heritage, traditions, and sustainability. 

James says: “I’ve spent my working life travelling the world, first as a freelance photojournalist with clients such as Lonely Planet and the BBC, and then as a touring musician. Visiting so many diverse places brings with it a real sense of perspective, and I have always been drawn home to what makes Ireland special.“

He adds: “We have something truly special here, a spirit of creativity and kinship, especially when it comes to food and culture, and I wanted to meet the champions of these things.”

Episodes will Feature

• Woodcock Smokery in West Cork, where Sally-Ferns Barnes, an icon in sustainable food practices, shares her expertise in preserving wild fish. It also features traditional songs about the sea in Irish, with a group of local singers joining James and Sally at The Keep, the educational space on site. 

• The Irish Seed Savers in County Clare. Keepers of Ireland's heritage apple varieties. There are over 180 species across their orchards, and they are dedicated to saving the undocumented species by working in collaboration with the public. They also have the country's only living seed bank with our heritage grains and seeds available to the public.

• Hewn Spoons, Eamon O'Sullivan in County Clare hand carves beautiful kitchen spoons and implements from green wood using only a hatchet and two knives. 

• Fermoyle Pottery in County Kerry, husband and wife team Stephen and Alexis supply Michelin restaurants all over the world with handmade pottery featuring Irish organic materials and artisan techniques.

• Levi's Ballydehob, iconic music venue and cultural hub in West Cork run by Joe O'Leary and partner Caroline O'Donnell. This episode features a musical performance by Les SalAmandas.

• Up There The Last. Food historian Max Jones teaches reconnection with the primal ways of cooking from his Booley in the hills of Cork. No running water, electricity or plastic in sight. Hand dived scallops and air smoked fish.

• Brookfield Farm. Organic Irish honey farm in County Tipperary. James learns about beekeeping and utilising honey.

• Brian's Wines, County Cork’s organic wine expert and importer Brian O'Connor discusses the fundamentals of natural wine.

• Forage & Find, chef Kevin O'Connell, has been foraging around his South Cork home for nearly a lifetime, teaching how to cook with completely wild common ingredients.

Celebrate Ireland’s Heritage

Through stunning visuals, intimate interviews, and hands-on demonstrations, Leviathan captures Ireland’s unique blend of creativity, community, and connection to the land.

Leviathan will debut on YouTube and on www.LeviathanFood.com

Don’t miss this journey into the heart of Ireland’s food, craft, and music culture.