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RTÉ One has revived the travel series High Road, Low Road, returning with a fresh season that pairs Irish celebrities on contrasting holidays — one lavish, the other budget-conscious. Across nine episodes the show sends well-known presenters, actors, musicians and social media figures to desirable locations to see how far a luxe experience differs from travelling on a shoestring.
Show format: luxury versus economy
The premise is straightforward: celebrity pairings take separate trips to the same destination with very different budgets. One participant enjoys a first-class itinerary while their counterpart must make do on limited funds. The series aims to highlight both the comforts of high-end travel and the creativity that comes with tight spending.
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Tonight’s episode: boats in the Alentejo
In this week’s instalment, television personalities Dáithí O’Sé and Glenda Gilson head to Portugal’s Alentejo coast — but not on the same vessel. The pair experience the region from contrasting boats as part of the programme’s usual split-budget format.
Gilson, who says she is frequently busy raising two young sons, described getting time away as a rare treat. “There was a lot of work to be done, but we had great fun! I got to go somewhere where the weather was warm and to be on my own for a few days. Well, when I say on my own, I mean without kids!”
She added that having Dáithí alongside made the trip relaxed and enjoyable. “Dáithí was with me, of course,” she laughs. “I’ve known him a long time, so it was great craic with him. He’s such a gent, and he makes me laugh, so it really made it, having Dáithí there.”
Surprises, nerves and highlights
Gilson said some of the experiences were kept from her until the last minute to capture genuine reaction on camera. “I was told I was doing it the night before. They kind of keep it from you so the surprise is on camera. The next morning, I got there at 5 o’clock in the morning, and I felt the nerves because I could see what I had to get into!”
She described parts of the trip as “absolutely amazing” and suggested viewers can expect memorable moments — those bucket-list experiences that make the contrast between the two budgets more striking.
Style on screen
After sharing photos from the trip on Instagram, Gilson received many wardrobe queries. She said a striped summer dress she wore was from American Vintage, praising the brand’s bright colours as ideal for television. Her multi-coloured bomber jacket, she confirmed, came from Irish designer Zoë Jordan — identified in coverage as the daughter of the late Irish motorsport entrepreneur Eddie Jordan, who is sadly no longer designing.
Tune into High Road, Low Road tonight on RTÉ One at 7pm.
