The Best Mystery Series Set in Ireland
Ireland’s misty landscapes, charming villages, and rich storytelling tradition make it the perfect backdrop for a great mystery series—especially ones with a cozy feel. From amateur sleuths solving village crimes to detectives navigating intrigue with a touch of Irish wit, these shows blend clever plots, engaging characters, and the unmistakable charm of the Emerald Isle.
If you love mysteries with atmospheric settings and a bit of Irish magic, this list of the best mystery TV series set in Ireland is for you!
6. Holding
Based on Graham Norton's novel, Holding is a character-driven mystery set in the fictional Irish village of Duneen. The series follows Sergeant PJ Collins (played by Conleth Hill), a gentle and unassuming local police officer who has spent his career handling minor infractions in his sleepy town. However, when human remains are discovered at a construction site, PJ is forced to take on his first real murder investigation. As he unravels the case, long-buried secrets and past conflicts resurface, exposing the quiet village’s hidden depths.
What makes Holding appealing to cozy mystery fans is its rich storytelling, quirky characters, and strong sense of place. The village of Duneen, with its eccentric residents and intertwined relationships, provides the perfect backdrop for an engaging mystery filled with humor and heart. Rather than relying on action-heavy sequences, the show focuses on character-driven drama and gentle intrigue, making it a cozy yet compelling mystery set in the picturesque Irish countryside. Fans of small-town whodunits with an emotional core will find much to love in Holding.
5. Haunted Harmony Mysteries
In Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major, Gethsemane Brown (played by Tamera Mowry-Housley) moves to Ireland to accept a music teacher and choral leader position at a prep school. While there, she discovers that the house she is renting is haunted by the ghost of a musician, Eamon McCarthy (played by Risteard Cooper), who can’t move on because he has been wrongly accused of killing himself and the woman he loved. Deciding to help her new ghostly friend, Gethsemane searches for clues to solve the case.
This very cozy Hallmark mystery is a treat for those who love music and a touch of the supernatural in an Irish setting.
4. Dead Still
Dead Still transports viewers to 1880s Dublin, offering a delightfully macabre twist on the cozy mystery genre. The series follows Brock Blennerhasset (played by Michael Smiley), a well-known memorial photographer who specializes in capturing images of the deceased for grieving families. When a series of murders seems to be linked to his profession, Brock—along with his spirited niece and a gruff detective—finds himself reluctantly drawn into a dangerous investigation. The show blends period drama, mystery, and dark humor, creating an immersive and unique viewing experience.
For cozy mystery lovers who enjoy historical settings, Dead Still provides a fascinating glimpse into Victorian-era Dublin, complete with cobblestone streets, gas-lit alleyways, and a society steeped in tradition. The show’s mix of quirky characters, humor, and engaging whodunits keeps it from veering into overly dark territory. Instead, it offers an offbeat and atmospheric mystery series with a distinctly Irish flair, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy historical twists.
3. Hope Street
Set in the fictional Northern Irish town of Port Devine, Hope Street is a feel-good crime drama with a cozy mystery appeal. The series follows the arrival of Detective Constable Leila Hussain (played by Amara Karan), the first Muslim officer in the local police department, whose presence stirs curiosity in the close-knit community. Each episode features a new case to solve, often revolving around minor crimes, missing persons, and town secrets rather than dark, violent cases. At its heart, Hope Street is as much about the relationships between the officers and townspeople as it is about the mysteries themselves.
Cozy mystery fans will appreciate the show's strong sense of place, the charming small-town setting, and the engaging cast of characters. While it has the structure of a procedural, it avoids the grittiness of traditional crime dramas, instead focusing on community-driven storytelling and lighter mysteries. The scenic backdrop of Northern Ireland adds to its charm, making it a great pick for those who enjoy cozy mysteries that highlight both character development and an inviting setting.
2. Bodkin
Bodkin is a darkly comedic mystery thriller set in a fictional Irish coastal town, blending investigative storytelling with quirky humor and an eerie atmosphere. The series follows a group of podcasters (played by Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, and Robyn Cara)who arrive in Bodkin to investigate a series of disappearances that occurred during a local Samhain festival years ago. As they dig deeper, they uncover strange connections between the town’s residents, long-buried secrets, and a chilling mystery that is more complex than they expected. The show plays with elements of folklore and small-town intrigue, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of the supernatural and humor.
While Bodkin leans slightly more into satire and dark humor than a traditional cozy, its picturesque Irish coastal setting and quirky cast of characters make it appealing to fans of lighthearted mystery series. The town itself plays a significant role, with its tight-knit community, eccentric personalities, and long-standing legends creating the perfect environment for an engaging mystery. If you enjoy cozies that mix humor, investigative storytelling, and a touch of the bizarre, Bodkin offers a unique take on the genre.
Harry Wild
Set against the charming backdrop of Dublin, Harry Wild is a perfect pick for cozy mystery fans who enjoy witty amateur sleuths and lighthearted crime-solving. The series follows Harriet “Harry” Wild (played by Jane Seymour), a recently retired literature professor who unexpectedly discovers a talent for solving mysteries. When she teams up with a street-smart teenager, Fergus (played by Rohan Nedd), the two form an unlikely but endearing detective duo.
This series blends clever whodunits with humor, character-driven storytelling, literary references, and plenty of Irish charm. While Dublin offers a more urban setting than the typical cozy village, the show captures the spirit of a cozy mystery—focusing on engaging puzzles, quirky personalities, and a sleuth who relies more on wit than force. If you love strong female leads, witty banter, unlikely friendships, and crime-solving with a touch of Irish flair, Harry Wild is a must-watch!