Press Release July 2026

Dublin-based production company Standard Practice Productions is developing a new period drama, The Wicklow Gatehouse, a sweeping family saga set across two time periods: present-day Ireland and the years leading up to the 1916 Easter Rising.

Loosely inspired by true family stories while remaining primarily fictional, the series follows generations of an Irish family through the Easter Rising, the First World War, the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.

At the heart of the story is an old gatehouse in County Wicklow. Derelict in the present day, it connects the modern storyline with the past when a young solicitor discovers her inherited property has been featured on an abandoned buildings blog. Her investigation uncovers long-buried secrets about her family's history.

In the tradition of acclaimed dramas such as A Woman of Substance, Outlander and Poldark, The Wicklow Gatehousecombines romance, family drama and historical events while celebrating the beauty of Ireland and its people.

The production has already completed a proof-of-concept film on location in Dublin, starring rising Irish actors Kyra Murphy (Wednesday) and Kris Redmond (The Ripper).

Standard Practice Productions' debut feature, Suit Hung. Tied Tongue., directed by Sau Dachi, received critical acclaim from The Guardian, The Sunday Times, RTÉ.ie, Joe.ie and Film Ireland, won multiple film festival awards, and was subsequently acquired by RTÉ.

Screenwriter and producer Lucy Earley said:

"The Wicklow Gatehouse is set in the beautiful village of Delgany in County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. The story blends fascinating discoveries about my own family history with fiction. I've always had a keen interest in genealogy, and it's remarkable what you can uncover."

She added:

"At its heart, it's a story about love, family and the legacy of a house across generations. We've developed a proof of concept featuring Kyra Murphy and Kris Redmond, which has helped us demonstrate the project's vision as we continue to seek development and production partners."

The Wicklow Gatehouse is currently in development, with filming planned to begin in April 2027.