Cavan contestant features in new RTÉ quiz show "Ireland's Smartest" this Sunday

This week the three contestants joining Claire Byrne on Ireland’s Smartest this week are MaryAnn Joyce a civil servant from Galway, Karen Sweeney, an accountant from Cavan and Nathan Finn a technical writer from Dublin. Who will progress through to the semi final?

Claire Byrne's to Irish television show is a fresh and original quiz format, that sees Claire put Ireland’s most intelligent quizzers through their paces. The producers trawled the length and breadth of Ireland to find contestants with the depth of knowledge worthy of the ultimate accolade… Ireland’s Smartest.

Presenter Claire Byrne said, “Ireland’s Smartest has found the cleverest people in this country to compete in a quiz that tests their knowledge and their nerve to the limit. This is a completely new type of show for me, and I was left in awe of these contestants from all over Ireland who can produce correct answers to some really tricky questions under the glare of the lights, in the intensity of the studio, in front of an audience and with the clock ticking all the while. It’s great fun, with lots of tension and you’ll get to test yourself against the best too from the comfort of your own sofa to see who will be awarded the title of Ireland’s Smartest!

This is a show that’s not just about knowledge – it’s about holding your nerve as well! It’s a delicate balance between speed and strategy. 

In front of an enthusiastic studio audience, three contestants compete in each show and as they progress in the tournament structure – from the Heats to the Semi-Finals to the Final – only one of them can be crowned the series champion.

Ireland’s Smartest starts with a general knowledge round followed by a category round, with a chance of a bonus point each time a contestant buzzes in early with an answer. Answering quickly or waiting to see the options makes for a game that balances speed against strategy.

The lowest-scoring contestant is eliminated before the final quickfire round, which sees the last two contestants face off in a head-to-head. This round uses a distinctive time-trial that sees the first contestant set a time that the other contestant must beat. Can their rival stop the clock before it hits zero – and win the show?

Who will be awarded the title of Ireland’s Smartest? 

Tune in on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Sunday April 16 at 7:30pm. 

Ireland’s Smartest is a Green Inc originated format, produced for RTÉ.