Cúla 4 | |
---|---|
Launched | 31 October 1996 (block) 1 September 2009 (channel) |
Network | TG4 (formerly known as Teilifís na Gaeilge until 1999) |
Owned by | Teilifís na Gaeilge |
Picture format |
576i PAL I standard (analogue)16:9 1080i (HDTV) (from 30 September 2012 on UPC Ireland) |
Country | Ireland |
Language |
English Irish |
Formerly called | Cúlabúla (1996–1999) |
Sister channel(s) | TG4 |
Website | Cúla 4 Website |
Availability
|
|
Terrestrial | |
Irish analogue | programming block on TG4 (see that article) |
Irish digital | Mux 1 |
Satellite | |
Sky Ireland | Channel 104 (as TG4) |
Sky (United Kingdom) | Channel 163 Northern Ireland only |
Virgin Media Ireland | Channel 602 Channel 104 (as TG4) |
Magnet Networks | Channel 104 (as TG4) |
Cúla 4 (Irish: Cúla Ceathair) is an Irish language programming block and a stand-alone television channel for Irish speaking children in the Republic of Ireland. It is operated by TG4.
The strand was first established in 1996 as Cúlabúla; with the rebrand of TnaG to TG4 in 1999 Cúlabúla was renamed "Cúla 4". As of 1 September 2009 Cúla 4 is available as a separate channel to Virgin Media Ireland customers on channel 602. A new schedule coincided with the launch on UPC.
The majority of programming is a mixture of homegrown and international programmes which are either dubbed or subtitled in Irish. Cúla 4 works with international broadcasters to produce Irish versions of hit TV series which are seen on Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and PBS. It also works with homegrown animation companies to produce localized series. Cúla 4 offers something unique in an already saturated kids television market in Ireland with the existence of RTÉjr/TRTÉ, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and the Disney Channel. Cúla 4's programming is either in Irish or in Irish and English, unlike its competition where the majority of their programmes are entirely in English.
Cúla 4 has also dubbed some children's films into Irish including Harry Potter, Jungledyret Hugo, Free Willy. Scooby Doo, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Thumbelina and A Troll in Central Park.