The lead cast has been announced for Lisa McGee's upcoming Netflix comedy thriller series How to Get to Heaven From Belfast.

Roísín Gallagher (The Dry, The Lovers), Sinéad Keenan (Little Boy Blue, Unforgotten) and Caoilfhionn Dunne (A Thousand Blows, Industry) will play Saoirse, Robyn and Dara, three childhood friends, now in their late 30s, who come together over news of a friend's death.

The events bring them on what is described as a "dark, dangerous and hilarious odyssey" through Ireland and beyond as they try to piece together the truth of the past.

Produced by Hat Trick Productions—whose previous credits include Father Ted and Game On—the 8-part series has commenced production in Northern Ireland and is directed by Derry Girls director Michael Lennox.

Channel 4 initially announced the season but moved it to Netflix earlier this year due to "changes in editorial direction," "rising costs," and the "recent cooling in the U.S. co-production market," according to Channel.

The Derry Girls writer who has written and will executive produce the project, said: "I couldn't be more excited to start production on How To Get To Heaven From Belfast.

"I've loved writing Saoirse, Robyn and Dara – three flawed, funny women who are about to embark on the most thrilling and terrifying adventure of their lives.

"A mystery full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing and make you laugh out loud. Let's go girls!"

Brian J. Falconer produces the show, its executive producers include McGee, Lennox, Caroline Leddy (Derry Girls, The Inbetweeners), Liz Lewin (Derry Girls, The Lovers), and Jimmy Mulville.

The abstract of the show reads,

"Clever, chaotic TV writer Saoirse, glamorous, stressed-out mother of three Robyn and dependable, inhibited carer Dara have been a tight-knit group since school.

"Now in their late 30s, but still as close as ever, these three friends are about to embark on the most thrilling adventure of their lives.

"When an email arrives, telling them about the death of the estranged fourth member of their childhood gang, Greta, a series of eerie events at her wake set them on a dark, dangerous and hilarious odyssey through Ireland and beyond as each tries to piece together the truth of the past.

"A show about friendship, memory and what happens when life doesn't turn out quite like you'd expected."

The supporting cast for How to Get to Heaven from Belfast will be announced at a later date.

Production has begun in Northern Ireland on Derry Girls creator @LisaMMcGee’s new Netflix comedy thriller series, How To Get To Heaven From Belfast.

Starring Roísín Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan and Caoilfhionn Dunne as three childhood friends, now in their late 30s, who come… pic.twitter.com/JeVLqY8pc0

— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) July 1, 2024