The upcoming launch of the second season of The Traitors Ireland has prompted cast members from the inaugural season to share their experiences of playing the game, highlighting the pervasive paranoia, lack of sleep, and unexpected friendships that defined their time at Slane Castle.

Paudie Moloney, a contestant from the first season, recalled the challenge of concealing a significant secret: that his fellow contestant and in-game rival was also his real-life son. The retired prison officer admitted to struggling to keep this revelation under wraps during filming, even resorting to speaking about himself in the third person off-camera to maintain focus.

"Be honest. Enjoy yourself… it’s a once in a lifetime experience," Moloney advised prospective contestants. "Be yourself. If you are just being yourself, you won’t regret what you have done."

The first episode of the second season is set to broadcast on August 30, featuring a new ensemble of players. Meanwhile, eight contestants from the initial season described their shared experience as unforgettable, with lingering paranoia and adjustments to normal life taking weeks, if not months, to overcome. Some still report being recognized in public spaces.

The Game's Toll

Katelyn Divilly noted that the pervasive lack of sleep during filming was a significant factor in the contestants' unraveling. "If we had gotten a little bit more sleep, we might not have unravelled so quickly," she stated.

Eamon O’Keeffe, who was a Traitor in the series, emphasized the constant pressure to remain vigilant. "The smallest slip could ruin you," he said, recounting how Traitors often continued filming late into the night after the Faithful players had retired. "We weren’t getting home till half two or three in the morning. You had to be on the ball all the time."

Even contestants playing as Faithfuls experienced significant psychological strain. Michele Maher, a fitness instructor, found her confidence shaken, admitting, "You forget it’s a game. Things become personal and the paranoia is elevated." She described the difficulty of not knowing whom to trust, even among those she liked.

The period following filming proved particularly challenging for many, as a no-contact rule prevented cast members from communicating. Maher described this as a "really, really difficult" phase, which led to tears for some until a group chat was eventually established.

Amy Meehan, another Faithful contestant, noted her tendency to doubt herself when her instincts proved wrong. "I started to doubt myself. I kept asking why I came to that conclusion and what evidence I really had," she said.

Nina Shelton, a financial director, found the feeling of being "misunderstood" to be the hardest part, likening it to an unresolved argument that occupied her thoughts.

Logistics specialist Joanna Masiarek highlighted how quickly the game stripped away normal life, stating, "Being away from your day-to-day messes with you." She found watching the show back surreal, needing to pause frequently to explain off-camera events to her wife.

Nick O’Loughlin, one of the final Traitors, found the emotional strain of lying to fellow contestants with whom he had formed strong bonds to be "brutal."

Unexpected Bonds and Lingering Fame

Despite the intense pressure, the missions often provided a welcome respite, allowing contestants to momentarily forget the game and enjoy the challenges. However, the round table discussions were universally described as the most intense part of the experience.

Recognition from the show has been widespread, with contestants reporting being approached in various settings, from marathons to weddings abroad. O’Keeffe recounted an incident where his appearance at a minor traffic accident diffused a tense situation between two drivers.

All eight contestants interviewed expressed a willingness to participate again, with Moloney stating he would do so "in a heartbeat."