Ireland and Your Irish Ancestry

Novena(en)

In 2012, Stephen Vaughan and Kay Ferreter are invited to address the congregation at St. Joseph's Redemptorists Church in Dundalk, Ireland for the Solemn Novena Festival. In a powerful speech, the pair describe their experiences being gay and lesbian in Ireland, feeling excluded by Catholic doctrine, and the importance of a more inclusive church.

Window(en)

A short film, featuring windows.

A Fanatic Heart: Geldof On Yeats(en)

A biography of the poet W. B. Yeats and his contribution to the Irish independence movement as a Protestant nationalist.

Birdsong(en)

Ornithologist Seán Ronayne from Cobh, Co. Cork is on a mission to record the sound of every bird species in Ireland – that’s nearly 200 birds. Often joined by his partner Alba, he travels to some of the country’s most beautiful and remote locations to capture its most elusive species and soundscapes: the busy seabird colony of Skellig Michael; a native woodland free from road noise in the Burren; the corncrake stronghold of Tory Island; a solitary nest in the Donegal uplands. Along the way we get to know Seán, whose hypersensitivity to sound has proven both a struggle and a strength. At once inspiring and cautionary, Seán’s journey illustrates the beauty and importance of sound, and what listening can tell us about the state of our natural world.

Hold on Tight(en)

A short documentary exploring the ways LGBT couples show affection, and how small interactions like holding hands in public can carry, not only huge personal significance, but also the power to create social change.

2 Yanks Taking the Piss in Tramore, Christmas '92(en)

Mike and I spent 2 months in Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland in the fall/winter of '92. We had been on the road since the summer, and planned to be gone for another year or so. We made a video to send home to our friends and family in the States as a Christmas card. This is the part of the video where we took our friends on a tour of Tramore.

Hill Street(en)

The evolution of skateboarding culture in Ireland since the late 1980s.

The Genius of George Boole(en)

Narrated by Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, The Genius of George Boole assembles academics and industry leaders from across the globe to explore the life and importance of one of the world’s greatest unsung heroes.

The Lonely Battle of Thomas Reid(en)

The story of Irish farmer Thomas Reid who, for years, has been locked in a grueling battle with his neighbor - U.S. microchip manufacturer Intel who want to expand into Reid’s land.

Ireland: Behind the Wire(en)

A powerful record of what life —behind the wire— was like for the Catholic community living in the towns of North Ireland during the Troubles.

These Stones Remain(en)

This exquisite documentary traces the history and artistry of stone carving in Ireland from earliest times to the Middle Ages. Directed by George Morrison, director of the ground-breaking historical films Mise Éire and Saoirse? This engaging film is beautifully shot and shows Morrison's skills as director, writer and cinematographer. It was awarded the Diplome d'Honneur in Moscow in 1971.

Thin Lizzy: Bad Reputation(en)

Affectionate but honest portrait of Thin Lizzy, arguably the best hard rock band to come out of Ireland. Starting with the remix of the classic album Jailbreak by Scott Gorham and Brian Downie, the film takes us through the rollercoaster ride that is the story of Thin Lizzy. From early footage of singer Phil Lynott in Ireland in his pre-Lizzy bands the Black Eagles and Orphanage, it follows his progress as he, guitarist Eric Bell and drummer Brian Downie form the basic three-piece that was to become Thin Lizzy - a name taken from the Beano. Using original interviews with Bell, Downie, the man who signed them and their first manager, it traces the early years leading to the recruitment of guitarists Brian 'Robbo' Robertson and Scott Gorham - the classic line-up. The film uses a number of stills, some seen on TV for the first time, archive from contemporary TV shows and a range of tracks both well known and not so famous.

Road to Portmagee(en)

Six friends document their trip from Cork to Portmagee, County Kerry for the May the 4th Sci-fi film festival where one of their short films is screening.

Saint Patrick, esclave et protecteur de l'Irlande(fr)

Return of the Islander(ga)

Through economic necessity, an Aran Islander is forced to travel to England to work on building sites so that he can earn money to support his family back on the Islands.

The Last Days of Peter Bergmann(en)

In the summer of 2009, a man calling himself Peter Bergmann and claiming to be from Austria arrived in Sligo Town. Over his final three days, Peter Bergmann would go to great lengths to ensure no one would ever discover who he was or where he came from.

Man of Aran(en)

A documentary on the life of the people of the Aran Islands, who were believed to contain the essence of the ancient Irish life, represented by a pure uncorrupted peasant existence centred around the struggle between man and his hostile but magnificent surroundings. A blend of documentary and fictional narrative, the film captures the everyday trials of life on Ireland's unforgiving Aran Islands.

The Great Houses of Ireland(en)

Ireland’s great houses, towers and castles, including Yeats’ Tower House, Bunratty Castle, Butler Castle and Castletown House.

Made in the Emerald Isle(en)

‘Made in the Emerald Isle’ is a modern music documentary that addresses the ongoing struggles faced by Irish musicians in finding success here at home. Irish music and the artists behind it, although world-renowned, in many cases have stepped outside of the country in order to achieve success and notoriety. This documentary will explore the story of the Irish music industry through the eyes of Sam Wickens.

The 34th(en)

An emotional look at the struggle for marriage equality in Ireland.