Unicorn Films - Product Titles, ghost tales of york, york city of historic splendour, dublin medieval charm georgian splendour, malahide castle to the velvet strand, Howth portrait of a peninsula, ferries of dublin bay, ghost hunt of york

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York City of Historic Splendour

Narrated by Sky History Channel presenter Cathal O'Shannon.

York is one of England's most historic cities and probably the best preserved medieval city in the world. This film is an excellent reference for anyone who has an interest in York, it's history and its places of historical interest.

The city of York has a history that spans 2,000 years. It has survived centuries of turmoil and trauma. The Romans established a base here in 71 A.D. and it became an important centre of Roman power for more than three centuries. After the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons ruled here for almost 400 years. York was taken over by the Vikings who were then displaced by the Normans led by William the Conqueror. Later it was besieged by Oliver Cromwell's forces in 1644. This film shows the splendour of York Minster, The Bars and Walls, St. Mary's Abbey, Treasurer's House, Stonegate and the Shambles, Clifford's Tower, the seige of York, the Georgian period and much more.

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Dublin Medieval Charm / Georgian Splendour

This award winning film is presented and narrated by Cathal O'Shannon, one of Ireland's best known and respected documentary film presenter. The film, with a captivating music score by Ken Tuohy, is an ideal reference for tourists, students and all who live in Dublin or visit this great city.

The Vikings landed north of Dublin on Lambay Island in 795 A.D. Half a century later their boats sailed up the River Liffey. They settled on its banks and named their settlement Dyfflin. Two centuries later the Normans invaded Ireland. 

Cathal O'Shannon's superb narration, together with realistic illustrations, captures the atmosphere of these periods in Dublin's turbulent history.

The history of Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals is covered in great detail. Cathal visits Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells and covers the history of Gandon's famous buildings, The Custom House, The Four Courts and Parliament Buildings.
Cathal takes a horse and carriage trip around the great Georgian Squares, Fitzwilliam and Merrion and outlines their history. Also covered is the rise and fall of Charles Stewart Parnell, the Phoenix Park murders of 1882, the 1913 workers strike and the Howth Gun Running episode culminating in the events of Easter Week 1916. This is illustrated with a superb collection of photographs courtesy of the various national archives.

In Kilmainham Gaol Cathal tells the tragic story of Joseph Mary Plunkett who married Grace Gifford only hours before his execution in 1916. The War of Independence, the leadership of Michael Collins, and the Irish Civil war in Dublin is also included. Finally Cathal visits some of Dublin's most famous pubs associated with great Irish writers. He relaxes with a pint in Ireland's oldest pub, The Brazen Head Inn, and tells of the famous visitors who frequented it over the centuries.

Cork International Film / Video Arts Festival - Best Documentary.

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Malahide Castle To The Velvet Strand

This film begins with the Talbots and their involvement in history of Malahide Castle. During the First World War blimps (airships) were stationed at Malahide Demense. Their part in the sinking of the MV Leinster in October 1918 is also described. The story of world famous aviators and their flight from Portmarnock Strand during the 1930s is portrayed.
Finally other areas of interest shown include Malahide Castle / Gardens, Malahide Abbey, St Dhoulaigh's 12th Century church and much more.

Best Documentary: Cork International Film / Video Festival 1998. Fuji Award: 
The Guernsey Lily International Film / Video Festival 1998.

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Howth - Portrait Of A Peninsula

This award winning film depicts the history of Howth, a peninsula to the north of Dublin bay. It describes its first settlers followed by the Viking and Norman invasions on the peninsula.
The film also covers the Howth Gun-Running episode in the early 1900s. Also included is a section on the Hill of Howth tram.

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Ferries Of Dublin Bay

A unique documentary giving an exclusive insight into the daily operation of some of the most sophisticated vessels that ply our waters. Included in the film are the world's largest fast ferry, The Stena Explorer, and the world's largest car ferry the M.V. Ulysses.
Interviews are featured with Captain Tom Joyce of the Ulysses and Captain Steve Hutson of the Jonathan Swift. Exclusive footage includes the view from the Ulysses' bridge as she makes her final approach and berths in the port of Holyhead in Wales.

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Ghost Hunt of York

Andy Dextrous takes you on a journey to discover the remarkable ghost stories of York. Using dramatic reconstructions and real life testimonials from witnesses he seeks to unravel the darker side of York's haunted heritage, such as -

* Holy Trinity Church - The Lady in White.
* 41 Stonegate - A Victorian tragedy.
* St. William's College - Mysterious footsteps.
* The Plague House - An abandoned child.
* Dick Turpin - York's most notorious highwayman.
* Treasurer's House - Harry Martindale's famous account of Roman soldiers.

These and other classic ghost stories define York as Britain's most haunted city.