Dublin - Medieval Charm / Georgian Splendour

"A fabulous film an ideal guide to Dublin for tourists and visitors alike".
Mary Gibbons (Mary Gibbon Tours)

"A most enjoyable film about Dublin and expertly presented, narrated by Cathal O'Shannon.
Should be marketed in the USA".
Fred O' Donovan (RTE Authority ex chairman National Concert Hall)

"A very entertaining film, thoroughly enjoyed it, great reference for
tourists / visitors".
Tony Kelly (Marketing Manager, Irish Ferries)

"Would be a perfect reference for someone who wanted to introduce an
audience to Dublin".
Eilish Rafferty (Marketing and Development, Dublin Tourism)

 

 

An exciting glance into the history of Dublin since the
first turbulent years of the Viking invasion to the Irish
Civil War has been captured on video by a Howth film
director. The 50 minute film entitled 'Dublin - Medieval
Charm / Georgian Splendour' has just hit the shops
after 18 months of filming by award winning director
Aidan Doyle. The documentary was shot on location
throughout the capital and features the well known
RTE presenter, Cathal O'Shannon, as narrator.
O'Shannon brings the viewer on a fascinating trip through
time to the arrival of the Vikings on Lambay Island in 795AD.

O'Shannon then describes the Viking advance up the River Liffey in their feared longboats half a century later.
When they settled, the fierce warrior called their new home 'Dyfflin'. We are told how they ruled the surrounding
lands until the Normans stormed ashore under the leadership of the legendary Richard Clare Strongbow.

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

The story continues with the history of Christchurch and St Patrick's Cathedral. O'Shannon visits the home
of the Book of Kells in Trinity College and he also delves into the history of James Gandon's Famous buildings,
the Custom House, the Four Courts and Parliament Buildings.

We are then taken on a horse and carriage trip around the great Georgian squares of Fitzwilliam and Merrion
while O'Shannon outlines their histories. Also covered is the rise and fall of Charles Stewart Parnell,
the Phoenix Park murders of 1882 and the 1913 workers' strike. An impressive eye for detail is revealed in
the coverage of the Howth gun running episode which culminated in the events of Easter Week, 1916.
This particular event is complemented with a collection of never seen before photographs, courtesy of
the National Library of Ireland.

The notorious Kilmainham Jail, which featured in the aftermath of the Easter Rising, is given particular
attention with the retelling of the tragic story of Joseph Mary Plunkett who married Grace Gifford only
hours before his execution.

The War of Independence, the leadership of 'The Big Fellah', Michael Collins, and the Irish Civil War are
also included.

Finally, O'Shannon visits one of Dublin's most famous pubs associated with great Irish writers.
While he relaxes with a pint at Ireland's oldest pub, the Brazen Head Inn, he tells of the famous visitors
who frequented over the centuries.

For Aidan Doyle the making of the documentary was a labour of love which cost him over £15,000 of his
own money to make. He worked on the production shoot with a cast of just four associates. The editing
was done at in Howth and took a total of 18 months to complete. He insisted that the end result is a
creation which is new to the city of Dublin.

"There are literally hundreds of books and newspaper articles out there that cover the various histories
of Dublin but it has never been done to such an extent in video format,'' said Doyle. "Cathal O'Shannon
did a tremendous job at narrating the stories and worked very hard, shooting 17 pieces to camera over
the course of the production."

Over the past 10 years Doyle has delved into his hobby
of film-making during a career as a community teacher.
His previous production, 'Malahide Castle to the Velvet
Strand' was awarded best documentary award at the Cork
International Film and Video Arts Festival in 1998. He was
also involved in the making of a documentary film on York.
England, which was supported by the York Tourist Board.
He now sees the Dublin video as a very important portrayal
of the city from its earliest times to the present day.

"It will also be a very good promotional film for Dublin, both for locals and tourists alike," he says. "
It could also appeal to schools and colleges as an education tool. Just as importantly, it is an entertainment
piece for those with an interest in where they are living."