Collection

Geography

29 items

8m 42s

Crock of Gold - The Roy Spence Collection

When two children discover a herd of cows at the end of the rainbow they are disappointed as they were expecting to find gold. The film traces the journey of butter from cows grazing, to milking, to the final churning of milk into a crock of gold – packets of butter – much to the delight of the children. It is a simple delight, and moments like the creative sound mixing in the laboratory scene gives you a taste of Spence’s filmmaking talents. Roy Spence is an award-winning amateur filmmaker. For the past 50 years, Spence has been making and screening a series of remarkable and sometimes eccentric films in his cinema in Comber, Co. Down. The films span many genres from sci-fi to horror to folk-life documentaries shot between 1965 and 1986. His collection of over 40 films (13 documentaries/non-fiction and 29 fiction feature films) is held and preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive.

9m 03s

Maidens in Distress - The Roy Spence Collection

This delightful film documents a trip by ferryboat to the Maidens lighthouse on the little island of Magee, Co. Antrim, to deliver essential supplies to the lighthouse crew. Shortly after this movie was shot, the lighthouse became fully automated and the need for this service disappeared. Roy Spence is an award-winning amateur filmmaker. For the past 50 years, Spence has been making and screening a series of remarkable and sometimes eccentric films in his cinema in Comber, Co. Down. The films span many genres from sci-fi to horror to folk-life documentaries shot between 1965 and 1986. His collection of over 40 films (13 documentaries/non-fiction and 29 fiction feature films) is held and preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive.

11m 06s

Along the Milky Way - The Roy Spence Collection

A comical documentary film by Roy Spence focuses on the various stages of a bottle of school milk. The commentary is given by a pint-sized cartoon character called Junior who appears on the milk-bottle cap. He explains the whole procedure to a little girl at school who has confused the words ‘diary’ and ‘’dairy’. This charming educational film was made for the Milk Marketing Board for Northern Ireland. Roy Spence is an award-winning amateur filmmaker. For the past 50 years Roy has been making and screening a series of remarkable and sometimes eccentric films in his cinema in Comber, Co. Down. The films span many genres from sci-fi to horror to folk-life documentaries shot between 1965 and 1986. His collection of over 40 films (13 documentaries/non-fiction and 29 fiction feature films) is held and preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive.

38s

Preparing for the Electricity Era

In this newsreel from 1929 the dawn of a new Ireland can be seen with the Shannon Scheme paving the way for new kind of energy. In a dramatic fashion Master Vincent Bowen presses a plunger to detonate explosives to blow up the 120 foot chimneys of the Carrick-on-Suir Creamery. The Shannon (hydroelectric) Scheme was a huge development by the Irish Free State in the 1920s. The aim was to harness the power of the River Shannon (Ireland’s longest river) and through the Ardnacrusha Power Plant in Clare, produce electricity across the country. The Shannon Scheme was officially opened on July 22nd 1929. One of the largest engineering projects of its day, it served as a model for large-scale electrification projects worldwide. Operated by the Electricity Supply Board of Ireland, it had an immediate impact on the social, economic and industrial development of Ireland.

46s

The Shannon Scheme

The Shannon (hydroelectric) Scheme was a huge development by the Irish Free State in the 1920s. The aim was to harness the power of the River Shannon (Ireland’s longest river) and through the Ardnacrusha Power Plant in Clare, produce electricity across the country. The Shannon Scheme was officially opened on 22nd July 1929. One of the largest engineering projects of its day, it served as a model for large-scale electrification projects worldwide. Operated by the Electricity Supply Board of Ireland, it had an immediate impact on the social, economic and industrial development of Ireland.

1m 59s

The New Cork

Following the devastating destruction caused to Cork city during The War of Independence, this newsreel from 1927 presents a “New Cork”. The camera travels down Patrick Street where we see some of the newly rebuilt buildings like Cash’s, Egan’s, Roches Stores and the Munster Arcade. This construction happened within a few years and helped create new jobs in the city. The majority of the banks and churches remained unaffected by the troubles and still stand tall as some of the most architecturally beautiful structures in the Rebel County. The slightly jittery footage from this newsreel was possibly acquired by placing the camera on top of tram as it passes through the city.

5m 49s

Ireland in a Horse Drawn Caravan

Experience the beauty of the Irish countryside in a horse-drawn caravan. This 1974 film highlights the many unique experiences that await tourists when they travel through Ireland in a horse-drawn barrel-top caravan. Accompanying three young holiday-makers on their leisurely journey around Ireland, the viewer experiences the country the way it should be experienced, at a slow and gentle pace.Whether it’s cooking over an open fire, stopping for a pint, or a sing-song in a traditional Irish pub, tourists can enjoy a holiday clip-clopping along at their own pace. Just don’t forget to feed your horse.

10m 29s

Dublin, Capital City of Ireland

This silent tourism film made for the Irish Tourist Association (the precursor of Bord Fáilte and Fáilte Ireland) provides a warmly-hued panorama of 1940s Dublin. Dublin is presented as a city of romance and contrasts which has survived countless changes through a thousand years of history. On this particular day Croke Park was packed to capacity as Limerick took on Kilkenny in the 1940 All Ireland Hurling Final. Going into the city centre, Dublin trams can be seen passing through a busy O’Connell Street, past Nelson’s Pillar (now home to The Spire) towards Bank of Ireland on College Green. The infamous Moore Street Market is a hive of activity, full of busy shoppers looking for a bargain, in complete contrast to the tranquil gardens of Stephen’s Green, where people are sprawled out on sun loungers making the most of a blissfully sunny day. As the film proudly states, “to the visitor, it is a city of pleasure offering every amenity for enjoyment and happiness”.

15m 32s

Killarney Scenes - Desmond Egan Collection

This colourful, amateur film by Desmond Egan features a range of scenes in the stunning surroundings of Killarney, Co Kerry. Cinematic shots showcase the landscape as the camera pans across lakes, rivers and springs and a mother and daughter enjoy a picnic at the foot of mountains. The traditional Irish craft of wool spinning is also on display where we see the various processes required to prepare a fleece. Desmond Egan was a skilled amateur filmmaker with a background in professional production. A wine merchant by trade, he lived with his wife and 4 daughters in Glenageary, Co Dublin. His films were shot between 1937 and 1946 and the collection of silent, colour films includes home movies, short dramas and documentaries on a range of subjects. With kind permission of the Egan family.

11m 40s

In Wicklow Hills - Desmond Egan Collection

This short amateur film sees two of Desmond Egan’s daughters taking a stroll along a country lane in Wicklow as the Sugar Loaf Mountain towers in the background. The Sugar Loaf is located between Delgany and Kilmacanogue and, at only 501 meters high, its volcanic appearance and isolation from other hills make it appear much taller than it is. Desmond Egan was a skilled amateur filmmaker with a background in professional production. A wine merchant by trade, he lived with his wife and 4 daughters in Glenageary, Co Dublin. His films were shot between 1937 and 1946 and the collection of silent, colour films includes home movies, short dramas and documentaries on a range of subjects. With kind permission of the Egan family.

27m 58s

Harvest - Desmond Egan Collection

This superb documentary, shot by avid amateur filmmaker Desmond Egan in 1946, explores antiquated harvesting methods used in remote areas of Ireland. From horse and cart to manual tilling of the land, Harvest proposes a more profitable and efficient way of working that would result from investing in machine technology. Desmond Egan was a skilled amateur filmmaker with a background in professional production. A wine merchant by trade, he lived with his wife and 4 daughters in Glenageary, Co Dublin. His films were shot between 1937 and 1946 and the collection of silent, colour films includes home movies, short dramas and documentaries on a range of subjects. With kind permission of the Egan family.

16m 19s

By Corrib Waters - Desmond Egan Collection

This amateur documentary on the stunning surroundings of Lough Corrib and the Cong River in Connemara is considered to be one of Desmond Egan’s finest films. At the junction of the Cong River and Lough Corrib stands Ashford Castle – now a luxurious hotel but formerly the residence of the Ardilaun family. Framed by the stunning surroundings of Connemara, west Ireland, the film also features the superb Kylemore Abbey. It was built in 1867 as a family home for the family of Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from London. In 1920 the Abbey became a Benedictine monastery run by nuns who had fled Belgium in World War I. The Benedictine community restored its famous walled garden to its former glory and it is today one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Desmond Egan was a skilled amateur filmmaker with a background in professional production. A wine merchant by trade, he lived with his wife and 4 daughters in Glenageary, Co Dublin. His collection of silent, colour films includes home movies, short dramas and documentaries on a range of subjects. With kind permission of the Egan family.

10m 54s

Ireland’s Golden West

An early travelogue made by the Irish Tourist Association (later Bord Fáilte and now Fáilte Ireland) to promote Galway as an attractive tourist destination. The film provides a scenic history of Galway city and its immediate surroundings. In warmly glowing colours the treasures of Galway city are shown: Eyre Square, the campus of University College Galway, the Church of St. Nicholas and the Galway Races. The film also features remarkable scenes of the thatched cottages in The Claddagh Village, one of the oldest fishing villages in Ireland, located just outside the city walls where the Corrib meets Galway Bay.

22m 14s

Blackwater Holiday

Fresh from their collaboration on the Royal Showband film The One Nighters (1963), Bob Monks and Peter Collinson (The Italian Job) came together to make this modest little film promoting canoe-camping holidays run by the Murphy family of Rathcoole in Co. Cork on the Blackwater River. Blackwater Holiday was made in the summer of 1964 and features commentary by Frank Hall. The film follows the adventures of a group of boys from England and continental Europe all set to enjoy the holiday of their lives in county Cork. The many outdoor activities include canoeing along the Blackwater, songs and stories around the campfire, a trips to Fair Day at Kanturk , Bridge End Abbey and the caves of Gortmore. Happy memories and firm friendships are made on this enjoyable holiday. With kind permission of Matt Murphy.

16m 46s

Portrait of Dublin

This short film was made by filmmaker (later archivist) Liam Ó Laoghaire (aka Liam O’Leary) and was commissioned by the Cultural Relations Committee of the Department of External Affairs. The film was designed to promote the city of Dublin to its inhabitants and to potential visitors from abroad. Brendan Stafford’s crisp black and white cinematography serves the city’s elegant architecture well while the narrator tells of the city’s cultural, literary and architectural history and its many venerable inhabitants. The elegant Georgian squares, the bustling markets, the tranquil parks and the sparkling nightlife present a city that is vibrant, cultured and steeped in history.

1m 17s

Dun Laoghaire Storm - Father Delany Collection

This short amateur film by Father Delany shows powerful waves crashing over the harbour walls on a stormy evening in Dun Laoghaire. A small group of people gather dangerously close to the edge as the boats and buoys rock erratically in the distance. One gentleman can be seen making a dash for it to avoid a nasty soaking. Father Jack Delany (1906-1980) was ordained in 1930 at the age of 24 and served as a parish priest in Dublin in the 1930s and 1940s. He served mainly in Seán McDermott Street (then Gloucester Street), Rutland Street and Gardiner Street. His images of trips with his parishoners, tenement life, school children at play, religious processions, and scenes within the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity Convent which housed a Magdalene Laundry provide us with a fascinating glimpse of life in inner city Dublin in the 1930s. With kind permission of Irene Devitt.

1m 36s

Killiney Hill - Father Delany Collection

This short amateur film shows a trip to Killiney Hill, Co Dublin, on a beautiful sunny day. The Obelisk stands proudly on the hilltop with views of the Wicklow Mountains in the distance. A boat trip takes us from Bullock Harbour past the beautiful Sorrento Terrace and towards Dalkey Island. Father Jack Delany (1906-1980) was ordained in 1930 at the age of 24 and served as a parish priest in Dublin in the 1930s and 1940s. He served mainly around Seán McDermott Street (then Gloucester Street), Rutland Street and Gardiner Street. His films offer a fascinating glimpse of life at the time in inner-city Dublin and include scenes of trips with parishioners, tenement life, school children at play, religious processions, and residents of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity Convent (which housed a Magdalene Laundry). With kind permission of Irene Devitt.

3m 10s

West Cork - Father Delany Collection

This short film shows a delightful visit to West Cork. The holidaymakers (friends of Father Delany) relax in the garden of Casey’s Hotel, take a boat trip, bathe in the sea and join in an impromptu group singalong and a spur-of-the-moment dance. Father Jack Delany (1906-1980) was ordained in 1930 at the age of 24 and served as a parish priest in Dublin in the 1930s and 1940s. He served mainly around Seán McDermott Street (then Gloucester Street), Rutland Street and Gardiner Street. His films offer a fascinating glimpse of life at the time in inner-city Dublin and include scenes of trips with parishioners, tenement life, school children at play, religious processions, and residents of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity Convent (which housed a Magdalene Laundry).

50s

The Cliffs of Moher - Monsignor Reid Collection

This short segment of film taken by Monsignor Reid provides scenic views of the Cliffs of Moher. O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835 by Cornelius O’Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru the High King of Ireland, can be seen in the distance. In 2015, the Cliffs of Moher were listed as UNESCO sites of great natural beauty. Father Reid (later Monsignor Reid) acquired his first ‘movie’ camera in the mid-1930s. He continued to film a wide variety of subjects until the 1970s. He filmed in the United States, where he lived for most of his life, and also religiously documented life in Ireland with family and friends during his regular trips home. His films include holiday and family activities against the backdrop of beautiful Irish scenery. He also captured holidays abroad in France, Spain, England and Italy.

29s

Limerick City - Monsignor Reid Collection

This short segment of film gives a glimpse of Limerick city in 1947. The camera captures the hustle and bustle of O’Connell Street, the main thoroughfare of Limerick city. It ends with a shot of the Treaty Stone, on which the Treaty Of Limerick between the warring Williamites and Jacobites was signed in 1691. Father Reid (later Monsignor Reid) acquired his first ‘movie’ camera in the mid-1930s. He continued to film a wide variety of subjects until the 1970s. He filmed in the United States, where he lived for most of his life, and also religiously documented life in Ireland with family and friends during his regular trips home. His films include holiday and family activities against the backdrop of beautiful Irish scenery. He also captured holidays abroad in France, Spain, England and Italy.

7m 24s

Moments in Ireland (1947-1948) - Monsignor Reid Collection

This film captures a wonderful mix of locations around Ireland, from the Kinvara Mountains, Garnish Island in Glengarriff, to the Dublin Horseshow (on August 7th 1947). The footage in this piece is some of the most varied and visually stunning filmed by Monsignor Reid. Father Reid (later Monsignor Reid) acquired his first ‘movie’ camera in the mid-1930s. He continued to film a wide variety of subjects until the 1970s. He filmed in the United States, where he lived for most of his life, and also religiously documented life in Ireland with family and friends during his regular trips home. His films include holiday and family activities against the backdrop of beautiful Irish scenery. He also captured holidays abroad in France, Spain, England and Italy.

31m 13s

Céad Míle Fáilte

The Irish title translates as One Hundred Thousand Welcomes and that is what awaits the visitor to Ireland in this short film produced by the Film Unit of the National Bus Companies and presented by the Irish Tourist Board. Opening with a 1916 rebel singalong in 'the smoke-filled atmosphere' of the Dublin’s Abbey Tavern the film then begins a pleasant bus journey winding through a host of sun-washed Irish towns and villages and happens upon a wealth of historic ruins dating back to early Christian times. Céad Míle Fáilte presents a warm and welcoming country and promotes the joys of exploring it on a comfortable and efficient Irish bus.

13m 53s

Errigal

This stunning documentary is set against the scenic backdrop of Mount Errigal in County Donegal. The mountains of Donegal are depicted like fairytale characters, where the hero Mount Errigal competes with neighbouring villain Mount Muckish. A fantastical narrative explains that the landscape is ‘a battleground where the weapons are the elements themselves’. Dramatic footage of storms and lightning blends with a superb score by Irish composer Brian Boydell.

17m 16s

Yeats Country

Yeats Country is a lyrical film commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs to commemorate the centenary of the birth of William Butler Yeats. The first film made by cinematographer and director Patrick Carey in Ireland, this documentary celebrates the landscape of Yeats’s poetry through stunning photography and a voiceover rich in poetry and in biographical detail narrated by Tom St. John Barry. Evocative images of the west of Ireland illustrate the poet’s life including: Thoor Ballylee Castle where he lived; Coole Park, home of Lady Gregory where literary figures of the period socialised; Lissadell House; Knocknarea Mountain; the slopes of Ben Bulben; the waterfall at Glencar; and finally, Yeats’s grave at Drumcliffe. Yeats Country is part of The Oscar® Collection: A Selection of Irish Academy Award® Nominated Short Films. It was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short in 1965. With kind permission of the Department of Foreign Affairs.