Documentary On One - Rté Documentaries

The biography of one of Ireland's most celebrated talents in literature – James Joyce. Born in Dublin in 1882, and best known for Ulysses, this documentary takes a look at the literary legacy left behind from a man of such poetic brilliance. On the centenary of his birth, an array of contemporary writers speak of his life. (First Broadcast 1982)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of sound reproduction began in 1877 when Thomas Edison found a way of causing sound waves to vibrate and be recorded onto tin foil. Then in 1887 the first record was invented. This documentary celebrates 100 years of the gramophone. (First Broadcast 1977)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part of Factory Lives; A six part series on factory closures in Ireland taking one example from each decade and examining the causes for the collapse against a backdrop of economic development in this country. Paddy O'Gorman tells the story of the closure, in 1953, of Locke's Distillery in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. (First Broadcast 2004)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Irish literature’s greats; George Bernard Shaw is celebrated in this documentary. Born in Dublin in 1856, Shaw initially struggled for success before plays such as Pygmalion brought him to the attention of the theater going public. His plays, criticism, politics and humour are remembered in this tribute. (First Broadcast 1991)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A biography of the fascinating life of James Joyce; a giant of literature in Ireland. We learn why he had such a strained relationship with Dublin and gain an insight into the creation to some of his iconic and award winning works. (First Broadcast 1982)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Storyteller Eddie Lenihan is a master of language. In 1999 Eddie began a campaign that lead to the NRA rerouting the Ennis Bypass around a lone bush at Latoon, near Newmarket-on-Fergus, co. Clare. The bush is the site where the fairies of Munster gather before they set out to do battle with those from Connaught. (First Broadcast 2009)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countess Constance Markievicz is known for her participation in the Easter rising in Dublin in 1916 and her time spent as part of the Irish Cabinet. Members of her family paint a picture of the woman behind the 'rebel', looking at her history in politics, her love of her family and her Ford Model-T. (First Broadcast 2009)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maurice Manning traces the history of the Blueshirts in Ireland. The Blueshirts was the nickname for the National Guard which was an Irish extra-parliamentary security organisation active in the 1930s. Led by Eoin O’Duffy, they provided protection for political groups such as the Cumann na nGaedheal. (First Broadcast 1974)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since it was founded in 1948 the RTÉ Symphony orchestra has seen over 60 of success at the forefront of symphonic music in Ireland. Ever wondered what it takes to be a member of a world renowned orchestra? The Musicians of the RTESO reveal the hard work required along with an account of the orchestra's fascinating history. (First Broadcast 1982)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of a homeless man who swapped the dangers of urban subsistence for the rural forest sanctuary of the Dublin Mountains. For three years he has made the woods his home; it is where he feels safe, but excursions to the city rekindle his old problems. (First Broadcast 2009)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1904, Father John Creagh instigated an economic boycott against the small Jewish community in Limerick and forced a lot of them to leave the city. This documentary has the framework of a diary kept by a fictitious teenage boy during this time. (First Broadcast 1998)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Lang travels to Dingle in Co Kerry, to meet Fungie the Dolphin. Fungie is a friendly bottlenose dolphin, who has lived in the harbor since 1983. Barry talks to the locals about his story and the games the adventurous dolphin likes to play. (1989)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1974, after severe drought, Ethiopia in Africa was devastated by the disaster of famine. Up to an estimated 1 million were left dead. Still under the rule of Emperor Haile Selassie, Ethiopia was an inhospitable destination both politically and geographically. (First Broadcast 1976)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A journey into the realms of Catholic belief. The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is an Irish Catholic fraternal organisation. Members must be Catholic and either Irish born or of Irish descent. Its largest membership is now in America, but AOH was very active in Northern Ireland in the 1970’s. (First Broadcast 1976)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at the fascinating life of Co. Mayo poet Paul Durcan. He talks us through his childhood and his award winning work and the experiences that have informed them, including mental health issues after being committed to a psychiatric hospital whilst a student at college. (First Broadcast 1982)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an absolute must listen - a window into the Ireland that once was - and is perhaps gone forever? One of our real oldies but goldies - a documentary about how to kill a pig on a rural Co Galway farm in the late 1970's. (First Broadcast 1978)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A story which follows a number of people who have left their homelands to seek a new life in the so called 'New Europe'. After emigration from Africa, Turkey and Eastern Europe, they tell of finding a place to be, a sense of belonging and an identity as immigrants and refugees in their adopted countries. (First Broadcast 2007)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is it about Bargemen? Do they choose the lifestyle or does it choose them? The last working barge passed through the Grand Canal in Dublin in 1960. Yet the stories, memories and lifestyle still live on amongst these bargemen and their families. The men speak about their work, and lives. (First Broadcast 1976)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mention the words "The Forty Foot" around Dublin, and anyone will know exactly what you are referring to immediately. This bathing area in South Dublin has become an institute among bathers in the capital. Immortalised in literature (Ulysses), this documentary looks at the history of this former male only swimming spot. (First Broadcast 1982)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A radio documentary about Edel and Fergus, urban parents, who decide to move their family out of their cramped house in Dublin in the middle of the Celtic Tiger years to give their two children Sorcha and Cian, a better life in the country. (First Broadcast 2001)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.