Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

Peter Woods tells of the closure of the Rawson’s Boot Factory in Dundalk in the 1960s. (Broadcast 2004)

The value of education in prisons is often debated worldwide. Made over 25 years ago, this is the story of education in Irish prisons, from both the educators and from the prisoners themselves. Education can be the key to rehabilitation (Broadcast 1985)

Raymond Chandler was an Anglo-American novelist and screenwriter who had an huge stylistic influence upon the modern day private detective story. His main fictional character, Philip Marlowe, is considered the 'perfect' private detective (Broadcast 1991)

The Shannon is Ireland's longest river. This documentary takes a relaxing and beautiful cruise on the upper Shannon, from Carrick on Shannon through to Knockivar lock to the Islands of Lough Key in Co. Roscommon. All aboard! (Broadcast 1991)

The story of the final night at the Gaiety Cinema in Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Despite a full refurbishment in the late 90s, the cinema still fell on hard times and closed in 2004 after more than 70 years business. This documentary relives the history and romance of watching a film on the single screen cinema throughout the years. (First Broadcast 2004)

Louis MacNeice CBE (1907–'63), an Irish poet and playwright, was part of the generation of "thirties poets" which included W. H. Auden. His work recieved wide public praise during his lifetime due to his relaxed, but socially aware style (Broadcast 1973)

Every day around the world people die. This documentary focuses on the last days of peoples lives and the help, support and love that can ease the passing of someone in the home environment or in a hospice (Broadcast 1991)

In 1976, Dick Warner travelled to Rhodesia in Africa to witness the last days of white rule. After a plan was initiated by the American and U.K governments, Zimbabwe was born with a new name, new politics, and with a black majority rule. White Mans rule had come to an end.  (First Broadcast 1976)

A journey through one of Dublins most historic areas, the Liberties. We meet some of its most revered residents and learn of its connections to the Titanic. (Broadcast 1982)

Fr O'Hickey was an Irish Catholic priest and a Professor of Irish at Maynooth College. In 1909 he clashed with the Bishops and establishment over his belief in Irish and duly dismissed. However, Fr O'Hickey didn't go down without a fight.. (Broadcast 1979)

In 1982, Ireland had been a member of the EEC for 9 years.  Hearing from those who work on the ground within the European Parliament, we gain an insight into how Ireland was still adapting to life within Europe with a relationship that was still in its infancy. This account asks where did we see our relationship with Europe going at a difficult period for the Irish Economy? (First Broadcast 1982)

John Skehan talks to locals of Bantry, Co. Cork about their concerns for the welfare of the bay and the once thriving fishing industry that was based there in the wake of two major oil spillages. This prescient documentary was made 4 years before the Betegeuse disaster at Whiddy Island in 1979.  (First Broadcast 1975).

Rabbit Overhead Mi Lord was recorded three years before Dunraven Estate in County Limerick was sold. It follows the last driven pheasant shoot on the estate. It features recordings of the then owner, the 7th Earl of Dunraven. (First Broadcast 1981)

The biography of one of Irelands 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.  O

A biography of fiddle player, Mickey Finn who was born in Callan, Co Kilkenny in 1951 and died in Galway in 1985. His life was short and had many of the elements of tragedy for Mickey was addicted to alcohol and drank himself to death.  This documentary explores symbiotic relationship between traditional music and alcohol and the consequent waste of this single life.  (First Broadcast 2007)