Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

The story of the "fallen women" who spent most of their lives in the old Magdalen home and laundry, the Convent of Our Lady of Refuge on Lower Sean MacDermott Street, Dublin.  It was the last Laundry to close, as recently as October 1996. At the height of its productivity 150 women worked in this laundry

A growing number of immigrants from the Middle East have come to Ireland in the last 25 years. They are refugees, travellers and students. They come from a region of great political instability and conflict. Producer Lorelei Harris speaks to people from Syria, Iraq and Lebanon who have made a new life after immigration. (First Broadcast 1991)

Kilkenny man Colm Ó Lochlainn was a printer, collector of Irish ballads and a piper. He founded his own press, At the Sign of the Three Candles Press in 1926. He wrote and published Irish Street Ballads in 1939 and More Irish Street Ballads in 1965.  He later became professor of Irish Language and Literature. He was also associated with the founding of An Óige (First Broadcast 1976)

For centuries 'Dancing Masters' travelled throughout Ireland from village to village, teaching Irish dance to all they met. They were flamboyant characters, wore bright clothes and carried staffs. Now long gone - their history lives on. (First Broadcast 1976)

A documentary about the vibrant Irish community in Paris and the historic Rue des Irlandais.  We hear from those who have emigrated to the French capital including Chaplain to the Irish in Paris, Fr. Liam Swords and visit the historic Irish College in Paris.  We also hear from those who have made Paris their home: Carpenter and GAA member Martin Donaghy, importer and exporter Tom McDonagh, writer Jean O'Sullivan originally from Dublin and Gerry O'Sullivan from Cork who lectures in British Studies.(First Broadcast 1989)

The history of Ireland's most reluctant Taoiseach ever. Dublin man John A. Costello was Taoiseach from 1948–51 and 1954–57, Attorney General of Ireland from 1926–32, and legal advisor to the government after independence in 1922.  Costello began life as a barrister and became involved in politics with Fine Gael. (First Broadcast 1976)

A radio documentary commemorating W.B. Yeats on the 50th anniversary of his death. Dublin’s William Butler Yeats (June 1865 to January 1939) was an Irish poet and dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th century literature. (First Broadcast 1989)

Collette Kinsella spends time with four elderly Irish nuns who have been living in Egypt in Africa for several decades.  She speaks to the women about their religion and reasons for emigration.  She also learns about growing mangoes, making wine, how to avoid a midnight eviction, the mosque across the road, mobile phone reception in the desert, and much more besides.  (First Broadcast 2008)

One of the greatest Irish composers of the 20th Century, Seán Ó Riada is best known for his work with Irish traditional music and the group Ceoltóirí Chualann. From those in the community to his family, this is a portrait of the man by those who knew him in Coolea, Co Cork. (First Broadcast 1981).

It is estimated that close to 12% of the population in America has Irish roots. An insight into Irish-America at a time when Ireland was only beginning to realise the interest many Americans have in their Irish ancestry.  This documentary looks at those searching their family history for links to Ireland. (First Broadcast 1981).

A look at the history of the American Presidency, beginning with George Washington who took office in 1789 and traversing almost two centuries. Along the way the programme looks at some iconic figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D Roosevelt, incorporating dramatic readings and archive footage to tell the story.  (First Broadcast 1972)

Dominic McGrath left the town of Lanesborough, Co Longford, in 1827 and went to America. Now, many generations later, the McGraths have returned to their Midlands town to meet Irish cousins at a party on the banks of the River Shannon. (First Broadcast 2000)

A radio programme adapted from Finnish about the Israeli writer Amos Oz, based on his memoir, A Tale of Love & Darkness. His literature included fiction, political commentary and literary criticism. (First Broadcast 2008)

Embracing all things Celtic, a look at the small town of Lannion in Brittany, home of the 1981 Celtic Congress.  People from countries throughout Europe travel to promote and celebrate the language of the Celtic countries. (First Broadcast 1981)

Greyhound racing has been a popular sport in Ireland for over a century. In this documentary we hear an account of greyhound racing's beginnings in Ireland. We also hear stories from the tracks and remember the champion dogs that have come and gone. (First Broadcast 1977)