Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

Seamus Hosey, accompanied By Marita Harve, visits the ancient Japanese city of Kyoto. Famed for its many Buddhist Temples, Zen Shrines, and rock gardens, there’s plenty of sightseeing on offer in Kyoto – and lots of karaoke bars to sing in. (First Broadcast 1994)

A look at the life and career of the Irish music collector and uilleann piper Breandán Breathnach. He is recognised as being responsible for saving numerous tunes and is seen as an important figure in the preservation of traditional Irish music. (First Broadcast 1985)

While most of us sleep at night, Dublin city is still alive and kicking. From taxi drivers to fire men and maternity hospitals to newspaper printers, we hear from the people who work through the night. (First Broadcast 1993)

This is the story of Nivita, an all-girl band from Cork whose three members Niamh, Anita and Carmel and a twenty-month baby girl Emma were killed in a tragic accident, when their car crashed just outside Charleville Co. Cork in October 1999.  We hear of their love of music and memories of the girls from family members. (First Broadcast 2001)

The erosion of memory is something we all fear. For those left watching, there's nothing worse than seeing loved ones health fade away. Alzheimer's is most often diagnosed in over 65's and there's an estimated 26 million sufferers worldwide. (First Broadcast 1993)

Witchcraft, the use of supernatural or magical powers, moves between fact and fiction depending on the believer or non-believer. We've heard the stories of witches in league with the Devil.  We investigate the history of persecution suffered by ‘witches’ in the witch hunts of  Early Modern Europe of the 14th to 18th century. And what of witchcraft in Ireland? (First Broadcast 1976)

Each year worldwide, over one million people commit suicide. This documentary meets with people who have attempted suicide and lived to tell the tale.  They discuss their mental health and difficult emotions. We also hear from the bereaved left behind about their grief. Why does anyone want to end their own lives? (First Broadcast 1992)

For most people in life, love is at the core of living. Sharing one's life with a significant other is nearly expected. This documentary tells a story of people who choose differently - to opt out of their marriages - and begin a new life. (First Broadcast 1993)

Tropical rainforests are 'jewels of the Earth'. Responsible for 28% of the world's oxygen turn over, rainforests are home to over 50% of all species in the world. So why are we destroying this environment and threatening the ecology of the world? (First Broadcast 1992)

The Isle of Lewis lies off the West coast of Scotland. It's said Scottish islands share a kindred Gaelic spirit with the Irish. In 1976 Kieran Sheedy went to investigate and unearthed a community that worked by day and danced by night - well, not quite...  (First Broadcast 1976)

This documentary looks back on some of the highs of fifty glorious years of the Eurovision song festival in the company of Paul G. Sheridan. Paul describes himself not as a fan but an aficionado, who loves the music and the competition. Dana is just one of the Eurovision names that Paul G. meets in making of this documentary. (First Broadcast 2005)

Until 1928, no one had flown from East to West over the Atlantic. In 1927, ten unsuccessful flights were attempted and seven lives were lost. Finally, in April 1928 a 3 man crew succeeded, one of whom was Irish man Captain James C. Fitzmaurice. This documentary looks at the history of the event.  (First Broadcast 1992)

Fr. Michael O’Flanagan was born in 1876 near Castlerea, Roscommon. Known as 'The Republican Priest', he was president of Sinn Féin from 1933-35 but was expelled from the party for participating in a Radio Éireann (2RN) broadcast in 1936.  This documentary looks at the political and personal history of the renowned Catholic priest. (First Broadcast 1976)

In July 1985, in the village of Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, a grotto statue of the Virgin Mary came alive and moved. As news of the phenomenon spread, thousands of pilgrims and spectators arrived. Seven years on, we return to see life in the village and reflect on how this mystery affected the people there. (First Broadcast 1992)

Everyone in Ringsend, Co. Dublin has a nickname. Even Ringsend has a nickname - "Raytown". Find out why in this documentary about the social history of this very unique Dublin neighbourhood by the sea. (First Broadcast 1981)