Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

The story of a theatre company in Naas, Co. Kildare as they prepare for a big perrformance. As a travelling theatre group, nothing is as ever easy as it should be. (broadcast 1977)

Sir Walter Raleigh's is revered as the man who brought the potato to Ireland from South America. In this documentary John Skehan looks at the importance of the potato in Ireland, as well as the history and sociological impact of the potato in Ireland. (First Broadcast 1984)

The pipe has played a huge role in traditional Irish music for centuries and still does to this day. In this documentary we meet both Irish pipe players and pipe makers. They talk to us about their music and of course their love of piping and traditional Irish music. Produced by Proinsias O Conluain  (First Broadcast 1978)

A documentary on the inner city Dublin street, Francis St and the Iveagh Market.  Francis St is in the heart of Dublin.   We hear the stories from life in the old days, the Iveagh Market and its stalls and the effects of depopulation on the environment and the social lives of residents. (Broadcast 1985)

The world of romance, relationships and dating is forever evolving, and with every decade that passes, the ethics of dating change.  Long before the days of the internet, this documentary looks at the trend of computer dating in 1970’s Ireland.  Speaking to members of the universal and computer bureaus in Dublin.  A story of love and technology!  (First Broadcast 1978)

The Matt Talbot Bridge is a road bridge spanning the River Liffey in Dublin city centre. It links Custom House Quay on the north bank of the river to City Quay on the south bank, and was completed in 1978. This is the story of that bridge.  Produced and presented by Proinsias O Conluain.  (First Broadcast 1978)

Highlights from John Skehan’s journey across America. This documentary includes: the assimilation of Irish in the US, Young Indian on Indian rights, White view of Indians situation, Ecology and tourism, Mid west mining town of Hill City, Mount Rushmore ceremony, Bicentenial "excess" songs, Wyoming policeman and a cowboy on his work.  (First Broadcast 1976)

This documentary was recorded during the centenary year of Brooklyn Bridge. The New York bridge has become more than just a bridge - this is a story told through music, poetry and speech (Broadcast 1983)

"Is This the End of the Story?" looks at how we communicate over a pint in the pub. What will happen to our stories and how we tell them if we can't get to the pub or if the pubs disappear?

In the winter of 1968 Ireland had it's own student rebellion. The Doc on One catches up with the four main ringleaders forty years on.

In 1963 the Sean Nós singer Darach Ó Cathain emigrated from Connemara to Leeds, England with his wife and family. This documentary follows their journey. "When you've music in you, you're hearing music always." Darach O Cathain

Dreaming Of Fat Men is internationally regarded as a groundbreaking documentary. It won the 1995 Prix Italia for Radio documentaries. In the documentary, 5 very fat women meet to feast and discuss their relationship with food, which is both funny and sad.

The Oracle of Zeus spoofing

A longer interview with Philip

This documentary tells the story of a famed Galway barber - Chick Gillen of Dominick Street. We hear from both Chick and his clientele as they talk their way through the world of hair and life.