Documentaries About Ireland

Since we’re in Irish heritage month, I’d like to suggest a few documentaries about Ireland for you to check out.  Now, I’m no Irish scholar so some of the information may be out of date, but they still contain some very useful tidbits that are sure to inspire or move you. The links should take you to Netflix (you’ll need to be logged in) or Hulu.  There are others I have yet to see.  I may add to this list in the future.

• Out of Ireland: Story of Emigration into America– Paul Wagner wrote and directed this documentary about modern Irish history and the tragedies that drove so many to America.  If you’ve never thought about this aspect of Irish/American history, this is a good starting place to get a better sense of where you came from and the history of St. Patrick’s Day in America.  You should feel a sense of pride in your ancestors after watching this – the sacrifices they made.  Many never saw their loved ones or homeland again. It gets pretty good reviews on Netflix, though some wish there were more details.

• The Historic Pubs of Ireland – This PBS feature follows the author of Angela’s Ashes as he tours some famous pubs in Dublin.  Along the way, you learn bits and bobs about Irish culture and history.  Very fun watch for anyone interested in modern Irish history.  Also great if you’re planning a trip to Ireland.

• Rick Steves’ Europe: Dublin – A classic PBS show, Rick Steves is a favorite travel guide of mine.  I like watching his series on the Create Channel when I visit my parents.  Weretoad and I watched this episode before going to Dublin last year.  It helped us choose a few destinations.  Check this show out for cultural and historical information.

• Rick Steves’ Europe: Belfast and the Best of Northern Ireland – Steves also journeyed to Northern Ireland to show us landmarks associated with The Troubles and natural wonders like The Giant’s Causeway.  This is worth watching for a view of Ireland you don’t often see and a wonderful story about Finn.

• Rick Steves’ Europe: The Best of West Ireland: Dingle, Galway, and the Aran Islands – Anther Rick Steves’ episode.  This features a Gaeltacht town, Irish flora, and beautiful scenery of Western Ireland.

• Rick Steves’ Europe: South Ireland: Waterford to the Ring of Kerry – This episodes features natural, mountainous scenery,  monasteries, the Gardens of Powerscourt, information about the great migration, the Waterford Crystal factory, the settlement of Ireland by England, and, of course, stunning landscape!