It’s now available for free. A wonderful start.
It’s somewhat fitting that almost 100 years since the first Dáil convened in Dublin’s Mansion House, part one of RTÉ’s new documentary series, The Irish Revolution, depicted the events of that day.
As stated in our review of Ruan Magan’s three-part series, the documentary is incredibly accessible because history savants will devour it and casual TV viewers will learn something new.
Narrated by Cillian Murphy, viewers were re-introduced to various milestones in Irish history like the creation of Sinn Fein, the Irish Volunteers, the events of the Easter Rising (and how the attitudes of some Irish people turned against the rebels, due to the loss of life in WWI), Cumann na mBan, John Redmond’s Irish Parliamentary Party, the issue of Home Rule, the rise of de Valera as a politician, and the radicalisation of the Irish public after they learned about the mass executions of the 1916 leaders.
Aside from this, seismic events like World War I and a sweeping sense of nationalism throughout the world helped to solidify Ireland’s call for Independence as something that’s symptomatic of a more worldwide trend.
With the second episode set to air next week, it’s clear that plenty of people will be tuning in again to watch The Irish Revolution when it airs next Monday at 21:30 on RTÉ One.
If you missed the first episode, you can view it here.
The Irish Revolution on RTE1 is superb.
— Anton Savage (@AntonSavageShow) February 4, 2019
Really enjoying #IrishRevolution on @RTEOne right now. Great account of the lead up to the War of Independence from documented recordings and some leading Irish historians
— Colin Griffin (@colingriffin) February 4, 2019
After watching #TheIrishRevolution, it’s difficult to comprehend why the teaching of history is too often undermined.
— Lynette Fay (@LynetteFay) February 4, 2019
Brilliantly put together, did a great job of condensing 20+ years into a very watchable hour #TheIrishRevolution
— Kieran Glennon (@DrNightdub) February 4, 2019
The first tour de force episode of the #TheIrishRevolution is testimony to what can be achieved through collaboration – between history & geography – & between the state broadcaster, cultural institutions & archives, universities & artists like Pól Brennan. @rte @UCC @NLIreland pic.twitter.com/t540iAICZO
— Dr Helene O'Keeffe (@heleneokeeffe) February 5, 2019
To put it simply #TheIrishRevolution was pure class. Can't wait for next week's installment. https://t.co/mZ8XpTcbY3
— Kieran'Corky'Hickey (@Kieran_Hickey) February 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/NLinnane/status/1092575715227299840
I'm loving the strong inclusion of women in #TheIrishRevolution. There was such possibility for women in Ireland at independence, but then the church…
— Ciarán O' Driscoll / Ó Drisceoil🇵🇸🇺🇦🏳️⚧️ (@bearaboi) February 4, 2019
#TheIrishRevolution welcome to the new generation of historians, particularly the new women’s voices. Congrats @rte
— NiamhB (@niamhb68) February 4, 2019
Just watched #theirishrevolution on @rte 1+1 – masterful doc – it's great that our history and what so many of our ancestors sacrificed their lives for is finally getting d platform it deserves. This should be compulsory viewing in all schools – can"t wait for part 2!
— Daniel Kearney (@dankearney48) February 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/aislingodx/status/1092564213187428352
You could listen to Cillian Murphy recite his shopping list and still be enthralled, so this documentary is wonderful viewing altogether #TheIrishRevolution
— Peter Farrell (@PeterFarr_) February 4, 2019
What a thrilling and insightful opening to the re-telling of the story of #TheIrishRevolution Delighted to see this wonderful generation of historians at their finest, including my old long-time stablemate, the brilliant Dr John O'Callaghan. Well done to you all!
— Dr Conor Reidy FRHistS (@ReidyConor) February 4, 2019
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