'The Irish Revolution' follows the extraordinary story of Ireland's difficult path to independence from Britain. Last night RTÉ aired the first episode in the three-part series of documentaries, narrated by Cillian Murphy, which marks the centenary of the Irish War of Independence.
The documentary series is produced in 4K HD and uses rarely seen archive footage as well as first hand witness accounts. 'The Irish Revolution' also features 3-D CGI mapping, dramatic visuals and contributions by the nation's finest writers and historians. While the centuries before the Rising are also discussed, 'The Irish Revolution' mainly focuses on the period between 1916 to 1922.
It explores how the Irish rebels drew heavily on the revolutionary spirit that swept the world in the first years of the 20th century, revealing the remarkable events that forced Britain’s hand. It also looks at the far reaching impact of Ireland's independence, causing millions around the world to rise up and demand their right to equality and freedom.
Safe to say, viewers were very impressed with 'The Irish Revolution' as well as the narrating skills of Cillian Murphy:
Absolutely love Cillian Murphy’s no nonsense Irish accent. No elocution lessons, BBC accent as often heard on Orr. T. E. So fitting for this wonderful #TheIrishRevolution
— Norma Uí Chathasaigh (@Normacasey) February 4, 2019
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
This show needs to be shown to every Irish child to show them what it means to be Irish and Proud. We can’t forget the Men and Women who made the ultimate sacrifice 🇮🇪🇮🇪 Well done @rte #TheIrishRevolution #irish https://t.co/vyznjkBao1
— Barry Dempsey (@barryde78) February 4, 2019
Delighted with #TheIrishRevolution. Very proud UCC history student here tonight. Very lucky to have sat through classes with Dónal Ó Drisceoil and John Borgonovo.
— Ádhamh de Bhuitiméir (@adambuttimer) February 4, 2019
Britain: "I'm sure all this talk of anti British sentiment over Brexit in Ireland is exaggerated, wonder how Irish television is reporting things?".....#TheIrishRevolution pic.twitter.com/INUW7hRY9c
— Gerry McK (@GMcK2012) February 4, 2019
The Irish Revolution on RTE1 is superb.
— Anton Savage (@AntonSavageShow) 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
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
I admire that #TheIrishRevolution is not underplaying or straight up leaving out the importance of cuman na mban and the role that women played during the revolution.
— Megan (@henchwenchxox) February 4, 2019
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
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
'The Irish Revolution' continues next Monday on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.
