Great Irish Journeys with Martha Kearney

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tjj Apr 2, 2015 17:37:22

I've just caught up with the first two episodes of this superb little programme. Martha Kearney traces the footsteps of 19th century geologist and antiquarian George Victor Du Noyer who, in the mid 19th century set about drawing the geological features, ancient monuments and historical buildings of Ireland. In episode 1, while visiting Skibereen, Martha talks about the Great Famine although Du Noyer seemed to omit this devastating episode in Ireland's history from his drawings. She later visits the Bog of Allen where we learn about their formation and flora, we also get a fleeting look at some 'bog bodies' finds. Episode 2 is about Northern Ireland including Giant's Causeway. Not strictly in the category of archaeological but fascinating viewing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054c5gv

GLADMAN Apr 3, 2015 22:35:31

Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b054c5gv

Really enjoyed the first of these... although it brought back memories of staring with an stunned mind/aching heart at the cemetery at Skibereen...before consoling myself at Reansecreena that what's done is done, albeit never forgotten.

Following research, I believe that one of the prime architects of that horror, Charles Trevelyan, was actually acting in accordance with what he held to be right as an economist. As an economist. Needless to say, perhaps an economist was, er, not the best choice to dictate policy in an humanitarian crisis? The Victorian imperialist arrogance cannot be comprehended. Hence...

"The real evil with which we have to contend is not the physical evil of the Famine, but the moral evil of the selfish, perverse and turbulent character of the people. [Charles Trevelyan]"

Howburn Digger Apr 4, 2015 12:00:41

Replying to tjj

On a purely personal (non antiquarian) level I loved the programmes. Thirty years back I took up residence on the Causeway Coast for a few years of work and study. I loved the place. Martha Kearney's programme was a beautifully filmed reminder of the places I lived over there and how I spent most weekends for a few years.
I remember one rainy Sunday in December 1985 standing up at a window in the Mussendon Temple and watching the train from Derry disappear into the cliff below me. It was strange to see the exact view in the programme. I spent the rest of the evening after watching Martha's programme pondering the nature of time and place and where years go.