Story of Ireland

Best TV History of Ireland ever.
Heretofore, Robert Kee's 1981 television History of Ireland was the best of its kind; however, this 2011 history produced by the BBC surpasses Kee's. If you want to know about the real Ireland from the first settlers at the end of the Ice Age circa 8,000 b.c. to the present day, this DVD will cover it all in five hours. For a really comprehensive survey of Irish history, I would also read A History of Ireland in 250 Episodes by Jonathan Bardon.

Thorough reading of history without strong bias
This is a well-researched examination of the internal and external influences that eventually shaped the complicated Irish culture. I came away with a much better understanding of the events that led to the separation of Northern Ireland and the Republic as well as the reasons why they are so distinctly different today. The narration is nicely edited and easy to follow with lots of historical photos along with current footage. The several hours required to view the DVDs is time well spent prior to visiting the island.

Exploring Ireland's History and Myths
Identity is a funny thing. Or not. Contentious issues like religion and politics can be polarizing, as is often the case in Ireland. Irish writer and journalist Fergal Keane appropriately begins his dialogue against a stormy Irish coastline, sea crashing against rocks, with the premise that Irish identity has always been less insular and more international than commonly believed. Historically, the ocean was easier to traverse than overland journeys were; many peoples landed on the island, ultimately creating a complex cultural heritage.

"The Story of Ireland" is an intelligently written narrative, beautifully filmed, and deftly presented by Keane. Ancestors are mentioned: the Uí Néill, Brian Boru, Aoife MacMurrough, Richard De Clare (Strongbow), among others. Many if-onlys are explored: if only the Spanish and Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, had united effectively in 1601; if only the French had landed in County Cork with Wolfe Tone in 1796 ("We were near enough...

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