Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
County Down, A Tourist's Delight
Picturesque scenery and leisurely activities galore, come see what County Down has to offer in this Tourist Board film.
From the collection of:
Overview
As this delightful footage suggests, County Down has long appealed to holidaymakers. The luminous and varied landscapes are but part of its allure, for there are all manner of other attractions on offer. Sheepdog trials at Bangor’s Castle Gardens, the galloping excitement of horse-racing at Down Royal or – for those who prefer a more leisurely pace – a stroll in the idyllic Tollymore Forest Park.
These rushes come from the collection of National Museums Northern Ireland and were originally produced by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. This government department had their own staff that documented the region through stills and moving images and the films they created capture various facets of life in Northern Ireland. The department was particularly busy in the mid-1950s to late 1960s, creating films that aimed to sell Northern Ireland as a holiday destination. This material captures Northern Ireland at an intriguing time, post-World War Two and pre-Troubles.
Related
Watch for free
Curragh to Iona Curragh to Iona
Documentary 1963 24 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Join a fearless crew on a spiritual maritime adventure from the shores of Derry to Iona.
Watch for free
Seaway To Northern Ireland Seaway To Northern Ireland
Sponsored film 1969 22 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Welcome aboard the Ulster Queen; as excited holidaymakers travel from Liverpool to Belfast. From the mythological to modern discover what awaits those who cross the Irish Sea.
Watch for free
The Ceramicists The Ceramicists
Inside Film 1972 19 mins Location: Downpatrick
What passions burn behind doors in Downpatrick? Enjoy a tale of two unknown artists who have both found something they can truly call their own.
Watch for free
Ulster - Behind the Headlines Ulster - Behind the Headlines
Public Information Filler 1970 5 mins Location: Downpatrick
Will level headedness triumph? Hear how the peace and good neighbourliness of one town contrasts with the violence and tension prevalent elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
Watch for free
St Patrick's Day Pilgrimage Downpatrick (1959) St Patrick's Day Pilgrimage Downpatrick (1959)
Ceremony 1959 3 mins Silent Location: Downpatrick
A flock of pilgrims follow in the steps of St Patrick from his first church in Saul to his final resting place in Down Cathedral
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.