This film is part of Free

Lough Erne and District

Fishing, boating and exploring amidst the shores and islands of Lough Erne

Sponsored film 1958 9 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for Northern Ireland Screen

Overview

Of all Northern Ireland's places, Lough Erne is amongst the most picturesque. Boasting a multitude of charms, it is enduringly popular. Anglers try their luck in sun-dappled waters, whilst pleasure craft cruise leisurely up and down. Then, as we alight on Devenish Island, we see the awing Monastic ruins which date back to the sixth century. Note the round tower and intricately carved cross.

These colourful rushes are amongst a wealth of footage that was generated by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. This government department had their own staff who 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 interesting time, post-World War Two and pre-Troubles.