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
Dwight Eisenhower in Hillsborough and assorted other scenes
Fishermen enjoy a tranquil day out, motorbikes race on a grass track, Dwight D. Eisenhower visits Hillsborough and much fun is had on a ferry trip.
From the collection of:
Overview
Tranquil scenes of fishermen on edge of the River Erne. The excitement of motorbike racing at Lisahilly, Enniskillen, as bikes thunder around the muddy grass track. Dwight D. Eisenhower, formerly the 34th President of the USA, begins a four-day visit to Northern Ireland on the 21st of August. He's greeted in Hillsborough by assorted dignitaries. Vivid scenes of ferry journey from Warrenpoint.
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.
Related
Watch for free
Devil's Rock Devil's Rock
Drama 1938 51 mins Location: Bangor
Will new open-air microphone technology give Richard Hayward the chance to silence his critics? Watch as Cushendun and Bangor steal the show.
Watch for free
Ulster Heritage Ulster Heritage
Documentary 1961 16 mins Silent Location: Ballymoney
A jaunty guide to life and industry in Ulster which focuses on a Northern Irish farming family.
Watch for free
Benson and Hedges Fishing Festival Benson and Hedges Fishing Festival
Sponsored film 1976 15 mins Location: Enniskillen
With £5,000 pounds at stake who will you put your money on?
Watch for free
Angling in Northern Ireland Angling in Northern Ireland
Sponsored film 1959 12 mins Silent Location: Bangor
Fishermen indulge their passion for deep sea and river bank angling.
Watch for free
State visit of Leopold III the former King of Belgium State visit of Leopold III the former King of Belgium
Travelogue 1956 3 mins Silent Location: Enniskillen
A dethroned King is treated to an impressive spectacle as he is given the Freedom of Enniskillen
Watch for free
Governor's Notebook 4 Governor's Notebook 4
Amateur film 1955 4 mins Silent Location: Belfast
Experience the strenuous but always very friendly official affairs of the Governor of Northern Ireland and his wife.
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.