Great Coastal Railway Journeys E11-E15 (1280x720p HD, 50fps, soft Eng subs)
[Apologies; I thought this was a 10-episode series and labelled my previous (now renamed) torrent ‘complete.’ But it’s 20 episodes. Eleven to 15 here and 16 to 20 to follow next week]
E11 Ballarena to Giant's Causeway
Michael Portillo is on Northern Ireland’s spectacular Causeway Coast to begin a railway journey that takes him along the north and east coasts of Ireland through the provinces of Ulster and Leinster. Beginning on the windswept shores of Loch Foyle, he investigates the 17th-century origins of Ireland's sectarian divide, braves choppy seas to join an archaeological expedition, meets local teenagers learning about their costal home, and surveys the spectacular basalt landscape of the Giant’s Causeway.
E12 Ballymena to Carrickfergus
Michael Portillo is in the glens of Antrim, where Ireland’s folklore and magical myths flourish and he is transfixed by tales of fairies and legends of the sea. At the entrance to Belfast Lough, in Whitehead, he discovers a glorious museum, which tells the story of Ireland’s railway heritage. Meanwhile, on the seafront, Michael joins a crew belonging to the Whitehead Coastal Rowing Club as they prepare to race. At the medieval Carrickfergus Castle, Michael learns of the town’s important role in the history of Ireland, when William of Orange landed at its harbour and went on to fight the Battle of the Boyne.
E13 Bangor to Belfast
Michael Portillo is in Bangor, County Down, en route to the Northern Irish capital, Belfast. Admiring the handsome waterfront houses, he recalls the resort’s prosperity after the railways arrived and learns how local groups are launching a cultural revival. He finds out about the history of Stormont and the Good Friday Agreement, explores the regenerated waterfront on the Maritime Mile, visits the largest coastal inlet in the British Isles, and discovers a scheme to generate power with a tidal kite.
E14 Carlingford to Dublin
Michael Portillo continues his railway journey along the Atlantic and Irish Sea coasts of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. From Newry, he sets off to cross the border into the Republic. On the Carlingford Peninsula, he helps turn and shake 70,000 bags of Pacific oysters. At Newgrange, Michael is blown away by the ancient, acre-sized cairn and his guide’s explanation of what happens inside. Michael visits Dublin Castle, from where Ireland was once ruled by Britain, and meets the grandson of Irish revolutionary Eamon De Valera. At Dublin's docks, he finds out how investment in the tech sector has transformed the Irish economy.
E15 Dun Laoghaire to Rosslare
Michael Portillo begins the final leg of his railway journey, beginning in the harbour town of Dun Laoghaire. He joins a crew of geological surveyors to discover what lies beneath Dublin Bay.
In Sandycove, he meets James Joyce devotees in the town where the author found inspiration. At New Ross, he sees a replica of a ship that took emigrants to America during and after the Irish Famine. At the Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown, Michael meets JFK’s great-great-great-nephew, and at Rosslare, Michael discovers how business is booming in Ireland’s closest ferry port to France.
First broadcast: June 2023
Duration: 30 minutes per episode
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