Documentary On One - Rté Documentaries

For centuries 'Dancing Masters' travelled throughout Ireland from village to village, teaching Irish dance to all they met. They were flamboyant characters, wore bright clothes and carried staffs. Now long gone - their history lives on. (First Broadcast 1976)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A radio documentary commemorating W.B. Yeats on the 50th anniversary of his death. Dublin’s William Butler Yeats (June 1865 to January 1939) was an Irish poet and dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th century literature. (First Broadcast 1989)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the greatest Irish composers of the 20th Century, Seán Ó Riada is best known for his work with Irish traditional music and the group Ceoltóirí Chualann. From those in the community to his family, this is a portrait of the man by those who knew him in Coolea, Co Cork. (First Broadcast 1981).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colette Kinsella speaks to four elderly Irish nuns who have been living in Egypt in Africa for several decades. She learns from the women about their religion and reasons for emigration, as well as growing mangoes, making wine and how to avoid a midnight eviction. (First Broadcast 2008)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The history of Ireland's most reluctant Taoiseach ever. Dublin man John A. Costello was Taoiseach from 1948–51 and 1954–57, Attorney General of Ireland from 1926–32, and legal advisor to the government after independence in 1922. Costello began life as a barrister and became involved in politics with Fine Gael. (First Broadcast 1976)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at the history of the American Presidency, beginning with George Washington who took office in 1789 and traversing almost two centuries. Along the way the programme looks at some iconic figures such as Thomas Jefferson, and Franklin D Roosevelt, incorporating dramatic readings and archive footage to tell the story. (First Broadcast 1972)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is estimated that close to 12% of the population in America has Irish roots. An insight into Irish-America at a time when Ireland was only beginning to realise the interest many Americans have in their Irish ancestry. This documentary looks at those searching their family history for links to Ireland. (First Broadcast 1981).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dominic McGrath left the town of Lanesborough, Co Longford, in 1827 and went to America. Now, many generations later, the McGraths have returned to their Midlands town to meet Irish cousins at a party on the banks of the River Shannon. (First Broadcast 2000)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embracing all things Celtic, a look at the small town of Lannion in Brittany, home of the 1981 Celtic Congress. People from countries throughout Europe travel to promote and celebrate the language of the Celtic countries. (First Broadcast 1981)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seamus Hosey, accompanied By Marita Harve, visits the ancient Japanese city of Kyoto. Famed for its many Buddhist Temples, Zen Shrines, and rock gardens, there’s plenty of sightseeing on offer in Kyoto – and lots of karaoke bars to sing in. (First Broadcast 1994)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A radio programme adapted from Finnish about the Israeli writer Amos Oz, based on his memoir, A Tale of Love & Darkness. His literature included fiction, political commentary and literary criticism. (First Broadcast 2008)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greyhound racing has been a popular sport in Ireland for over a century. In this documentary we hear an account of greyhound racing's beginnings in Ireland. We also hear stories from the tracks and remember the champion dogs that have come and gone. (First Broadcast 1977)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While most of us sleep at night, Dublin city is still alive and kicking. From taxi drivers to fire men and maternity hospitals to newspaper printers, we hear from the people who work through the night. (First Broadcast 1993)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at the life and career of the Irish music collector and uilleann piper Breandán Breathnach. He is recognised as being responsible for saving numerous tunes and is seen as an important figure in the preservation of traditional Irish music. (First Broadcast 1985)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the story of Nivita, an all-girl band from Cork whose three members Niamh, Anita and Carmel and a twenty-month baby girl Emma were killed in a tragic accident, when their car crashed just outside Charleville Co. Cork in October 1999. We hear of their love of music and memories of the girls from family members. (First Broadcast 2001)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The erosion of memory is something we all fear. For those left watching, there's nothing worse than seeing loved ones health fade away. Alzheimer's is most often diagnosed in over 65's and there's an estimated 26 million sufferers worldwide. (First Broadcast 1993)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tropical rainforests are 'jewels of the Earth'. Responsible for 28% of the world's oxygen turn over, rainforests are home to over 50% of all species in the world. So why are we destroying this environment and threatening the ecology of the world? (First Broadcast 1992)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each year worldwide, over one million people commit suicide. This documentary meets with people who have attempted suicide and lived to tell the tale. They discuss their mental health and difficult emotions. We also hear from the bereaved left behind about their grief. Why does anyone want to end their own lives? (First Broadcast 1992)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For most people in life, love is at the core of living. Sharing one's life with a significant other is nearly expected. This documentary tells a story of people who choose differently - to opt out of their marriages - and begin a new life. (First Broadcast 1993)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Witchcraft, the use of supernatural or magical powers, moves between fact and fiction depending on the believer or non-believer. We investigate the history of persecution suffered by ‘witches’ in the witch hunts of Early Modern Europe of the 14th to 18th century. And what of witchcraft in Ireland? (First Broadcast 1976)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.