A study of Irish Traditional Music and Culture in the 1970s. 
Join us for a special screening of the landmark 1973 French documentary.

Directed by Claude Fleouter and Roviros Manthoulis, this captivating film offers a poetic, deep-dive exploration of Irish history, identity, and resilience through the powerful lens of its native music.   The film includes spellbinding performances by undisputed masters of the traditional scene, including Planxty, Willie Clancy, Seán Ó Riada, Packie Russell, and Tony MacMahon.

Made in 1973 for French television, Ireland: A Nation’s Memory is a remarkable journey through Irish culture, language and musical tradition at a moment of profound change.

From the rocky landscapes of the west, where the Irish language survived centuries of British occupation, to the crowded pubs and late-night sessions of Cork, the film explores how a nation’s identity found its way into song and music.< Along the way, we encounter some of the defining figures of Irish traditional music, including the pioneering composer and arranger Seán Ó Riada and legendary Clare piper Willie Clancy, as well as the musicians, singers and communities who kept the tradition alive. 

A fascinating time capsule of Irish musical culture, and a rare glimpse of some of its most influential figures at work.