HISTORY/DOCUMENTARY -- Produced by Unicorn Films, "Dublin Medieval Charm, Georgian Splendour," an award-winning documentary video is presented and narrated by Cathal O'SHANNON,one of Ireland's best-known documentary presenters. The film (per review) has a captivating music score by Ken TUOHY and it is an ideal reference for both visitors and students. The making of this documentary was a labour of love, for Dubliner Aiden DOYLE. His previous production "Malahide Castle to the Velvet Strand" was awarded Best Documentary award at the Cork International Film Festival in 1998. Shot on location throughout Dublin, the history of the city is traced back to the Vikings, who arrived north of Dublin on Lambay Island in 795 A. D. Half a century later Viking boats sailed up the River Liffey. The Vikings named their new settlement Dyfflin. In 1171 Dublin was taken over by the Normans led by Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke (Strongbow). Cathal O'Shannon's superb narration, together with realistic illustrations, captures the atmosphere of these periods in Dublin's turbulent history. The history of Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedral is covered in great detail. Cathal visits Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells and covers the history of James Gandon's famous buildings, The Custom House, The Four Courts and Parliament Buildings. Cathal takes a horse and carriage trip around Fitzwilliam and Merrion Squares and outlines the history of these beautiful Georgian squares. The rise and fall of Charles Stewart Parnell is also covered, along with the Phoenix Park murder of 1882, the workers' strike of 1913, and the Howth Gun Running episode, which culminated in the events of East Week 1916. There is a superb collection of photographs courtesy of the various national archives used throughout this production. In Kilmainham Gaol, Cathal tells the tragic story of Joseph Mary Plunkett who married Grace Gifford only hours before his execution. The War of Independence, the leadership of Michael Collins, and the Irish Civil War in Dublin are documented. Finally Cathal visits some of Dublin's famous pubs associated with great Irish writers and relaxes with a pint at Ireland's oldest pub, The Brazen Head Inn and tells of the famous visitors who frequented it over the centuries. Website: www.unicornfilms.net