Folk Hibernia

The Irish Folk Revival

Mike Connolly, Gerry Smyth, Irish Studies Review
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Submission
IADT Dublin
Language
English
Source
Public Organisation
Format
Broadcast
Era
Contemporary: 1945—2000
Sphere
Cultural
Submission
IADT Dublin
Language
English
Source
Public Organisation
Format
Broadcast
Era
Contemporary: 1945—2000
Sphere
Cultural

In the mid-20th century, Ireland experienced a cultural resurgence, with folk music playing a pivotal role in expressing national identity and creative renewal.

Folk Hibernia, a BBC documentary, captures this transformative period, chronicling the evolution of traditional Irish music against the backdrop of social, political, and cultural change. Through performances by iconic artists like Christy Moore, Planxty, and Clannad, the film explores the roots of the folk revival and its lasting impact on Ireland’s artistic legacy.

The documentary highlights how folk music served as a powerful form of storytelling, blending Ireland's past with the present while offering a platform for addressing contemporary issues. Themes of resilience, community, and national pride emerge as central motifs, illustrating how music not only preserved tradition but also helped redefine it for modern audiences. By connecting generations, the folk revival helped shape Ireland's global cultural identity, fostering a deeper appreciation for its heritage while continuing to influence artistic expression today.

WATCH: Folk Hibernia, Documentary, Mike Connolly, BBC; READ: Ireland unplugged: the roots of Irish folk/trad, Gerry Smyth, Irish Studies Review; LISTEN: The Irish Folk Music Revival - Culture, History and Perspective, What, Like It's Hard?; IMAGE: Images sourced from links above, Wikimedia Commons and/or Creative Commons
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