Great British Railway Journeys Goes to Ireland

brian_t

This is on every day this week at 6.30pm on BBC2.
I like this type of programme and I think Michael Portillo is an ok presenter although I would have preferred Michael Palin.

Great British Railway Journeys Goes to Ireland
Channel: BBC 2 Northern Ireland
Date: Monday 30th January 2012
Time: 18:30 to 19:00 (starting in 21 minutes)
Duration: 30 minutes.
Bray to Dublin. Series 1, episode 1.
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us, and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains. Michael crosses the Irish sea to discover the rich railway history of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, following the unfurling 19th century expansion of the tracks from Dublin to Londonderry. He observes the amazing engineering feat involved in building the railway along Dublin's treacherous East coast, explores 19th century crime and punishment in a Victorian jail, and finds out how the lions of Dublin Zoo changed the fortunes of the railways.
(Stereo, Widescreen, Subtitles, Audio Described, 2012, 3 Star)
Excerpt taken from DigiGuide - the world's best TV guide available from http://www.getdigiguide.tv/
Copyright GipsyMedia Ltd.


Enfield to Drogheda. Series 1, episode 2.
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us, and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains. Michael crosses the Irish sea, to discover the rich railway history of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, following the unfurling 19th century expansion of the tracks from Dublin to Londonderry. He explores the extensive railway network within the Bog of Allen, discovers the Victorian secrets behind the amazing Boyne Viaduct, and travels underground, into the vast Irish Zinc mines.

Dundalk to Portadown. Series 1, episode 3.
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us, and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains. Michael crosses the Irish sea to discover the rich railway history of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, following the unfurling 19th century expansion of the tracks from Dublin to Londonderry. He explores the Victorians' fascination with antiquity, by visiting the amazing Cromlech stones of Dundalk. He reaches for the stars at the Portadown Observatory and travels in style along the steam railway of Downpatrick.

Belfast to Whitehead. Series 1, episode 4.
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us, and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains. Michael crosses the Irish sea to discover the rich railway history of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, following the unfurling 19th century expansion of the tracks from Dublin to Londonderry. He explores the fascinating history of Belfast's Victorian docks, discovers the Irish spade making traditions untouched for over 150 years and takes a walk on the wild side with Whitehead's Victorian coastal paths.

Ballymoney to Londonderry. Series 1, episode 5.
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook. Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed us, and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains. Michael crosses the Irish sea to discover the rich railway history of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, following the unfurling 19th century expansion of the tracks from Dublin to Londonderry. He takes a white knuckle walk over the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, follows in the footsteps of the Victorians to experience the delights of the Giant's Causeway and explores the rich history of Londonderry.

Minstrel27

I enjoyed that but I usually enjoy it anyway. Nice slow moving programme

Badgermonkey

As a regular viewer of 'This Week', I've grown to like Portillo :eek:

Missed this but will catch repeat. It's a nice bit of social history, scenery and choo-choo trains which awakens the long-dormant 'Ivor the Engine' fetish that gripped me as a kid.

RobertFoster

Badgermonkey wrote: »

Missed this but will catch repeat.

Anyone know when the first episode will be repeated?

brian_t

It's not due to be be repeated in the near future but BBC have repeated the previous two series.

These programmes set in Ireland are actually the last 5 episodes of the third series (25 episodes in total). All previous episodes were set in the UK.

Lapin

I enjoy this programme, and indeed the whole series.

Its relaxed and easy going and I like the presenters informal style although I hope his suitcase turns up soon.

In yesterdays programme, Portillo walks into the Royal Marine Hotel to stay the night there and walks out again the next morning wearing the same clothes.;)

brian_t

I started watching because it was set in Ireland but I have watched "Great Train Journeys" in the past.

Has Michael Portillo been working his way through the same book for the entire three series.

Lapin

brian_t wrote: »

Has Michael Portillo been working his way through the same book for the entire three series.

Yep. Although I doubt the people of Tullamore have much time for the author after he wrote about his wish to see their town sink into a bog.

Tonight's programme was a real eye-opener. That is one serious set up in Tara Mines.

Badgermonkey

RobertFoster wrote: »

Anyone know when the first episode will be repeated?

Caught it on iPlayer last night.

He has an awful poncey walk on him - his promenade along Dublin's boardwalk in the Salmon pink jacket must have elicited a comment or two from the local street philosophers.

ejmaztec

Badgermonkey wrote: »

Caught it on iPlayer last night.

He has an awful poncey walk on him - his promenade along Dublin's boardwalk in the Salmon pink jacket must have elicited a comment or two from the local street philosophers.

He would have got more than comments, had he tried walking there when he was one of Thatcher's ministers.:eek:

squonk

I really am enjoying this program. Mind you, I'd have thought Skerries or Malahide would have been a more exciting stop off point than Balbriggan. Perhaps the guide doesn't mention Skerries but it's bound to have mentioned Malahide. I suppose neither town had the victorian industry element going for them but they've far more picturesque I'd have thought.

The piece on the Viaduct in Drogheda was fantastic. If only more was made of that structure!

Technocentral

I'm enjoying the show but its hard to shake of the memory of him as a horrible Thatcherite and smarmy git in the 80s and 90's, always remember watching the 97 election coverage with some mates on the telly, we all cheered when he lost his seat.

brian_t

Technocentral wrote: »

I'm enjoying the show but its hard to shake of the memory of him as a horrible Thatcherite and smarmy git in the 80s and 90's, always remember watching the 97 election coverage with some mates on the telly, we all cheered when he lost his seat.

Out of interest I read the Wikipedia article on him.
Did you know that when he was 8 he starred in a television advertisement for Ribena.
He has certainly kept busy since leaving politics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Portillo

The Black Oil

I enjoyed the first episode, but missed the second. Apart from ending up on Blighty or whatever it's called, will the recent ones be repeated? Am eager to see viaduct and Tara Mines.

Our man in Havana

He saved the Settle to Carlisle railway when he was transport minister. He is a good bloke.

brian_t

brian_t wrote: »

These programmes set in Ireland are actually the last 5 episodes of the third series (25 episodes in total). All previous episodes were set in the UK.

BBC4 is repeating the first series of Great British Railway Journeys on Wednesdays at 19.30 starting next week February 8th.

Liverpool to Eccles. Series 1, episode 1.
Documentary series in which Michael Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country by train. Taking a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook, he discovers how the railways changed the public and what of Bradshaw's Britain remains. Michael begins his journey on the world's first passenger railway line, learns to speak Scouse in Liverpool, finds out about the first railway fatality and explores the origins of the Eccles cake.

brian_t

BBC2 is currently showing the 4th series of Great British Railway Journeys.

In last 5 episodes of the series Michael Portillo comes to Ireland.
These Irish episodes are broadcast in the week starting Monday 4th February at 6.30pm

Michael Portillo takes to the tracks once again using his Bradshaw's 'Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain and Ireland' from the Victorian era. Portillo is on a railway journey through the Republic of Ireland travelling from the rugged beauty of County Kerry, across the rural Irish Midlands to end in the city of Galway on the Atlantic coast.

Monday 4th February 2013 - Killarney to Cobh.

In this episode Michael samples nineteenth century foodie delicacies, explores a stunning landscape shot to fame by rails and royals and risks life and limb for the gift of the gab.

Tuesday 5th - Charleville to Waterford.

In this episode, Michael learns the ancient art of butter making, attempts to learn the basics of Ireland's oldest game, and rides the Duke of Devonshire's Victorian Irish railway.

Wednesday 6th - Kilkenny to Athy.

In this episode, Michael tries his hand at cutting marble Victorian style, uncovers 19th century Ireland's surprising industrial heritage and learns how the railways helped bring motorsport to the masses.

Thursday 7th - Newbridge to Roscrea.

In this episode, Michael visits the Irish National Stud, discovers how harsh life was for the Irish poor and uncovers an astronomical feat of Victorian engineering.

Friday 8th - Athlone to Galway.

In this episode, Michael is on the final leg of his Irish journey and discovers historic jewellery with royal connections in Galway, meets a people's king and finds his voice with a traditional Irish singing group.

Lapin

brian_t wrote: »

Friday 8th - Athlone to Galway.

In this episode, Michael is on the final leg of his Irish journey and discovers historic jewellery with royal connections in Galway, meets a people's king and finds his voice with a traditional Irish singing group.

I reckon that will be in the Dunlo Tavern Pub in Ballinasloe.

I just happened to be there when Portillo was filming.

Last July it was. He was a gentleman to everyone he met. (Even me :eek:).

Really looking forward to this now. Thanks for the heads up Brian !

Yamanoto

This is starting soon on BBC2 - Killarney to Cobh

Despite his poncey gait and odd predilection for pastel jackets, it's usually a good watch.

ejmaztec

There's going to be rioting in After Hours because of this. Blah blah "Great British Railway Journeys", British Isles etc etc



:eek:

I was amused when the Cork fellah mentioned "your former colonies" to him.

:pac:

varberg

Missed tonights show and would like to have seen it, is there anywhere online you could watch it?

cant watch bbc 2 programmes in ireland same as you cant watch tg4 in britian.Makes no sence as you can listen to internet radio from around the world!
Please post a link if you find it online.thanks

brian_t

He's back in Ireland in this latest series 8 - BBC2 at 6.30pm

Today Monday 16th - Wexford to Wicklow.

Armed with his Bradshaw's Handbook, Michael Portillo begins a journey across Ireland. In the port of Wexford, he takes to the seas in a 100-year-old lifeboat and discovers a hero of the American navy. He tunes in to the Meeting of the Waters at the Vale of Avoca, then heads for Wicklow, where he learns of a Victorian project to combat sickness and disease in the capital, Dublin. Embracing the gentler pace of life of a traditional Irish traveller in Victorian times, he ends this leg in a beautiful horse-drawn, barrel-top caravan.

Tuesday 17th January - Greystones to Dublin.

At Trinity College, Dublin, Michael Portillo discovers one of Ireland's greatest treasures and learns how it became the symbol of the nation. There is a chance to sample the black stuff in a Dublin pub before Michael learns how Victorian royals were deployed to calm rocky relations between Britain and Ireland. He explores the magnificent house and gardens of Powerscourt in County Wicklow. Finding an angle on triangulation helps Michael to understand how Ireland was put on the map - and why.

Wednesday 18th January - Navan to Mullingar.

Michael Portillo gets up to speed with modern archaeology in County Meath and uncovers a controversial Victorian dig at the sacred Hill of Tara. He investigates leaping salmon in Leixslip and discovers an electrifying breakthrough at an historic seminary. At Mullingar, Michael bangs the drum for the town's marching band.

Thursday 19th January - Dromod to Sligo.

With his Victorian Bradshaw's guidebook in hand, Michael Portillo crosses the Emerald Isle uncovering Irish identity, forged at a time of political strife. Travelling through the beautiful landscape, Michael learns how it inspired one of the 20th century's greatest poets, WB Yeats. In Dromod, Michael learns how to make an Irish staple - a potato pancake, known as boxty. At the home of the father of Irish fiddling, Michael attempts to master a traditional Irish dance.

Friday 20th January - Ballina to Westport.

On the last leg of Michael Portillo's long journey from Wexford to Westport, a fashionable Victorian seaweed bath is followed by a steamy scene in Ballina. On tenterhooks in Foxford, Michael discovers the visionary charity of an entrepreneurial nun. He learns of a double tragedy at Clew Bay and begins a pilgrimage to the summit of Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick.

Poochie05

Damn, I missed tonight's one. No sign of it being repeated in Sky+ app. Anyone got any idea if these are normally repeated? Even with the signer in the corner?

brian_t

Poochie05 wrote: »

Damn, I missed tonight's one. No sign of it being repeated in Sky+ app. Anyone got any idea if these are normally repeated? Even with the signer in the corner?

Sorry but the BBC are not repeating this series later in the night but they will probably repeat it at some stage later in the year.

My apologies for being late with my post but I have not been following his UK trips for a while and as he has not been to Ireland for a few series it took me by surprise to notiice that he was back this time.

He is in the US for railway journeys next week.

Poochie05

brian_t wrote: »

Sorry but the BBC are not repeating this series later in the night but they will probably repeat it at some stage later in the year.

My apologies for being late with my post but I have not been following his UK trips for a while and as he has not been to Ireland for a few series it took me by surprise to notiice that he was back this time.

He is in the US for railway journeys next week.

Yea, really poor you were so late with your very helpful post. Next time I expect better notice so I can set Sky+

:P in case your sarcasm detector is not working

fryup

Technocentral wrote: »

I'm enjoying the show but its hard to shake of the memory of him as a horrible Thatcherite and smarmy git in the 80s and 90's,

yes, his plummy accent gets on my nerves a bit....wonder did he get any hassle in ireland while filming, being an ex-tory an all