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DISASTERS ***Last in Series***

Disasters - Doolin 5 Image Name: Disasters - Doolin 5 Description: Disasters - Doolin Drownings Copyright: © RTÉ Stills Library RTÉ. This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format for promotional purposes only. Any further use of this image must be re-negotiated separately with RTÉ. Use is subject to a fee to be agreed according to the current RTÉ Stills Library rate card.
Disasters - Doolin 2 Image Name: Disasters - Doolin 2 Description: Disasters - Doolin Drownings Copyright: © RTÉ Stills Library RTÉ. This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format for promotional purposes only. Any further use of this image must be re-negotiated separately with RTÉ. Use is subject to a fee to be agreed according to the current RTÉ Stills Library rate card.
Disasters - Doolin 1 Image Name: Disasters - Doolin 1 Description: Disasters - Doolin Drownings Copyright: © RTÉ Stills Library RTÉ. This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format for promotional purposes only. Any further use of this image must be re-negotiated separately with RTÉ. Use is subject to a fee to be agreed according to the current RTÉ Stills Library rate card.
Disasters - Doolin 4 Image Name: Disasters - Doolin 4 Description: Disasters - Doolin Drownings Copyright: © RTÉ Stills Library RTÉ. This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format for promotional purposes only. Any further use of this image must be re-negotiated separately with RTÉ. Use is subject to a fee to be agreed according to the current RTÉ Stills Library rate card.
Disasters - Doolin 3 Image Name: Disasters - Doolin 3 Description: Disasters - Doolin Drownings Copyright: © RTÉ Stills Library RTÉ. This image may be reproduced in print or electronic format for promotional purposes only. Any further use of this image must be re-negotiated separately with RTÉ. Use is subject to a fee to be agreed according to the current RTÉ Stills Library rate card.

 

Disasters is a brand new series of eight half-hour documentaries, each one telling the story of a momentous and terrible Irish disaster. Dramatically told using news, current affairs and social documentary footage, the final programme in the series features the Doolin Drownings.

On Sunday 31st July, the second day of the 1983 Lisdoonvarna Festival, the sun shone, and many festival goers crossed the fields to Doolin, where the sea proved too inviting.

At Trá Latháin, eight young men drowned in a matter of minutes.  A strong coastal current, a subterranean river, and a turning tide combined to create lethal conditions in this deceivingly beautiful location.

The RTÉ Television Archive Unit tells their story, and talks to others whose lives were deeply affected by the tragedy.