Series 1, Episode Two
Programme Two: Westport to Achill – Enda returns to his own county, discovering the ancient prophecy of Brian Rua U’Chearbhain who foretold two major losses of groups of immigrants who had left Achill island for Scotland. He also learns how Arthur Balfour was wooed by the local people to extend the railway line out as far as Achill, thus transforming the towns along the route while encouraging the romantic Victorian notion of tourism. There’s music from world-renowned flute player Matt Molloy & his son Peter, a chat with local GAA legend Christy Loftus, and Julie Langan, Peter Carney, Anna Connor and Pat Kilbane.
Series Overview:
A celebration of people, landscape and belonging, this new series showcases Enda Kenny’s search for pointers to the future among the echoes of the past as he sets out in search of the long-abandoned railway routes of Ireland. Episode one brings us from Waterford to Dungarvan.
Enda explores the story of a once modern transport system, the railway routes that became engraved into the countryside, transformed the landscape and shaped the evolution of the entire island. Railway expanded the way we saw ourselves in the world, influencing the course of subsequent historical, social and political events.
Discovering riches along the way, human and cultural, Enda marvels at the shoots of new growth emerging as sections of old lines regenerate as small, narrow-gauge tourist trains bring the magic and romance of steam to life.
Other routes, re-imagined, emerge from the landscape with a fresh vigour re-purposed into greenways attracting walkers and cyclists from home and abroad as a new, health-oriented tourist industry puts down roots where naught but dereliction and abandonment previously held sway.
If you thought you knew all there was to know about Enda Kenny after his 45 years in Dáil Éireann – be prepared to be surprised. This iteration reveals a man happy on his bike, relaxed in himself and comfortable in the company of those he encounters along the way. A good listener, he’s at his happiest meeting new people or old friends and is never slow to call in for a chat or a story, a tune or a song.