Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
County Down, A Tourist's Delight
Picturesque scenery and leisurely activities galore, come see what County Down has to offer in this Tourist Board film.
From the collection of:
Overview
As this delightful footage suggests, County Down has long appealed to holidaymakers. The luminous and varied landscapes are but part of its allure, for there are all manner of other attractions on offer. Sheepdog trials at Bangor’s Castle Gardens, the galloping excitement of horse-racing at Down Royal or – for those who prefer a more leisurely pace – a stroll in the idyllic Tollymore Forest Park.
These rushes come from the collection of National Museums Northern Ireland and were originally produced by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. This government department had their own staff that documented the region through stills and moving images and the films they created capture various facets of life in Northern Ireland. The department was particularly busy in the mid-1950s to late 1960s, creating films that aimed to sell Northern Ireland as a holiday destination. This material captures Northern Ireland at an intriguing time, post-World War Two and pre-Troubles.
Related
Watch for free
Curragh to Iona Curragh to Iona
Documentary 1963 24 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Join a fearless crew on a spiritual maritime adventure from the shores of Derry to Iona.
Watch for free
Seaway To Northern Ireland Seaway To Northern Ireland
Sponsored film 1969 22 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Welcome aboard the Ulster Queen; as excited holidaymakers travel from Liverpool to Belfast. From the mythological to modern discover what awaits those who cross the Irish Sea.
Watch for free
The Ceramicists The Ceramicists
Inside Film 1972 19 mins Location: Downpatrick
What passions burn behind doors in Downpatrick? Enjoy a tale of two unknown artists who have both found something they can truly call their own.
Watch for free
Ulster - Behind the Headlines Ulster - Behind the Headlines
Public Information Filler 1970 5 mins Location: Downpatrick
Will level headedness triumph? Hear how the peace and good neighbourliness of one town contrasts with the violence and tension prevalent elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Watch for free
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Watch for free
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Watch for free
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.