Color 1950s film with Pan Am Clipper DC-6B

Made in the late 1940s or early 1950s, this Pan Am travelogue takes the viewer on a journey to Ireland aboard the DC-6B Clipper Mermaid. The film begins with landing at Shannon Airport, and from there begins a storybook-like trip through villages and the countryside to Cork, Tipperary, the Blarney Stone, Tipperary, the Trinity Library, and Dublin.

The text captures a detailed and engaging journey through Ireland, where an initially brief stay turns into a two-week adventure. It begins with the thrill of high-altitude travel and the excitement of reaching Ireland after a transatlantic flight. The narrative then dives into a rich tapestry of experiences, from staying in an old castle and enjoying various activities such as golf and fishing, to exploring local culture and industries like homespun fabric production. Highlights include the grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher, the unique lifestyle of fishermen, and the charming village life with its thatched cottages. The journey continues with historical visits to places like the Rock of Cashel and the Valley of Glendalough, reflecting on Ireland’s deep-rooted history and architectural marvels. Encounters with friendly locals and their philosophies add warmth to the travelogue. The text also covers excursions to Dublin, showcasing its vibrant urban life, including shopping on O’Connell Street and visiting Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Finally, the narrative wraps up with participation in traditional activities like fox hunting and Gaelic festivals, culminating in a heartfelt reflection on the memorable experiences in Ireland as the travelers prepare to head to London.

1:13: Departure from Ireland, planned to stay a few days but stayed 2 weeks

1:26: High over the Atlantic, dreaming about the weeks ahead

1:31: Mickey chewing free gum on the plane

1:39: Steward announcing arrival in Ireland

1:46: Supper in New York, breakfast in Ireland

1:52: Plan to go to Vienna by lunchtime

2:23: Announcement of flight arrival by Pan American World Airways

2:38: Landing at Shannon, reporter interviews passengers

3:13: Hiring a car and driving to County Mayo

3:30: Stay at Ashford Castle, a hotel converted from an old hunting lodge

4:01: Description of activities at Ashford Castle, such as golf, tennis, sailing, and trout fishing

4:19: Flourishing home industries in Western Ireland

4:24: Visit to a thatched cottage where local girls produce homespun fabric

5:18: Increased baggage allowance by Pan American

5:38: Listening to Gaelic lullabies

6:03: Grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet from the sea

6:09: Fisherman’s life in Ireland, supporting a family on milk, potatoes, and fish

6:39: Driving through the Shannon Valley, whitewashed stone houses and burning turf smell

7:03: No language problem despite being in a foreign country

7:20: Enjoyment of villages and local philosophy

7:27: Observation of men thatching a cottage roof

8:35: Long summer days with light until 11 PM

8:41: Cycling to an old Franciscan friary built in 1474

9:04: Scenic views of the Lakes of Killarney

9:21: Meeting a local who loves Americans and their love for freedom

10:20: Trip suggestion to Kerry Country, specifically the Gap of Dunloe

10:32: Riding horseback through the Gap of Dunloe, a ten-mile journey

11:24: Cottage stop for tea and souvenirs

11:49: Return trip through the Lakes of Killarney

12:01: Shooting the rapids in the Lakes of Killarney

12:32: Decision to stay longer in Ireland

12:37: Falling in love with Ireland and its friendly people

12:42: Visit to Cork and kissing the Blarney Stone

13:03: Music of the Shandon Bells in Cork

13:16: Child reciting a poem about the Shandon Bells

13:50: Ruins of Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone

14:14: Climbing the castle to kiss the Blarney Stone

14:52: Bilingual signs in Gaelic and English

14:58: Heading to the Plains of Tipperary to see the Rock of Cashel, a natural fortress

15:10: Mention of Tipperary and St. Patrick converting the King around the year 450

15:24: Kings living on the Rock of Cashel for centuries

15:29: Cormac McCarthy building a chapel with impressive architecture

15:36: Oldest stone structure in the country

15:42: Queer feeling entering the cathedral, thinking of historical figures

16:11: Fragments of sculpture all over the place, Mickey fascinated by an old figure

17:17: View from the balcony of the plains of Tipperary

17:31: Extended stay and visit to a famous stud farm

17:38: Explanation of why Ireland is famous for horse breeding

17:45: Limestone plains, best bone-making country in the world

17:51: Viewing yearlings, preparation for yearling sales at Newmarket

18:02: Yearlings’ worth and stallion’s value

19:03: Visit to the Valley of Glendalough

19:08: Round Tower built nearly a thousand years ago as a belfry and refuge

19:49: Celtic cross and making a wish by touching fingers around it

20:05: Wish to return to Ireland next year

20:11: St. Kevin’s Kitchen with a stone roof

20:22: Lunch by the lake, humorous story from The Boatman

20:49: Visit to Dublin, described as an aristocrat among cities

21:02: O’Connell Street, known for wide main streets and shopping

21:10: People in Ireland are courteous and friendly

21:28: Bicycles during the noon rush on O’Connell Street

21:37: Hilarious time in a jaunting car

21:42: Older residential sections with red brick Georgian mansions

22:15: Story about the master and his donkey

22:45: Trinity College, a leading educational institution

23:10: Visit to the library to see the Book of Kells

24:23: Abbey Theatre and its famous plays and actors

24:51: Horse races at Phoenix Park and dog races in the evening

25:02: Exciting hurling game at Croke Park

25:22: Superb riding and jumping at the spring show

25:34: Joining a fox hunt arranged with the master of the Tipperary Hunt

26:04: The master of the hunt and her knowledge of every hound

26:46: The hounds starting a fox and the noise they made

27:30: Enjoyment of children participating in the hunt

28:00: Presentation of the fox’s tail to the first lady up

28:12: Attending a feis (festival) celebrating Gaelic culture

29:27: Contest winners at the festival

30:41: Departure for London, reflecting on the grand time in Ireland