Series producer Derek Nagle introduces the series below.
When filming our history series, Scéalta Grá na hÉireann, we stumbled upon the real magic hidden within Ireland's cultural institutions.
It wasn't just about the artefacts; it was the people, their passion for Ireland's history and culture, and of course, all those incredible hidden gems that sparked the idea for Ireland's Hidden Treasures.
In the series, we go behind the scenes at the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland. The museum is home to some amazing artefacts, like ancient bog bodies and Neolithic gold, and even a 4.7 billion-year-old meteorite that hit Ireland back in 1813.
Across the forecourt at the library, they're on a mission to collect and protect everything that tells the story of Ireland—from old recipes to modern documents—it's like a giant treasure chest bursting at the seams with the story of our nation.
We kick off by following Kiernan and Simon, a couple of security officers at Collins Barracks in Dublin. These guys do more than just watch over the place; they share their deep love for history with everyone who walks in, making the past come alive right before your eyes.
One of the great people we got to talk to was Dr. Audrey Whitty from the National Library. She's passionate about getting kids into reading early, using beautifully preserved Irish children's books that are over a hundred years old.
We also uncover some lesser-known stories, like the shackles used by Nan Joyce, a Traveller activist in the 1980s—an important piece of history for all communities across Ireland.
The show connects Ireland’s past with the present by showcasing how museums and libraries keep adding to their collections, making history feel alive and relevant. We want viewers to walk away with a new appreciation for these places—not just as dusty old halls, but as vibrant spaces that are shaping our understanding of Irish culture today.
What we hope sets Ireland's Hidden Treasures apart from other documentaries is its focus on the people—the caretakers and curators who pour their hearts into preserving these artefacts. I've become obsessed with how ephemeral items like posters and menus can give us a snapshot of life in different eras—the designs, fonts, and colours tell stories all their own.
So, Ireland's Hidden Treasures isn’t just another historical show; it’s an adventure with the guardians of Ireland's past, showing us that history isn’t just about the artefacts, but about the stories and the people who keep them alive.
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