The Evolution of Dublin City, Ireland 1965

How Dublin has developed and evolved to become a Capital City.

Dublin City, as we know it today, had its birthplace on the banks of the River Liffey, which became the source of trade and commerce. Dame Street became the centre of commerce running east parallel with the river. Street names reflect the importance of the quayside, from Crane Lane to Fishamble Street.

Century by century, The City grew.

As commerce in Dublin grew, traders set up shop on the ground floor of houses, creating retail streetscapes.

Water power was once used in the capital to run mills and other machinery. The water mills were replaced by steam and long rows of cottages were built along the rivers to house the labourers. Managers of industry began to move out of the city centre to the new suburbs. Much of the great city centre housing was given over to law and medical practices. The large former family homes of the city centre became flats and offices.

The 1913 Lockout saw employers demand that their workers sign a declaration to say that they were not members of the new trade unions. Many of the workers refused to sign. This was the beginning of great social change.

'Changing Face of Ireland: The Capital City' was broadcast on 2 November 1965. The narrator is Anthony Ross.

The programme was written and directed by Norris Davidson.