The Mystery Of...

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone. A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message. Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why? In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world. Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone. A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message. Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why? In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world. Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone.A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message.Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why?In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world.Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone.A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message.Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why?In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world.Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone. A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message. Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why? In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a roller-coaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world. Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone. A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message. Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why? In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world. Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone.A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message.Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why?In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world.Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone.A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message.Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why?In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world.Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone. A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message … Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why? In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world. Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

1990. In the midst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, four masked men seize an elderly Lord in his home. Tying him up, they carry out an audacious £1m antiques heist – still reputed to be the biggest ever in Northern Ireland. Then they flee in a car and van. Rewards are offered, but to no avail. The gang – and the valuable antiques – are gone. A year later, the Lord’s son will disappear, lost at sea in Rhodes, Greece. Before he does, he reportedly sends a mysterious letter to Ireland. In it, a chart with strange markings and an even stranger message … Yet none of this is ever solved. Or even much remembered. Why? In this series former BBC reporter Gordon Adair, and podcast producer Ophelia Byrne, set out to find out. The story takes them on a rollercoaster ride, from paramilitary gangs to the Dublin underworld, and from island Greece to the glittering showrooms of the art and antiques world. Along the way, they explore how grassroots crime meets high end wealth – and how, far from a victimless crime, criminals seek to exploit the huge global trade in art, antiquities and other cultural objects to fuel serious criminal activity.

In November 1938 Jewish shops and businesses are brutally attacked in several days of pogroms in what became known as Kristillnacht. Charles’ position of trying to build good relations with the Nazi leadership now becomes untenable. He has a bruising showdown with his cousin, Winston Churchill, at a social event in London. In private, he acknowledges that he has failed in his efforts to be an architect of peace like his illustrious ancestor, Lord Castlereagh. World War Two begins in September 1939 and Charles and Edith go back to Mount Stewart in County Down. But it follows them to the shores of Strangford Lough as German bombers target Newtownards Airfield in 1941, killing 13 air cadets - mainly young men. Charles attends the funeral of one of them, realising that the war he struggled to avoid is now a reality. He uses his skills as a pilot to help train young men in flying but in 1945 he is involved in a near-fatal glider accident. The war ends in victory - but Charles’ health is in decline. He is asked to give written evidence by the defence team for Joachim von Ribbentrop at the Nuremberg trials. The Nazi Minister for Foreign Affairs claims he always tried to steer Hitler towards a more limited war. Ten years on from the Ribbentrop’s visit to Mount Stewart, Charles gives scrupulously accurate evidence which does not corroborate the Nazi’s claims of being a peace-maker. A death sentence is passed and Ribbentrop dies by a lengthy hanging. Charles himself dies three years later, aged 70 and is buried at Mount Stewart in the family plot, Tír Na nÓg - ‘the land of youth’. Striking up personal relationships with Nazi leadership had come to define his legacy. It had caused huge turmoil in his life but now, finally, he is at peace.

Prominent Nazi, Joachim von Ribbentrop, visits the Londonderrys again – this time at their stately home in the North East of England. But the German ambassador is on the point of giving a Nazi salute in Durham Cathedral and just in time Charles, Lord Londonderry, grabs his arm to avoid an embarrassing scandal. Charles’ friendly relations with senior Nazis are threatening to destroy his public reputation and he was is not the only one. The Nazis prove to be a source of huge fascination for the Anglo-Irish aristocracy at this time - some are drawn to them while others are repelled. Either way, they cannot be ignored. This is true particularly of Charles Londonderry as he made makes a total of six trips between 1936 and 1938 to meet them. Yet his awareness of the threat that a strong, militarised Germany poses is acute. The Anschluss uniting Germany and Austria became becomes one more example of this and German moves that constantly pull the rug from under Charles’ one-man diplomatic strategy. Charles had previously lost his job as Air Minister in Westminster in 1935 when it emerged that he had seriously underestimated German military air strength. Charles was distraught and disputed that any fault lay with him until till the end of his life. His sacking wounded him deeply and consequntly he forms a plan with Edith to forge links with the Nazis to bring them into the European family of nations – following in the footsteps of Lord Castlereagh. Charles believes in diplomacy and negotiation – but injured pride also plays a huge part in his actions as the clouds of war gather. When British PM Joseph Chamberlain flies to Munich to meet Hitler and sign a peace agreement in 1938, Charles believes he has finally been vindicated. But only a few weeks later, Germany invades its neighbour Czechoslovakia. The world waits for war.

Spring 1936. A man falls into Strangford Lough and has to be fished out. It is a huge humiliation for Hitler’s leading diplomat, Joachim von Ribbentrop. But some say this story is just a myth. Claims and counter-claims swirl around Charles, Marquess of Londonderry and his wife Edith because of their friendly relations with high-ranking Nazis. The mystery of whether Ribbentrop fell into the water on a weekend trip to Mount Stewart house in Co Down typifies how accounts of the Londonderrys can diverge wildly. Earlier in 1936, the Londonderrys had visited Berlin to meet Hitler and Herman Goring at lavish social events. Incredibly, they have brought their 14 year old daughter, Lady Mairi, who ends up chatting with Hitler about a comedy film they have both seen. After the trip there are adoring letters sent to thank the Nazis for their lavish hospitality. But clouds are gathering. Just days after their return, German troops march into the Rhineland – a move strictly forbidden by the Versailles treaty that concluded WW1. Is Europe on the brink of another war? Charles believes Germany in in the right and he and Edith make more visits to Germany. But when they invite Ribbentrop to Mount Stewart it is for many a step too far and the criticism in Westminster and in public opinion is intense. However, Charles thinks that Germany can be reigned in – IF they can be brought to the international negotiating table. He is inspired by his famous ancestor, Lord Castlereagh who redrew the map of Europe to bring a century of peace after the Napoleonic Wars. But no one in government wants to listen to him and his own antisemitism begs the question of whether he has more in common with the Nazis than he thinks.

A retired police officer looks back on his younger days, catching criminals and working cases on the streets of West Belfast. As the city awakens from World War II, with sectarian tensions simmering in the background, Constable Jack Walsh must navigate the narrow streets of the ‘Loney’ in search of petty thieves and criminals – meeting a cast of colourful, eccentric and dangerous characters along the way Episode 6 – To Catch a Thief A series of low level thefts leave local police puzzled, and Constable Jack’s informers on the ground can’t help either – till a lead from a local prostitute proves vital. Meanwhile, a greyhound trainer schemes with a vet to win a big race – and a flag in a window brings trouble to the streets of Belfast

A retired police officer looks back on his younger days, catching criminals and working cases on the streets of West Belfast. As the city awakens from World War II, with sectarian tensions simmering in the background, Constable Jack Walsh must navigate the narrow streets of the ‘Loney’ in search of petty thieves and criminals – meeting a cast of colourful, eccentric and dangeous characters along the way.Episode 5 – Down the CourtsOn his way to give evidence in court against a car thief, Constable Jack bumps into an old friend who needs a favour – a friend who Jack first met many years before, while investigating the theft of a bunch of bananas. Meanwhile – a late night ‘fancy dress’ party puts Jack in an awkward position.Based on interviews with a retired police officer and featuring:Constable Jack Walsh - Andrew McCracken (as the young Constable Walsh) John & Vet - Christopher Grant Mr Grimes, Belfast Corporation - Marty Maguire Molly - Antoinette MorelliAdditional voices provided by castA BBC Northern Ireland Production

A retired police officer looks back on his younger days, catching criminals and working cases on the streets of West Belfast.As the city awakens from World War II, with sectarian tensions simmering in the background, Constable Jack Walsh must navigate the narrow streets of the ‘Loney’ in search of petty thieves and criminals – meeting a cast of colourful, eccentric and dangerous characters along the way.Episode 4 – The Crystal BallA World War II veteran brings Belfast city centre to a standstill, while pick pockets roam the side streets in search of an easy victim – but it’s a search for a fortune teller’s glass ball that leads Constable Walsh to an unscrupulous pawn broker with a taste for stolen goods.Based on interviews with a retired police officer and featuring:Constable Jack Walsh - Andrew McCracken (as the young Constable Walsh) The Joker & Eugene - Faolán Morgan Madame Margaret - Antoinette Morelli Ms O'Hara - Eimear Bailie Maisie - Tierna McNally Sam - Jonathan Harden Additional voices provided by castA BBC Northern Ireland Production

A retired police officer looks back on his younger days, catching criminals and working cases on the streets of West Belfast.As the city awakens from World War II, with sectarian tensions simmering in the background, Constable Jack Walsh must navigate the narrow streets of the ‘Loney’ in search of petty thieves and criminals – meeting a cast of colourful, eccentric and dangerous characters along the way.Episode 3 – Night Shift As he starts the night shift, Constable Walsh heads into the red light district and has an awkward encounter with a city VIP. Following a street fight involving an empty coffin, Jack has an eerie experience at the local mortuary – all part of a night filled with the strange and wonderful characters who only appear after dark.Based on interviews with a retired police officer and featuring:Cast: Constable Jack Walsh – Andrew McCracken (as the young Constable Walsh) Maggie & Cat Lady - Aoibhéann McCann VIP & Dr McGrath – Christopher Grant Mary – Tierna McNally William – Marty MaguireAdditional voices provided by castProducer - Conor McKay A BBC Northern Ireland Production

A retired police officer looks back on his younger days, catching criminals and working cases on the streets of West Belfast. As the city awakens from World War II, with sectarian tensions simmering in the background, Constable Jack Walsh must navigate the narrow streets of the ‘Loney’ in search of petty thieves and criminals – meeting a cast of colourful, eccentric and dangerous characters along the way.Episode 2 – The Money LenderWalking the local beat, Constable Walsh soon learns of a ruthless money lender holding some of the area’s poorest families to ransom – and must decide on how to crack the caseBetween the Wars is based on real interviews with a retired police officer and also features:Cast: Constable Jack Walsh – Andrew McCracken (as the young Constable Walsh) Geraldine - Aoibhéann McCann Shep - Jonathan Harden Mrs Quinn - Tierna McNally Mr Quinn - Faolán Morgan additional voices provided by castProducer - Conor McKay A BBC Northern Ireland production

A retired police officer looks back on his younger days, catching criminals and working cases on the streets of West Belfast.As the city awakens from World War II, with sectarian tensions simmering in the background, Constable Jack Walsh must navigate the narrow streets of the ‘Loney’ in search of petty thieves and criminals – meeting a cast of colourful, eccentric and dangerous characters along the way.Episode 1 – The ForgerWest Belfast, 1957 – a young RUC constable arrives at Cullingtree road police station. Faced with a violent criminal holding a hostage in a local bar, Constable Walsh hears stories of a mysterious man known as The Forger – but the case is far from straight forwardBetween the Wars is based on real interviews with a retired police officer and also features:Cast: Constable Jack Walsh – Andrew McCracken (as the young Constable Walsh) McKee – Marty Maguire Charlie – Christopher Grant Billy – Faolán MorganProducer - Conor McKay A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Episode 2/2 - CorymoreThe Mystery Of…Murder, She Wrote peels back the layers of a Hollywood icon to reveal the woman behind the oversized glasses of Jessica Fletcher around what would have been her 100th birthday.Through interviews with those who knew her, lifelong fan Sarah McGlinchey embarks on a journey to uncover Angela Lansbury’s untold connection to Ireland — the country she turned to in crisis, and the place where her roots stretched across the island, from Belfast to Cork.

Episode 1/2 – Angela Brigid LansburyThe Mystery Of…Murder, She Wrote peels back the layers of a Hollywood icon to reveal the woman behind the oversized glasses of Jessica Fletcher around what would have been her 100th birthday.Through interviews with those who knew her, lifelong fan Sarah McGlinchey embarks on a journey to uncover Angela Lansbury’s untold connection to Ireland - the country she turned to in crisis, and the place where her roots stretched across the island, from Belfast to Cork.

Have you ever heard a sound and not quite known what it is? It can be irritating and even unsettling. Now, imagine a lot of people in the same town begin to hear that sound? A hum – one that certainly merits further investigation. Enter self-professed slacker and Omagh-native, Phil Taggart, to get to the bottom of it all. A hard-nosed investigative journalist he is not, but there is no better man to examine the characters and quirks of the county Tyrone town where the strange sounds have been emanating. Across three episodes, Phil meets shopkeepers, scientist, comedians, councillors and musicians, all with a view to uncovering the source of the hum. In the final episode, Phil meets Jamie Ryan who claims to know the exact source of the hum. Will it prove to be an open and shut case or yet another dead end? Phil presses the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on why they aren’t releasing more information about their findings in relation to the hum. He even tracks down the noise specialists the council engaged to locate the sound. Was it really driving some of the townsfolk to distraction? Finally, Phil comes to his own conclusions about this secretive, strange and surreal tale. So keep your ears peeled and your mind open as the investigation reaches its climax.

Have you ever heard a sound and not quite known what it is? It can be irritating and even unsettling. Now, imagine a lot of people in the same town begin to hear that sound? A hum – one that certainly merits further investigation. Enter self-professed slacker and Omagh-native, Phil Taggart, to get to the bottom of it all. A hard-nosed investigative journalist he is not, but there is no better man to examine the characters and quirks of the county Tyrone town where the strange sounds have been emanating. Across three episodes, Phil meets shopkeepers, scientist, comedians, councillors and musicians, all with a view to uncovering the source of the hum. In Episode Two, things take a turn for the weird. The people of Omagh’s imagination runs wild as aliens, wind turbines and secret army activity are all cited as sources of the hum. Phil and his side-kick Muck, turn to man-of-science, Dr Glen MacPherson, for a more grounded answer but are literally left with a headache by what the World Hum expert has to tell them.

Have you ever heard a sound and not quite known what it is? It can be irritating and even unsettling. Now, imagine a lot of people in the same town begin to hear that sound. It is a hum – one that merits further investigation. Enter self-professed slacker and Omagh-native, Phil Taggart, to get to the bottom of it all. A hard-nosed investigative journalist he is not, but there is no better man to examine the characters and quirks of the county Tyrone town where the strange sounds have been emanating. Across three episodes, Phil meets shopkeepers, scientist, comedians, councillors and musicians, all with a view to uncovering the source of the hum. In Episode One, Phil turns to the people of Omagh to gather their theories on the hum. Ideas range from the mundane to the outlandish, while some locals claim it is nothing more than a figment of the town’s imagination. But when an actual recording of the sound finds its way to Phil, the hum begins to create more of a buzz.

Does every urban myth contain a kernel of truth? Rumours have been rife for years that a network of tunnels stacked with barrels of whiskey worth millions of pounds exist under Holywood in County Down. Local journalist Jordan Dunbar is on a mission to distil the truth of it all with the promise of commandeering some precious liquid gold.In this four-part escapade, Jordan learns about the celebrated Dunville family, whose wealth was built on their whiskey brand that became globally famous during the 19th century. It allowed the family to indulge in acts of opulence and eccentricity well into the 20th century. So, might that just include stacking tunnels full of whiskey barrels that have now been left unopened for decades? In a caper that features hot air balloons, private zoos and whiskey tours, Jordan discovers how the fate of the Dunvilles mirrored the fate of the Irish whiskey industry itself. Historians Jason Burke and Robin Masefield give pause for thought on why the rumours of the whiskey in tunnels might just have to be taken seriously after all. But as Jordan increasingly gets into the ‘spirit’ of it all, can he get any closer to the elusive ‘uisce beatha?’ In this final episode, Jordan discovers how a world war and prohibition in the US affected the fate of the Dunville family. Can the mystery of the Dunvilles’ demise really ever be discovered? Back in the present day, the search for tunnels under Holywood reaches a conclusion with tantalising and surprising results.

Does every urban myth contain a kernel of truth? Rumours have been rife for years that a network of tunnels stacked with barrels of whiskey worth millions of pounds exist under Holywood in County Down. Local journalist Jordan Dunbar is on a mission to distil the truth of it all with the promise of commandeering some precious liquid gold.In this four-part escapade, Jordan learns about the celebrated Dunville family, whose wealth was built on their whiskey brand that became globally famous during the 19th century. It allowed the family to indulge in acts of opulence and eccentricity well into the 20th century. So, might that just include stacking tunnels full of whiskey barrels that have now been left unopened for decades? In a caper that features hot air balloons, private zoos and whiskey tours, Jordan discovers how the fate of the Dunvilles mirrored the fate of the Irish whiskey industry itself. Historians Jason Burke and Robin Masefield give pause for thought on why the rumours of the whiskey in tunnels might just have to be taken seriously after all. But as Jordan increasingly gets into the ‘spirit’ of it all, can he get any closer to the elusive ‘uisce beatha?’ In this episode, Jordan uncovers what life was like for the the Dunvilles at their peak as the 19th century turned into the twentieth. With a stunning new headquarters in central Belfast and John Dunville marrying into aristocracy, he and his wife Violet became celebrity pioneers of ballooning. But would these extravagant balloonists be the type of people to build tunnels under their mansion? Jordan seeks answers with Alastair Ruffell with a ground-penEtrating radar survey of the White City estate. Jordan has another lead to pursue when a local woman gets into touch with news that she may know where the tunnels are.

Does every urban myth contain a kernel of truth? Rumours have been rife for years that a network of tunnels stacked with barrels of whiskey worth millions of pounds exist under Holywood in County Down. Local journalist Jordan Dunbar is on a mission to distil the truth of it all with the promise of commandeering some precious liquid gold.In this four-part escapade, Jordan learns about the celebrated Dunville family, whose wealth was built on their whiskey brand that became globally famous during the 19th century. It allowed the family to indulge in acts of opulence and eccentricity well into the 20th century. So, might that just include stacking tunnels full of whiskey barrels that have now been left unopened for decades? In a caper that features hot air balloons, private zoos and whiskey tours, Jordan discovers how the fate of the Dunvilles mirrored the fate of the Irish whiskey industry itself. Historians Jason Burke and Robin Masefield give pause for thought on why the rumours of the whiskey in tunnels might just have to be taken seriously after all. But as Jordan increasingly gets into the ‘spirit’ of it all, can he get any closer to the elusive ‘uisce beatha?’ In this episode, Jordan goes to the site of what was Redburn House built by Robert Grimshaw Dunville in the hills above Holywood to a design by celebrated architect of the day, Charles Lanyon. Here, the family enjoyed a life of incredible luxury with more than 60 rooms, a stable full of horses and an ornate garden. Servants catered for every need and now the Dunvilles have truly arrived.

Does every urban myth contain a kernel of truth? Rumours have been rife for years that a network of tunnels stacked with barrels of whiskey worth millions of pounds exist under Holywood in County Down. Local journalist Jordan Dunbar is on a mission to distil the truth of it all with the promise of commandeering some precious liquid gold. In this four-part escapade, Jordan learns about the celebrated Dunville family, whose wealth was built on their whiskey brand that became globally famous during the 19th century. It allowed the family to indulge in acts of opulence and eccentricity well into the 20th century. So, might that just include stacking tunnels full of whiskey barrels that have now been left unopened for decades? In a caper that features hot air balloons, private zoos and whiskey tours, Jordan discovers how the fate of the Dunvilles mirrored the fate of the Irish whiskey industry itself. Historian Robin Masefield give pause for thought on why the rumours of the whiskey in tunnels might just have to be taken seriously after all. But as Jordan increasingly gets into the ‘spirit’ of it all, can he get any closer to the elusive ‘uisce beatha?’

‘Peter Bergmann’ isn’t his real name. The Vienna address he gives at the hotel doesn’t exist. Bags seen on CCTV are never found, including a purple plastic bag he is seen with 13 times over three days. What was in it? Where did he empty it? And why all the secrecy? Irish Times journalist Rosita Boland spent years investigating this case. She spoke to every witness she could think of, visited the hotel and the beach, determined to find out who this man really was. But 16 years later the mystery is yet to be solved.Rosita joins Sarah McGlinchey over two episodes to guide her through that investigation. Could she, and the Gardaí, have missed something? Or is this a case that will never be solved? And what was in the plastic bag?

‘Peter Bergmann’ isn’t his real name. The Vienna address he gives at the hotel doesn’t exist. Bags seen on CCTV are never found, including a purple plastic bag he is seen with 13 times over three days. What was in it? Where did he empty it? And why all the secrecy? Irish Times journalist Rosita Boland spent years investigating this case. She spoke to every witness she could think of, visited the hotel and the beach, determined to find out who this man really was. But 16 years later the mystery is yet to be solved.Rosita joins Sarah McGlinchey over two episodes to guide her through that investigation. Could she, and the Gardaí, have missed something? Or is this a case that will never be solved? And what was in the plastic bag?

European folklore is full of crossover. Stories with the same themes, heroes and villains told across the continent for centuries. Are they myth? Legends? Or do some have an aspect of historical credibility?The Lady with the Ring is one of these stories, told in Germany, Scandinavia and more, each with a slight change in detail. Each claiming to be the country of the tale's true origin. What if they're wrong? What if the real inspiration is actually from a small town called Lurgan in County Armagh more than 300 years ago?

Roger Casement is sent to the Tower of London and then put on trial at the Old Bailey. Things go from bad to worse as his infamous Black Diaries are brought to light by the British government. As defence and prosecution teams battle it out, the odds seem stacked against him. The jury delivers its devastating verdict and Casement bravely faces his enemies in court with a speech that is still remembered in the legal world today. A few days later, the Battle of the Somme begins and with the world in turmoil Casement faces his inescapable future. But the Ireland he imagined has in many ways come to pass. Today, Casement is remembered at his burial plot in the Irish national cemetery at Glasnevin in Dublin. Why are we still fascinated by this man who set out to change the world? Some would point to his undeniable flaws – but others would say he succeeded in so much of what he set to do. Roger Casement’s legacy is with us today.

Roger Casement plays a central role in the formation of the Irish Volunteers in 1913. One of the public faces, he travels around Ireland to raise support for this nationalist organisation. As his political commitment grows, he also masterminds the importing of guns for the Volunteers into Howth outside Dublin.World War One breaks out and nationalism is split in two and Roger leaves Ireland. Throughout this time, he is assisted by his lover, Adler Christensen but his mental health is going downhill.Hearing of plans for the Easter Rising in 1916, he returns to Ireland on a German submarine. But the British authorities are on his trail.

By the early years of the twentieth century, Roger Casement has become known for his humanitarian work exposing the atrocities of the rubber industry in the Congo. But other causes he supports are much closer to home. In 1904 he helps organise the Feis na nGleann in Cushendall – part of a resurgence of gaelic culture at the time. It re-awakens Roger’s Irish identity dating from his youth spent on the north coast of County Antrim. However, he is soon called back to his work in the British Consular Service and is appointed consul-general in Rio de Janeiro. Just as in the Congo, the rubber industry in the Amazon region uses indigenous people to gather the raw material it needs – with similarly catastrophic results. But the company behind abuses of local people is British and Roger is made part of an official Commission of Enquiry to investigate its activities in the remote Putumayo region. The scale of the abuse and murder of local people he uncovers is greater even than that in the Congo. But this time he is more politically savvy. He knows the government cannot ignore a commission is has set up and he systematically puts witness testimony before the other members. What is happening in Putumayo becomes undeniable and the report he writes finally forces the government to act. Roger is awarded a knighthood and Arthur Conan-Doyle even bases one of the characters in The Lost World on him. But Roger’s political aims in Ireland are coming to the fore. He addresses a public meeting in Ballymoney, County Antrim, arguing passionately against the Unionist leader, Edward Carson and his Ulster Volunteer Force. As Britain and Ireland slide inexorably towards World War One, Roger is being drawn into actions which will change his life for ever.

Roger Casement became a household name in Britain and Ireland in the early 20th century. But his childhood gives no hint of what is to come. Born in Dublin on 1st September 1864, his early life is a hand to mouth existence. His father is a retired army Captain which qualifies him to be seen as a ‘gentleman’ - but he has little income and the family move many times to avoid creditors. After the death of his parents when he is 12, Roger is taken in by his Uncle John and Aunt Charlotte in Magherintemple, near Ballycastle, County Antrim. This is a stable and supportive home but he knows he must go out into the world to make something of himself. Roger leaves school at 15 and is soon working in the office of a shipping line in Liverpool, then as a purser on one of their ships transporting goods to and from the Congo River in West Africa. He has found a place where he can advance himself and, over the next ten years, moves through a succession of jobs in the region with both commercial companies and missionary groups. In 1892, a job with the British government’s Consular Service (part of the Foreign Office) signals that he has indeed made something of himself. Yet, Casement cannot ignore the terrible treatment of local people in the Congo by the Europeans who have come to exploit the rich resources there. In 1903, he is asked to produce a report into atrocities committed against local people by the rubber industry in a region controlled by the Belgian king, Leopold II. His Congo report breaks new ground in giving a voice to those people in the corridors of power in London and he is still revered today as a pioneering humanitarian campaigner. But for Roger Casement, this is just the beginning of his political activism.

April 1881. The west of Ireland is steeped in poverty and caught in the middle of a Land War. Local herds, father and son John and Martin Lydon, are dragged from their beds in Letterfrack, Co Galway, beaten and shot. John dies immediately, but Martin survives long enough to identify one of his assailants, Patrick Walsh, later convicted and hanged. But is all as it seems? At a time when all of Ireland is under British Rule and Westminster is keen to quash the resistance of the Land League agitators, is this a case of the hanging of an innocent man as a warning to others, or are secret societies living by their own set of rules? James Mannion – Peter Heenan James Gavin – Joshua Duffy Martin Faherty – Eoin O Dubhgaill Michael Davitt – Brian TynanOther parts played by the series cast

April 1881. The west of Ireland is steeped in poverty and caught in the middle of a Land War. Local herds, father and son John and Martin Lydon, are dragged from their beds in Letterfrack, Co Galway, beaten and shot. John dies immediately, but Martin survives long enough to identify one of his assailants, Patrick Walsh, later convicted and hanged. But is all as it seems? At a time when all of Ireland is under British Rule and Westminster is keen to quash the resistance of the Land League agitators, is this a case of the hanging of an innocent man as a warning to others, or are secret societies living by their own set of rules? Justice James Lawson – Caolan Byrne Solicitor General – Benny Redmond Michael Walsh – Joshua Duffy Honor Walsh – Maggie Cronin Constable – Brian TynanOther parts played by the series cast.

April 1881. The west of Ireland is steeped in poverty and caught in the middle of a Land War. Local herds, father and son John and Martin Lydon, are dragged from their beds in Letterfrack, Co Galway, beaten and shot. John dies immediately, but Martin survives long enough to identify one of his assailants, Patrick Walsh, later convicted and hanged. But is all as it seems?At a time when all of Ireland is under British Rule and Westminster is keen to quash the resistance of the Land League agitators, is this a case of the hanging of an innocent man as a warning to others, or are secret societies living by their own set of rules? Justice James Lawson – Caolan Byrne Solicitor General – Benny Redmond Pat Walsh – Eoin O DubhgaillOther parts played by the series cast.

April 1881. The west of Ireland is steeped in poverty and caught in the middle of a Land War. Local herds, father and son John and Martin Lydon, are dragged from their beds in Letterfrack, Co Galway, beaten and shot. John dies immediately, but Martin survives long enough to identify one of his assailants, Patrick Walsh, later convicted and hanged. But is all as it seems?At a time when all of Ireland is under British Rule and Westminster is keen to quash the resistance of the Land League agitators, is this a case of the hanging of an innocent man as a warning to others, or are secret societies living by their own set of rules? Justice James Lawson – Caolan Byrne Solicitor General – Benny Redmond Pat Walsh – Eoin O Dubhgaill Martin Lydon – Joshua Duffy Nappy Lydon – Maggie Cronin Margaret Lydon – Charlotte McCurry Court Officer – Brian TynanOther parts played by the cast.

April 1895. Lady Theresa Londonderry is the foremost political influencer of her day, holding court for part of the year at Mount Stewart house on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down. While she brings her powerful personal influence to bear on the aristocracy and politicians of the day, her servants create dazzling social events to entrance her guests. Then, as a treat for the most senior servants of her household, she lends out her personal sailing boat for a picnic on one of the islands in the Lough. But the boat is never seen again and eight people are missing – presumed drowned. Bodies begin to be washed up. First Theresa’s house steward, Joseph Grainge, then local boatman, William Hagan. Next, is Jane Cheshire, lady’s maid to Lady Kathleen Cole, daughter of Lord Enniskillen. Jane’s parents are both dead and no one comes to collect her body – yet the people of Portaferry rally round when she is buried. Finally, William Start, valet to Lord Enniskillen, is found leaving four bodies unrecovered. Personal tragedy does not derail someone as driven as Theresa for long – not even the death of her youngest son in 1899. Then, in 1903 Mount Stewart enjoys its finest hour with a royal visit. However, the world is changing and despite all Theresa’s efforts, Home Rule in Ireland is inevitable. Like the servants lost on Strangford Lough, she cannot escape her fate and when her husband dies, her title, grand houses and her servants pass to her son and his wife. But what causes the loss of her boat in 1895? A survey of the lough with state of the art technology fails to find the wreck. A consideration of the different factors at work that day is inconclusive but raises a question: did the strict social hierarchies of the day seal the fate of all onboard?

April 1895. Lady Theresa Londonderry is the foremost political influencer of her day, holding court for part of the year at Mount Stewart house on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down. While she brings her powerful personal influence to bear on the aristocracy and politicians of the day, her servants create dazzling social events to entrance her guests. Then, as a treat for the most senior servants of her household, she lends out her personal sailing boat for a picnic on one of the islands in the Lough. But the boat is never seen again and eight people are missing – presumed drowned. To try and unravel this mystery, we retrace the route of the boat that day in 1895, giving us a real sense of the experiences of those onboard. They are people who have struggled hard to ascend the Victorian social ladder. Working for Theresa gives status to boatman William Hagan who, assisted by his 17 year old son, is the most respected skipper on the lough. Housekeeper, Elizabeth Dougal, has switched jobs many times to improve her prospects – now she has landed a forever job with the Londonderrys. William Rowe was born in rural Somerset but went to London in his teens to seek his fortune before becoming valet to Lord Londonderry. These people and others on the boat have come from humble origins to make it to the top of their professions. After the boat is lost, Theresa and her husband refer to these servants as “friends”. But can this really be possible in an age marked so deeply by social inequality? Incredibly, Theresa organises another boat trip for herself out on the lough to “break the ice” after the disaster. Is she heartless? Or is this evidence of how driven she is as a person to let nothing stop her pursuing her political career?

April 1895. Lady Theresa Londonderry is the foremost political influencer of her day, holding court for part of the year at Mount Stewart house on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down. While she brings her powerful personal influence to bear on the aristocracy and politicians of the day, her servants create dazzling social events to entrance her guests. Then, as a treat for the most senior servants of her household, she lends out her personal sailing boat for a picnic on one of the islands in the lough. But the boat is never seen again and eight people are missing – presumed drowned. They are people who have struggled hard to ascend the Victorian social ladder. Head cook, Eliza Taunt, comes from difficult family circumstances but works her way up from kitchen maid to be Theresa’s right hand woman when it comes to entertaining. House steward, Joseph Grainge, grew up in poverty but has ended up being in charge of all the Londonderry properties. These people and others on the boat show the talent and tenacity of the servants of the high Victorian era. They have come from humble origins to make it to the top of their professions. On the 11th of April, Theresa and family go to Belfast where she opens an exhibition showcasing the city’s industrial achievements. Meanwhile, the servants set off in her twenty foot long boat, helmed by a local boatman. For Theresa, this carefully assembled team behind her success is soon gone for ever.