Emerald Chronicle
Documentaries

Explore Ireland’s history, heritage, myths and stories through Emerald Chronicle, the YouTube channel associated with Emerald Archives. These videos bring Ireland’s past to life through engaging storytelling, historical insight and a passion for preserving our shared heritage. Watch a selection of our latest videos here on Emerald Archives, where articles, publications, podcasts and visual storytelling come together to deepen your understanding of Ireland. From ancient landscapes and legendary figures to communities and remarkable events, discover the people, places and experiences that shaped the nation. Each video offers another opportunity to explore Ireland’s rich past and connect with its enduring legacy.

Belfast 1969: The Year the Troubles Exploded

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENTARY

Belfast in 1969 stood at a turning point as political tensions, demands for civil rights and growing communal divisions erupted into violence. This documentary explores the background to a year that transformed Northern Ireland, examining the fears, grievances and events that helped propel the region into the Troubles. Through historical storytelling, it considers how confrontation affected ordinary communities and reshaped relationships between neighbours, authorities and political movements. The arrival of British troops marked another significant development in an escalating crisis. Discover why 1969 remains central to understanding the conflict and the lasting impact it left on Belfast and its people.