New documentary on Daniel O’Connell to air on RTÉ

• Documentary celebrates the life and legacy of Ireland’s Liberator on the 250th anniversary of his birth.
• It examines how O’Connell’s achievements continue to shape and impact our world today.
• Documentary will air on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player as part of Christmas season.

A new documentary Daniel O’Connell: The Emancipator will be screened on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Monday 29 December, offering a fresh exploration of the life and enduring impact of one of Ireland’s greatest figures.

Directed by Ruán Magan and narrated by Domhnall Gleeson, Daniel O’Connell: The Emancipator is a Create One production in association with University College Cork, the University of Notre Dame and RTÉ.

The release of Daniel O’Connell: The Emancipator is part of a year-long programme of commemorations honouring O’Connell’s 250th anniversary, inviting audiences to reflect on how his vision for justice and democracy continues to shape our world. The documentary traces O’Connell’s journey from Kerry lawyer to global advocate for justice.

It features insights from leading historians and scholars, including Mary McAleese, Irish barrister and former President of Ireland; Professor Claire Connolly, UCC School of English and Digital Humanities; Dr Jay Roszman, UCC School of History; and Dr Neil Buttimer, UCC School of Irish Learning. It also features newly uncovered archival material and features an original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire.

Ruán Magan, director of Daniel O’Connell: The Emancipator, said: “Daniel O’Connell was not only a transformative leader for Ireland. His ideas and methods reverberated far beyond his time, influencing struggles for liberty, inclusion, and equality that continue today. This film seeks to reintroduce him to a new generation.”

John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor of English in UCC College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, said: “University College Cork is proud to partner with RTÉ, ARTE, Notre Dame University, The Department of Foreign Affairs and Create One in this landmark documentary which shines new light on the fascinating and often misunderstood figure of Daniel O’Connell, whose actions and influence have done more than any other Irish public figure to establish the social and democratic values we still live by today.”

Following its premiere at Cork International Film Festival, gala screenings took place at the Centre Culturel Irlandais Paris, Tralee’s Siamsa Tíre and the Irish Cultural Centre London. Additional events and screenings are scheduled for 2026.

Daniel O’Connell: The Emancipator will be screened on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Monday 29 December at 6.30pm.