RTÉ Documentaries

Recorded in Austin’s historic Arlyn Studios, this very special show documents Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard's final moments together both in studio and on stage.

Documentary chronicling the life and times of Johannes Vermeer, one of the most loved, treasured and well-known artists of the 17th century.

A tribute to the Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan, who died in January at the age of 46.

Documentary exploring the National Gallery of Ireland, one of the country's most visited cultural attractions which re-opens after six years of refurbishment.

Storm Emma brought the nation to it’s knees. If the Irish snowmergency had a face, it was Met Eireann’s Evelyn Cusack. As a nation, we hung on her every word. But, throughout the week the storm catapulted many ordinary Irish people into the limelight for their fifteen minutes of fame. This documentary is about these people.

RTE's 'Jesus: Countdown to Calvary' is a landmark documentary, which uses the production values, narrative tools and pace of a political thriller to re-tell the story of the last six days of Jesus’ life. Jesus: Countdown to Calvary sets Hugh Bonneville’s energetic and insightful exploration of that tumultuous week against a pulsating countdown-style narrative. He discovers how a perfect storm of social, political and religious factors brought an itinerant Jewish healer and preacher into conflict with the most powerful forces in his world and led, in the space of just six days, to his death. Jesus: Countdown to Calvary is RTÉ’s first co-production with ARTE. It’s also RTÉ’s first co-production with American Public Television (APT). It will air this Easter Sunday in Ireland (RTÉ One) and also in France & Germany (ARTE), the USA & Canada (APT/PBS), Australia & New Zealand (ABC & History), Norway (NRK), Switzerland (RSI) and Denmark (DR).

Documentary about the declining numbers of Atlantic salmon, following the fish down rivers and into the ocean in the hope of finding the reasons for the falling population. Narrated by Gabriel Byrne.

Fact-based drama filmed in the style of the Irish comedian's BBC TV series, following Dave Allen from childhood to becoming one of the UK and Ireland's comedy greats, and exploring how his life and work was shaped by the tragic loss of his father, his brother and half of a finger.

Documentary exploring how former US president's John F Kennedy's world view was influenced by his younger years, when he endured poor health, family tragedy and a demanding father.

Documentary investigating scientific breakthroughs in research on Alzheimer's disease, which are bringing hope to millions of sufferers across the world.

A portrait of Joan Denise Moriarty, who fought to bring ballet to all corners of Ireland from the 1940s until her death in 1992.

A group of world-renowned scientists are on a quest to uncover the secrets of the most significant day in our planet's history - the event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Documentary in which underwater cameraman Ken O'Sullivan goes in search of the wildlife in Ireland's Atlantic waters, including whales and sharks.

The search for extraterrestrials is no longer sci-fi - it is a question engaging some of the greatest minds in science. This documentary gets inside the minds of scientists exploring the possibilities of what could be out there, including Professor Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, who thinks the common idea of organic aliens is all wrong.

Baz Ashmawy examines Ireland's relationship with gambling, talking to people whose lives have been affected by addiction to it, including Offaly footballer Niall McNamee.

At Lough Boora Bog in Co Offaly, Derek Mooney and Sinéad Kennedy examine the current uses of Irish bogs as well as their future potential in helping fight climate change.

Peter Barton examines the events of the First World War battle from German and British perspectives, revealing a story that contradicts much of the received wisdom. He begins by exploring the circumstances leading up to the start of the offensive and revealing the failures that resulted in more than 20,000 British deaths on the first day, and looks at how the Germans were able to use the landscape of the Somme to maximise enemy casualties.

For the last six months RTÉ Investigates went undercover investigating the ever increasing problem of illegal dumping and how councils regulate and prosecute waste offenders.

The compelling story of Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume's pursuit of the political process in Northern Ireland and how he cultivated the support of a succession of US presidents to harness US support to forge peace in Ireland.

Set in 16th-century Venice, the Bravo of the title is a tormented character who long ago killed his wife in a fit of jealousy; unjustly accused of plotting against the state, he has been forced by the Council of Ten to become their secret hired assassin, while his father is held hostage to compel his obedience.

Documentary following the two directors Graham McLaren and Neil Murray through their first year at the helm of the National Theatre.

The story of the Co Clare-born Irish-American engineer, the inventor of the modern submarine whose first working vessels were funded by Irish revolutionaries in the US.

In February 1943, Nobel Prize-winning physicis Erwin Schrödinger gave three public lectures entitled What Is Life? at Trinity College Dublin. As this documentary reveals, these lectures had a tremendous influence on the development of molecular biology.

A stand-up special with Des Bishop based on his Mom’s favourite expression “one day you’ll understand”. Turns out mothers are always right.

The year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Chester Beatty, who was responsible for amassing what has been called the finest private collection of manuscripts and books of the 20th century.