A new documentary exploring the Kerry origins of the first transatlantic communications cable is set to air on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
"The Cable That Changed the World" tells the epic story of how the first telegraph cable - which spanned a 3,000km distance from Valentia Island, County Kerry, to Newfoundland, Canada - was laid across the Atlantic Ocean 165 years ago.
The film, narrated by actress and Kerry native Jessie Buckley, provides an insight into the challenges faced by the cable pioneers during their 8-year journey to achieve what was previously thought to be impossible – connecting North America and Europe with near instant communication streams.
“It was a real privilege for me to be part of this compelling story of this group of pioneering visionaries whose ambition and ingenuity was to develop a global communication system that would change the world," said Buckley.
Produced by RTÉ in partnership with University College Cork and Tyrone Productions, the documentary details this pivotal feat in the history of communication through stunning cinematography, innovative graphics, historical reconstructions and rarely seen archive footage.
Previous co-productions from RTÉ and UCC include "The Irish Revolution" (2019) narrated by Cillian Murphy, "The Hunger" (2021) narrated by Liam Neeson, and "The Civil War" (2022) narrated by Brendan Gleeson.
“RTÉ Cork is delighted to have commissioned this world class film that celebrates and highlights the important role not only Ireland, but Kerry has played in one of the most important science stories in history," said Colm Crowley, Head of RTÉ Cork.
On August 16, 1858, the first transmission was sent via the undersea cable, dawning a new age of modern communication. It read: "Directors of Atlantic Telegraph Company, Great Britain, to Directors in America:—Europe and America are united by telegraph. Glory to God in the highest; on earth, peace, goodwill toward men."
Prior to this technological advancement, messages would have taken at least ten days to travel by ship.
This achievement laid the foundation of modern Ireland’s technology industry, with impacts still being felt today. In the digital age, undersea cable remains the cheapest and most efficient communications method, with all major global tech companies utilising and investing in them across the world; 99% of all internet and mobile communications are relayed not by satellite but by undersea cable.
It is hoped that the cable houses and communities at the center of the story — Valentia Island and Heart's Content — will be granted UNESCO World Heritage status for their role in changing the course of communication history and globalization.
Watch "The Cable that Changed the World," on Monday, August 12 at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
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