Produced by Simon Ó Gallchobhair ‘Town of Kings’ uncovers the hidden history of Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

The town of Dún Laoghaire, on the coast of Co. Dublin, is a place of hidden histories and contested identity.

Founded on the ruins of fifth century fort, the building of a harbour in 1817 led to the creation of Dún Laoghaire.  The town was renamed Kingstown following the drunken visit of George IV in 1821, before reverting to it’s original name in 1920.

Town of Kings documents the rapid growth of this seaside Victorian town up to the present day. The program weaves together the perspective of historians and long time residents who have witnessed the town's contrasting fortunes.

The historian Tom Conlon reveals the squalid slums of Kingstown hidden behind opulent retailers. The rise of nationalist Ireland is explored with an IRA assassination attempt in the town. Local residents who share their family history include pawn-broking in the 1920; selling newspapers on George's Street in the 1960s; old world pharmacists and a daring 1980's pig escape.

Dún Laoghaire's main street has weathered good times and bad over the last 200 years as brought to life in: Town of Kings.

CREDITS: Town of Kings was made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. The programme was produced and edited by Simon Ó Gallchobhair. Special thanks to all of the people of Dún Laoghaire and to Tom Conlon author of 'Victorian Dún Laoghaire: a town divided'.

Town of Kings was originally broadcast in July 2018.