Blackwater Holiday

Fresh from their collaboration on the Royal Showband film The One Nighters (1963), Bob Monks and Peter Collinson (The Italian Job) came together to make this modest little film promoting canoe-camping holidays run by the Murphy family of Rathcoole in Co. Cork on the Blackwater River.

Blackwater Holiday was made in the summer of 1964 and features commentary by Frank Hall.  The film follows the adventures of a group of boys from England and continental Europe all set to enjoy the holiday of their lives in County Cork. The many outdoor activities include canoeing along the Blackwater, songs and stories around the campfire, a trip to Fair Day at Kanturk, Bridge End Abbey and the caves of Gortmore. Happy memories and firm friendships are made on this enjoyable holiday.

This film is part of Children on Film. To see more from this collection, click here.

With kind permission of Matt Murphy.

IFI recommendation: 6+