(4)Póitín

Póitín (1978)

Explore the Connemara Gaeltacht locations of Póitín, the first feature-length Irish language film. It is a tale of betrayal and revenge.

This gripping crime drama unfolds in the wilds of Connemara, drawing on the old tradition of distilling illegal whiskey — póitín — hidden from the watchful eyes of customs men. Two renegades terrorise a local family, but a ‘legitimate’ moonshiner outwits them, ultimately luring them to their deaths.

Starring: Cyril Cusack, Donál McCann and Niall Toibín

Directed by: Bob Quinn

Famous Association: Director John Ford explored old Irish country life in three vignettes, one of which featured póitín distilling, under the title” The Rising of the Moon.”

Quotation:  “I just thought that we’re living in Connemara and people should speak Irish” .

This is what filmmaker Bob Quinn said when he was asked why he chose to make Poitín in Irish.

Trivia: Notably, Póitín was the first feature-length film ever to be made in the Irish Language. In recent years, Irish-language films have earned widespread critical acclaim, most notably An Cailín Ciúin, which secured a nomination for Best International Feature at the 95th Academy Awards.

Location:  Screebe Fishing Hut , one of many such buildings set in the Connemara landscape, served as a key location. Filming also took place in the Connemara Gaeltacht village of Carraroe (An Cheathrú Rua).