Television viewers today are used to the cult of celebrity. Whether these celebrities are 'A' list or 'D' list, hundreds of channels at any hour of the day offer viewers news, opinions and gossip on the lives of the so-called 'rich and famous'. In the 1960s, Telefís Éireann comprised one television station and was broadcasting for just seven hours each day. When international personalities came to Ireland the new television station often sent a camera crew to cover their visit. In this section we offer you a chance to view again the visits of some of the celebrities who came to Ireland during the 1960s.
Former U.S. President Eisenhower expresses doubt over the possibility of nuclear war. Che Guevara, weather-bound in Dublin, talks about recent threats to his life. RTÉ reporter, Frank Hall, struggles to interview the mischievous Beatles at a noisy Dublin Airport. Jayne Mansfield's proposed performance in Tralee causes quite a stir.
Looking again at these early television moments you can't help but be struck by the innocence of much of the coverage. All of the footage here was shot on location. The camera crews stopped these personalities where they could, eliciting a few words for the viewers at home - Mick Jagger is quizzed about the length of his hair on the platform of a train station; Bing Crosby is persuaded to sing as he is getting into his car at Dublin Airport and a film crew follow Louis Armstrong into his dressing room backstage at Dublin's Adelphi Cinema.
Former American President General Dwight D. 'Ike' Eisenhower and family came to Ireland on a four-day visit. During a press conference in Dublin Eisenhower would not comment on if Ireland should join NATO. The General also expressed his personal belief that there would not be a nuclear war.
Production Year
1962
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
Reporter Takes on the Beatles
The Beatles arrive to play Dublin's Adelphi cinema. Reporter Frank Hall talks to the four band members about fame, the Mersey sound, hair-styles and George Harrison's mother. All of this while aeroplane noise and the Beatles antics test the professionalism of the reporter. Later Frank Hall talks to fans waiting to see the band.
Production Year
1963
Contributor
Frank Hall (Reporter)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
Ella Fitzgerald in Dublin
America's first lady of song, Ella Fitzgerald, comes to Dublin to perform and talks to RTÉ news.
Production Year
1964
Contributor
Kevin O'Kelly (Reporter)
Sean Mac Reamoinn (Reporter)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
Oscar Peterson on Modern Jazz
The Oscar Peterson Trio are in Dublin for a concert. Oscar Peterson talks to Kevin O'Kelly.
Production Year
1964
Contributor
Kevin O'Kelly (Reporter)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
Cliff Richard
Twenty four year old pop singer Cliff Richard in Ireland for a tour talks to Mike Burns about his career, wealth, hair and musical tastes.
Production Year
1964
Contributor
Mike Burns (Reporter)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
Weather Forces Che Guevara to Land in Dublin
While weather bound in Dublin Che Guevara speaks to RTÉ reporter Sean Egan.
Production Year
1964
Contributor
Sean Egan (Reporter)
Felima Archer (Interpeter)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
"Dirty Lie" Say Stones
Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones talks to RTÉ television on his arrival in Dublin. Long hair makes them look like women? "Dirty Lie" say the Stones.
Production Year
1965
Contributor
Mike Burns (Reporter)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
If You Ever Go Across the Sea to Ireland
On his arrival in Dublin airport Bing Crosby is persuaded to sing Galway Bay.
Production Year
1966
Contributor
Michael O Briain (Reporter)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
Satchmo in Dublin
'Satchmo' Louis Armstrong the great jazz trumpet player and singer arrives at the Adelphi cinema, Dublin where he is to perform with his All Stars.
Production Year
1967
Contributor
John Ross (Reporter)
John Williams (Director)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
Astronaut Colonel John Glenn
American astronaut, Colonel John Glenn talks about the space race while on a visit to Limerick.
Production Year
1968
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
"Exponent of Sex" or "Much Ado About Nothing"?
Jayne Mansfield's show is cancelled after Kerry clergy protest at her proposed appearance at the Mount Brandon Hotel in Tralee.
Production Year
25/04/1967
Contributor
Bill O'Herlihy (Reporter)
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
King of Belgium Plays Hurling
King Baudouin of Belgium is persuaded to try the game of hurling.
Production Year
1968
LOOK WHO VISITED IRELAND IN THE 1960S
Bob Hope at Dublin Airport
Bob Hope clowns around with a pipe band to the amusement of those there to welcome him to Dublin. In Ireland to promote a new film the American comedian tells reporter Kevin O'Kelly of his love of work and golf.
