An ITV schools programme.

Using the methods of reenactment, time markers and maps, and by visiting current day locations, presenter Oliver McGilloway embarks on the fantastical, fascinating story of Ireland - from the time of the last wolf to the Great Famine. Carrying on from the previous episode of Celts and Vikings, we begin in the market town of Dungiven, County Londonderry.

Next, we are taken to the Pellipar Estate, where a great house stands, the viewers are told that during this time most of the land was rented to tenant farmers. However, despite having large parts of their land occupied, the family would have kept a substantial area of land surrounding the house, a 'demesne'. Over many years, the tenant farmers cleared the forests across Ireland for farming land - this activity played a significant part in eradicating wolves from the island, there being nowhere for them to hide and, so, they were easily hunted. 

The lack of trees also meant ordinary people suffered, as there was no wood for fires to provide warmth through the winter, cook their food, or dry their clothes. Tough though conditions were, it was - in certain respects - a healthy way of life and the population boomed during the period. 

Presented by Oliver McGilloway. 

Facilities provided by Northland Films.

An Ulster Television Production. 

• NI Direct - PRONI