Achill Island, off Ireland's west coast, was once home to a booming shark fishing industry. This programme introduces some of the last shark hunters and currach builders, many of whom had since moved on to salmon fishing. Achill's economy has struggled at times over the years, often relying on migratory labour, but the growth of tourism in recent years has seen it stabilise somewhat. It is truly one of th emost beautiful places on earth, and this film shows its distinctive landscape in gorgeous colour. This includes some footage of harvesting of the liver from a basking shark (this being where valuable oils are found), which might be upsetting to some viewers.

Made by Channel4 for UTV.

Courtesy of ITV and the UTV Archive

Digitised as part of the 'UTV Archive Partnership' project 

Written by Kenneth McNally.

Narrated by Kevin Flood. 

Music by Bob Wilson and George Holmes, recorded by Alan Dwyer.

Camera: David Scott, Connor Hammond.

Sound: Jim McGirr. 

Production Assistant: Julie Harris.

Electrician: Albert Kirk. 

Film Editor: Gareth Davy.

Dubbing Mixer: Peter Rann. 

Produced by Andrew Crockart. 

• Achill Tourism