This Coastal towns episode is a story of how a country of rural people living off the land was shaped by coastal invaders who made a living off the sea. Discover how Ireland’s major towns have been forged by invasion, migration and trade. Join an archaeological dig at Christchurch in Dublin to sift through traces of the past. Finally travel north to Carlingford Lough to learn how the Normans settled on our coast and formed our cities.

 This material comes from an educational series called 'This Island About Us' made by Ulster Television, it is courtesy of the UTV Archive.

Narrated by John Keyes and John McCavert. Andrew Crockart - Director; David Scott and John MacGaffin - Camera; Brian O'Rourke - Editor

• Britain on Film
• ITV