New Dawn for Kerry tourism

Locations in Killarney where the first full-length “talkie” film in Ireland was made in the mid-1930s have been mapped out in a tourist trail.

Made by the late Thomas G Cooper with an all-amateur cast and production team, The Dawn was hailed as a notable cinematic achievement of its time.

Based on the War of Independence, it was also a story of love, mistrust, divided loyalties, and family tragedy. Shot entirely in and around the Kerry town, the film was also intended to promote tourism in the area, using its outstanding natural beauty as a backdrop.