Titled “The Cable That Changed the World,” the film recounts the remarkable story of how, 165 years ago, the first telegraph cable was laid across the Atlantic Ocean. Stretching 3,000 kilometres from Valentia Island in County Kerry to Newfoundland, Canada, this cable revolutionized global communication.


Narrated by Kerry native and acclaimed actress Jessie Buckley, the documentary offers a glimpse into the formidable challenges faced by the pioneers behind this endeavour. Over the course of eight years, they achieved what was once considered impossible—establishing near-instantaneous communication between North America and Europe.


“It was an honour to be involved in telling the incredible story of these visionary pioneers, whose ambition and ingenuity created a global communication system that transformed the world,” Buckley remarked.


Produced by RTÉ in collaboration with University College Cork and Tyrone Productions, the documentary explores this ground-breaking achievement in communication history through stunning visuals, innovative graphics, historical re-enactments, and rarely seen archival footage.


This latest co-production follows previous successful collaborations between RTÉ and UCC, such as “The Irish Revolution” (2019) narrated by Cillian Murphy, “The Hunger” (2021) narrated by Liam Neeson, and “The Civil War” (2022) narrated by Brendan Gleeson.


“RTÉ Cork is proud to have commissioned this world-class documentary, which celebrates the significant role that both Ireland and Kerry played in one of the most pivotal science stories in history,” said Colm Crowley, Head of RTÉ Cork.


On August 16, 1858, the first message was transmitted via the undersea cable, marking the dawn of modern communication. The historic message read: ”Directors of Atlantic Telegraph Company, Great Britain, to Directors in America:—Europe and America are united by telegraph. Glory to God in the highest; on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.”


Before this technological breakthrough, messages took at least ten days to travel by ship.


This achievement laid the groundwork for Ireland’s modern technology sector, with its influence still evident today. Undersea cables remain the most cost-effective and efficient means of communication in the digital age, with 99% of all internet and mobile data transmitted via these cables, rather than satellites. Major global tech companies continue to invest in and rely on this technology.


There is hope that the cable houses and the communities central to this story—Valentia Island and Heart’s Content—will be recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status for their crucial role in revolutionizing communication and globalization.


The documentary will be available for streaming on the RTÉ Player.