As part of the 1916 commemorations in 2016, Dublin Port and the National Concert Hall invited Irish musicians including James Vincent McMorrow, John Sheahan, and Gemma Hayes to respond to Dublin, its port and the Liffey with a selection of songs. The project was curated by Paul Noonan of Bell X1. Starboard Home, the documentary, brings to life twelve newly commissioned songs, airs and words in an impressionistic journey from the source of the River Liffey, deep into the heart of the docks.

This love letter to Dublin weaves the songwriters’ insights into their musical journeys with stories and memories from the dockworkers, crane drivers and stevedores of Dublin Port. The music ranges from electronic minimalism to folk and rock and is performed by some of the most well known and loved artists in contemporary Irish music, including Bell X1’s Paul Noonan (who curated and produced the album with Gary Sheehan of the NCH), John Sheahan, Lisa O’ Neill, Declan O’ Rourke, Cathy Davey, Richie Egan, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Paul Cleary, Duke Special, James Vincent McMorrow and Gemma Hayes. Hennessy Literary Award-winning writer Catriona Lally reads her enchanting piece entitled Port Magic.

Moira Sweeney, Elton Mullally and Rob Davis have joined forces to create an aural and visual delight that captures the often hidden mysteries, stories and histories of the city’s port. Keepers of the Port, Moira Sweeney’s lyrical documentary of working life on Dublin’s docks will also be available on RTÉ Culture to coincide with the television premiere of Starboard Home.

The documentary airs next Thursday, May 30, on RTE One at 10.15pm.