Why you can’t miss North Circular Rocks: Luke McManus’ raw look at Dublin like you’ve never seen it

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by RTE, click this post to read the original article.

In *North Circular*, director Luke McManus takes you on a journey along Dublin’s storied North Circular Road, capturing the deep history, music, and vibrant streetscapes that define this iconic urban route. Through the lens of black-and-white cinematography, McManus explores each neighborhood along the five-kilometer stretch, from the Wellington Monument to the Five Lamps, offering a compelling portrait of Dublin’s social and cultural layers without relying on archival footage.

As you follow the film’s eight chapters, you encounter a range of people and places that reflect the complex identity of this part of the city. From the institutional shadows of Mountjoy Prison and the Mater Hospital to the echoes of rebellion and marginalization on streets like Sean McDermott Street, the documentary reveals a cross-section of Irish society—from the power held in the Phoenix Park to the poverty on the city’s fringes. Each chapter is framed with the unique voice of its community, highlighted by musical performances from local artists such as John Francis Flynn and Gemma Dunleavy.

You’ll find that the film was inspired, in part, by McManus’s personal experiences living just off the North Circular for 20 years. His stories of eccentric locals underscore the character of the road and the sense of continuity and change woven into its fabric. The pandemic lockdown, with its movement restrictions, further deepened his connection to the area and revealed overlooked architectural and emotional textures that eventually shaped the narrative of the documentary.

Unlike many recent Irish documentaries that focus on rural life, *North Circular* remains firmly rooted in the urban heart of Dublin. You’re shown a different kind of national history—one that unfolds in the city’s alleys, streets, and landmarks—telling Ireland’s story through rebellion, religious control, addiction, immigration, and cultural shifts. And yes, as you watch, you’ll discover that the film is also a musical, adding yet another layer to this rich, moving portrait of a legendary Dublin road.