Film footage of the 1966 Easter Rising Commemorations has been discovered in an old biscuit tin almost 50 years on from the event.

Endless numbers of modern-day filmmakers take to Dublin’s streets to capture the beauty and excitement of our capital city. Before the days of HD cameras and endless hours of time lapse footage, however, Leslie Crowe was pacing the cobbles to immortalize Dublin through three consecutive decades.

A firefighter and part-time historian, Crowe filmed the parts of Dublin he loved best through the 1950s, 60s and 70s and his work shows not only the changes that took place on the city’s landscape during this time but now affords us a comparison with today’s skyline.

Crowe produced his work withLorcan Film Unit” – a family affair with his own voice narrating and his son Noel on the piano.

In his self-produced series “Do You Remember?” he also captured the events of the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising, as guns saluted those lost in Arbour Hill and services took place throughout Dublin cemeteries.

Following the discovery of his beautiful historical films in a biscuit tin, Crowe's family decided to share his work with the world and, although Crowe passed away in 1981, his work is quickly becoming a YouTube success.

Crowe’s series is a beautiful tribute to Dublin’s 'fair city' and an exciting contribution to the history of the city. Step back in time with us and witness vintage Dublin.

In episode one, we see the destruction of the Carlisle Building where O’Connell Bridge House now stands.

Crowe explores the River Liffey running through the city center and we are treated to a glimpse of the iconic Guinness boats.

The decline of Dublin’s bird market is explored in part 4, along with the changing face of The Cat and Cage pub, still a landmark in Drumcondra village.

The now busy Drumcondra train station lies unused and empty and tram tracks are dug up in part 5.

The village of Raheny also receives a special mention with two films dedicated to the village and the opening ceremony of its new church.

Do you have any memories of Dublin at this time? Let us know in the comments section below.

H/T: The Journal