3. The Golden Years

Does every urban myth contain a kernel of truth? Rumours have been rife for years that a network of tunnels stacked with barrels of whiskey worth millions of pounds exist under Holywood in County Down. Local journalist Jordan Dunbar is on a mission to distil the truth of it all with the promise of commandeering some precious liquid gold.

In this four-part escapade, Jordan learns about the celebrated Dunville family, whose wealth was built on their whiskey brand that became globally famous during the 19th century. It allowed the family to indulge in acts of opulence and eccentricity well into the 20th century. So, might that just include stacking tunnels full of whiskey barrels that have now been left unopened for decades?
In a caper that features hot air balloons, private zoos and whiskey tours, Jordan discovers how the fate of the Dunvilles mirrored the fate of the Irish whiskey industry itself. Historians Jason Burke and Robin Masefield give pause for thought on why the rumours of the whiskey in tunnels might just have to be taken seriously after all. But as Jordan increasingly gets into the ‘spirit’ of it all, can he get any closer to the elusive ‘uisce beatha?’

In this episode, Jordan uncovers what life was like for the the Dunvilles at their peak as the 19th century turned into the twentieth. With a stunning new headquarters in central Belfast and John Dunville marrying into aristocracy, he and his wife Violet became celebrity pioneers of ballooning. But would these extravagant balloonists be the type of people to build tunnels under their mansion? Jordan seeks answers with Alastair Ruffell with a ground-penEtrating radar survey of the White City estate. Jordan has another lead to pursue when a local woman gets into touch with news that she may know where the tunnels are.