Jules Verne’s Rocket to the Moon

A Royal procession approaches the stately home of The Duke of Barset. Kenure House near Rush in County Dublin, Ireland. The building can also be seen in 'Ten Little Indians' but was demolished for safety reasons in 1978 leaving just the grand portico standing.

Pat Cleary explains that "Kenure House dates from 1703 and despite the valiant efforts of the local population only the portico was saved from the wreckers. A bank was interested in having it dismantled and re-erected to front its City headquarters but this scheme fell through."

In this great age of invention, Queen Victoria (Joan Sterndale-Bennett) enters to switch on the electricity which will illuminate the whole house. The entrance to Kenure House in Kenure Park.

A full view of the still-standing portico by Pat Cleary.

On an occasion after the Duke's house is burnt down due to an "electrical malfunction", the Queen prepares to open the Trent Suspension Bridge while designer Sir Charles Dillworthy (Lionel Jeffries) looks on.

Newspapers report Phineas T. Barnum's planned trip to the moon. Pat Cleary found Curragh Army Camp on O'Higgins Road East in Curragh, County Kildare.

Readers discover that the American showman is to transport his midget star, General Tom Thumb, in a ship fired from a huge gun. Outside the Station Hospital at Curragh Army Camp in County Kildare discovered by Pat Cleary.

In her bridal gown, Madelaine (Daliah Lavi) runs towards Gaylord Sullivan who is waiting in his hot air balloon. Newabbey House in Kilcullen, County Kildare identified by Steve Randall.

Captain Sir Harry Washington-Smythe (Terry-Thomas) and Bertram Grundle (Graham Stark) arrive at the new home of The Duke of Barset where inventors are gathered to make Barnum's plan a reality. Woodbrook on Dublin Road, Cork Great in County Dublin identified by Steve Randall. The building also features in 'Enter Inspector Duval'.

Washington-Smythe races after Dillworthy as he leaves the house. Found by Steve Randall, this is Woodbrook to the south of Shankill.

Sir Charles Dillworthy gathers pace until he is running from his pursuer. This is Woodbrook on Dublin Road, Cork Great to the north of Bray discovered by Steve Randall.

Pat Cleary took this shot of the private estate from the main road 200 yards away from where the house becomes visible only when the leaves are all downed.

After Gaylord is left behind on a Welsh mountain, Madelaine makes her way to an isolated house when the balloon crashes on the shore of a lake.

Madelaine knocks at the door which is answered by Washington-Smythe who attempts to have his wicked way before she is rescued by Gaylord.

As demonstrations of moon-ship designs and experiments with explosives continue, Washington-Smythe leaves the Duke of Barset's house in his gas carriage after being found to be a cad and a bounder. Woodbrook on Dublin Road, Cork Great in County Dublin identified by Steve Randall.

Crowds line the route, cheering as P. T. Barnum's completed moon-ship is hauled along the road. Although everything discovered on the web suggests Avoca as the location, Alan Bourke advises that these scenes were shot on Lower Street in Rathdrum, County Wicklow.

This comparison is provided by Alan.

Accompanied by mounted troops, the projectile slowly makes it's way towards the launch site. Lower Street in Rathdrum located by Alan.

An new build to the right features in Alan Bourke's shot.

Well wishers touch the moon-ship as it passes by. Alan Bourke locates this as Lower Street in Rathdrum, County Wicklow.

Once again, Alan provides proof.

Madelaine escapes after being captured by Washington-Smythe and taken to Angelica Halloway's Home for Wayward Girls.

As a Jeff emerges through the window of Angelica's room, Madelaine takes cover.

The gas carriage conveying Washington-Smythe and Dillworthy comes to a stand as it runs out of fuel. Pat Cleary thanks Bobbie and Maura who identified this location at the junction of Ballyman Road and Thornhill Road, about a mile west of Bray in County Wicklow.

Pat discovered that the chimney stack has since been removed.

While Washington-Smythe taps into a house's gas supply, Madelaine runs by. Bobbie and Maura recognised at the junction of Ballyman Road and Thornhill Road to the west of Bray . . .

. . . and Pat Cleary returned to the spot to find a much better road surface and pavement now make this narrow road safer for children attending the nearby school.

Now pursued by Washington-Smythe and Sir Charles, Madelaine slips into a field from the main road. Pat Cleary found Barrack Road in Glencullen, County Dublin adding that a scene from 'Johnny Nobody' was also shot along this road.

Pat provides this comparison which is just down from the crossroads at "Johnnie Fox's" legendary pub which dates from 1798.

Having found a penny-farthing bicycle, Madelaine keeps ahead of the gas carriage.

Washington-Smythe and Dillworthy gain on the young woman . . . before veering off the road and into the canal.