Documentary Director comes to Wicklow in the search for the origins of Kevin. 

Wicklow County Council in partnership with Tourism Ireland helped launch a new documentary about the name Kevin and the story behind the French 1990’s boom of new-born Kevin name bearers!  French TV station ‘Paris Premiere’ launched the documentary ‘Save the Kevin’ in Paris, to an audience of more than 200 Kevin and to an extensive team of French and international media.

The documentary explains how in the early 90’s, France registered a boom in babies being named Kevin, with more than 13,000 new Kévin in 1991 alone.  The name was made popular by actor Kevin Costner and Home Alone child hero Kevin McAllister.  Unfortunately, ‘Kevin’ have endured mockery, comic sketches and class prejudice over the past three decades.  The documentary explores this unique phenomenon through extensive research and interviews, and of course, a journey into the origins of the name Kevin here in Wicklow.

In April 2024, Director Kevin Fafournoux came to Wicklow in search for the origins of the popular name.  The documentary features an extensive section on Glendalough showcasing some stunning shots of the Glendalough Valley and the Monastic Site.  The section includes a short history of the vibrant story of St Kevin and the birth of the monastery that thrived for a thousand years.

As part of the launch, a raffle was organised with the prize being a trip to County Wicklow.  The launch was also sponsored by Wicklow Wolf Brewery and Glendalough Distillery who provided the refreshments for the evening.

Wicklow enjoyed extensive exposure through the week and was promoted through both ‘Paris Premiere’ and Tourism Ireland’s France social media accounts.  There were more than 2000 entries for the raffle which equally increased the social media followers for VisitWicklow.

 “’Save The Kevin’ offered a great opportunity to showcase Wicklow through a quirky project but with extremely strong media reach in France and further afield” says Fred Verdier, Tourism Officer at Wicklow County Council.  “Beyond the initial screening and PR activities, this documentary will stay online, offering at each viewing, stunning imageries of Wicklow and Glendalough”.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien, said:  “Such promotional events do help raise the profile of destination Wicklow to potential overseas visitors.  I am also delighted that Wicklow Wolf, Glendalough Distillery, The Martello and Heather House offered their support to this project.”

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, commented that: “The backing of Tourism Ireland for this event and production was extremely welcome.  Wicklow County council strives to maximise any opportunity to showcase the beauty and heritage of the Garden of Ireland”