De Buitlear was not only a film maker and writer but was also known for promoting the Irish language and traditional Irish music.

He was involved in traditional music with Seán Ó Riada and was later involved in the establishment of traditional music group Ceoltóirí Chualann.

For many years in the 60s he was the only independent film producer, with Gerrit Van Gelderen, making wildlife programmes for RTE (Telefís Éireann).

In 1986, his TV programme, Cois Farraige leis an Madra Uisce, won him a Jacob's Award.

In 1987, he was nominated by the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey to the 18th Seanad Éireann and he was appointed to the Central Fisheries Board in 2005.

He is survived by his wife, five children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters and brothers.