About this season
A team of expert presenters in engineering, architecture and geography explore some of the finest example of Ireland’s building and engineering heritage.
Episodes (6)
1. The Cork to Bandon Railway
Aired 8 July 2014 • 25 min
Engineer Tim Joyce investigates how you bore an 800 metre tunnel through Goggins Hill and build a viaduct across Laune valley at the dawn of Ireland's railway age. Architect Orla Murphy explores the relationship of gunpowder with tunnel construction and Geographer Susan Hegarty discovers the markets and industries fuelling the railways.
2. The Banking Halls of Dublin
Aired 15 July 2014 • 25 min
Architect Orla Murphy investigates the 19th century banking halls of Dame Street and the impact of personalities and politics on the architecture of the booming finance houses. Engineer Tim Joyce discovers how banking led to the innovative development of the docks and Geographer Susan Hegarty explores the role of bridges in planning the city.
3. The Great Port of Waterford
Aired 22 July 2014 • 25 min
Geographer Susan Hegarty investigates the mile-long quay wall and fascinating maritime history of Ireland's oldest city that has trade links with every corner of the world. Engineer Tim Joyce discovers the shipbuilding history of Waterford and Architect Orla Murphy explores the streets and building to uncover the history of the city and its people.
4. St John’s Cathedral, Limerick
Aired 29 July 2014 • 25 min
Architect Orla Murphy investigates St John’s Cathedral and its gothic revival spire that dominates the skyline and represents the aspirations of 19th century Limerick. Geographer Susan Hegarty discovers the world famous qualities of the local blue limestone and Engineer Tim Joyce explores the city’s relationship with the Shannon.
5. The Boyne Viaduct
Aired 5 August 2014 • 25 min
Tim Joyce explores the construction of the Boyne Viaduct in Drogheda, which is regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian industrial engineering. Elsewhere, Orla Murphy explores a 21st century bridge over the river, and Susan Hegarty looks at 8,000 years of human settlement in the area.
6. Mayo's Textile Industry
Aired 12 August 2014 • 25 min
The series concludes with an exploration of Co Mayo's textile industry, which has been subject to success, failure and now rejuvenation. Geographer Susan Hegarty explores the historical role of wool production, architect Orla Murphy looks at how the sector impacted on town planning in Westport, and engineer Tim Joyce investigates developments in woolen mill technology.