Building Ireland

Experts explore some of the finest examples of Ireland's building and engineering heritage. The first episode delves into the history of Spike Island, a prime defensive location in the middle of the second largest natural harbour in the world.

Experts explore examples of Ireland's building and engineering heritage. The second episode details the many shapes and forms Kilkenny Castle has taken over the years. Architect Orla Murphy travels to the medieval city to show us the hidden layers of the castle's history.

Experts explore Ireland's building and engineering achievements. The third episode explores the scheme that brought Ireland into the electric age - The Shannon Scheme and Ardnacrusha power station. Engineer Tim Joyce fulfills a life-long ambition to get up close and personal with Ardnacrusha power station and to explore the innovative engineering that made it the biggest hydroelectric project in the world when it opened in 1929.

Geographer Susan Hegarty discovers how an inhospitable but beautiful landscape was exploited as a mass market tourism destination. Engineer Tim Joyce explores the engineering behind Europe’s most westerly railway and Architect Orla Murphy investigates the role of a railway company in developing a world class hotel.

Architect Orla Murphy goes in search of the Roe Distillery which was the world’s biggest producer of Whiskey by the late 19th Century. Geographer Susan Hegarty discovers how a supply of fresh water was crucial for large and small industry in the Liberties, while Engineer Tim Joyce investigates the science and technology for making whiskey.

Engineer Tim Joyce discovers the canal system in Galway and its impact on the shape of the city. Geographer Susan Hegarty explores the caves under Lough Corrib to understand the difficulties in canal construction while Architect Orla Murphy looks at the building of the University in Galway and how it fulfilled the ambitions of the City of the Tribes.