The iconic Boyne Viaduct is to be featured in an episode of the RTE series ‘Droichid na hÉireann’ on Monday next, January 31st.
Presented by actor Lochlann Ó Mearáin, the series explores the history, architecture, landscape and the people behind Ireland’s bridges and the pivotal role they have played in historic events and in modern day society.
From road to railway bridges, viaducts to footbridges, these man-made structures have long been an integral part of Ireland’s infrastructure. But beyond their primary function, how much do we really know about these structures?
Travelling across the country, Lochlann explores century old stone bridges to modern contemporary designs from natural geological formations to great engineering feats, to reveal their hidden history and impact, far greater than just bricks and mortar.
Designed by the Irish civil engineer Sir John Benjamin Mac Neill, the Boyne Viaduct was considered one of the engineering feats of the age. Amazingly the construction took just two years but when it opened in 1855 it proved to be a game-changer for rail transport.
Before the viaduct was built passengers travelling either North or South of Drogheda had to disembark and make their way either on foot or in carriages through the town of Drogheda before continuing their journey on another train.
The programme’s presenter, Lochlann Ó Mearáin, will be given the low-down in the Boyne Viaduct by well-known local historian.
The show goes out next Monday, January 31st on RTE One at 7.30 pm.
