Building Ireland

Geographer Susan Hegarty leads the team on a visit to Fortress Spike Island in Cork Harbour built to defend an Empire, only to become an island prison. Engineer Tim Joyce investigates the military engineering of the vast complex while Architect Orla Murphy explores the Victorian character of Cobh's residential architecture

Architect Orla Murphy recounts the story of Kilkenny Castle, from its origins as a 12th Century fortress to its remodeling as an elegant stately home. Geographer Susan Hegarty explores the layout of mediaeval Kilkenny and Engineer Tim Joyce finds out how a catastrophic flood in 1763 led to new bridges over the Rive Nore that are still in use today.

Engineer Tim Joyce visits the Ardnacrusha power station to explore the innovative engineering that made it the biggest hydroelectric project in the world when it opened in 1929. Geographer Susan Hegarty investigates the River Shannon as a source of power and Architect Orla Murphy discovers the German influences in the construction of the buildings.

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.