It is hard not to be impresses when a steam locomotive passes at speed, exuberantly alive in a way that no other man-made object can match. For many, railways evoke both romance and nostalgia, and they have inspired writers, painters and musicians since they were first began to transform the world in the nineteenth century. The impact of the coming of the railways to Ireland was immense and they still play an important role in the life of the country.

The Gleam of the Lines:

• traces the history of the rise and fall of the Irish railway network over two centuries;
• tells the story of how the unusual Irish track gauge of 5ft 3 in came about;
• focuses on some of the great figures involved in bringing railways to Ireland, such as Brunel and Dargan;
• assesses the social and economic impact of the railways on the country;
• is lavishly illustrated throughout in colour.