Droichid Na hÉireann to feature Joe Dolan bridge

The Joe Dolan Memorial Bridge features in episode five of the RTÉ One series, Droichid Na hÉireann, to be broadcast on January 31 next.

In the programme, presenter Lochlann Ó Mearáin walks across the bridge in Mullingar, and also visits one of Europe’s oldest surviving suspension bridges – in Offaly – and sails along the River Shannon to see the Athlone Railway Bridge.

He also goes to the River Boyne where he marvels at the great engineering feat of the Boyne Viaduct and discovers if there is any truth behind the story that it is built on a foundation of cotton wool.

Droichid Na hÉireann tells the story and history of bridges in Ireland, as actor Lochlann Ó Mearáin explores the history, architecture, landscape and the people behind the bridges and the role they have played in historic events and in modern society.

From road to railway bridges, viaducts to footbridges, these man-made structures have long been an integral part of our country’s infrastructure. But beyond their primary function, how much do we really know about these structures?

Lochlann explores century-old stone bridges and modern designs, natural geological formations and great engineering feats, to reveal their hidden history and impact, far greater than just bricks and mortar. He rediscovers the tales behind the bridges through human stories told through expert commentary and local storytelling.

In the final episode, on February 2, Lochlann is in Donegal, where he tries a game of handball at Bundoran Bridge, looks at the history behind the disappearance of the Donegal railway line and catches up with musician Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh at Mount Errigal. He also travels to the walled city of Derry, where he sails along the River Foyle to learn about how one modern structure has built bridges between two communities.