Sir John Macneill (1793–1880): King of the Irish Railways

John Macneill was Ireland’s foremost engineer of his day. He was one of a group of Victorian engineers who laid the foundation for the railway network throughout the British Isles. He was involved with railways in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In recognition of his role he was described as ‘King of the Irish Railways’.1 However, he is less well known than his contemporaries such as Robert Stephenson, Isambard Brunel, or Joseph Locke. Macneill’s contribution to Victorian engineering and Irish society was important and enduring and worthy of a fuller exploration then has hitherto been attempted.