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History of our old T (Trunk) and L (Link) roads

Amtmann

Firstly, can anyone shed some light on the old T-road (trunk road) system, such as how long it had been in operation, and when and why it was abandoned?

What were the T-road routes? Can anyone remember actually using them before the N-road changeover?

Secondly, regarding the N-road system, what improvement works were carried out on these roads in the 20 years or so after they became N roads? I mean, I presume the N1, N6, N7, N8 and N8 existed as smaller regional roads for hundreds and hundreds of years before they became major national routes, but when were they widened? The old N8, for example, was obviously subject to quite a few works south of Urlingford in past years: it was noticibly sunk into the ground by a good ten feet or more, leaving embankments on either side. I am told that no real widening works occurred during the 90s, and that the old N8 (now R639) has been the way it is since at least the 70s. Is this right?

Lastly, has anyone read this book: Ireland's Principal Roads AD 1899 - 1979 by Peter O'Keefe (September, 2004)
It's listed on the NRA's site as one of their 'general publications', but I can't find it on amazon.

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murphaph

icdg wrote: »

Also interesting to note is this is the only map I have ever seen with Northern Ireland T-road numbers on them - these are for internal NI government use only and have AFAIK never appeared on road signs in NI - here's a list...

http://www.wesleyjohnston.com/roads/typesandnumbers.html

Aye, T numbers still exist in Britain too. They simply indicate when a section of road is a trunk route. A road holding primary A road (or even motorway) status in the UK does not imply that it's also a trunk route-the Highways Agency has national responsibility for all trunk routes and parliament decides what roads or sections thereof are important enough nationally to be deemed trunk. As mentioned, the public is generally unaware if they are on a trunk route or not as they don't sign it.

RadioCity

The used to be a confirmatory sign on the A4 between Enniskillen and the border, heading for Sligo that had "A4 (T17)" on it. That was the only time I really noticed a "T" designation in the past 20 years or so.

I remember thinking it was quite unusual especially as in Derry where I live even until this day no road sign in the North makes any mention of the road number South of the border even though they are so close. Seems to be quite common before heading into the North from the South that the road number is given, particularly on national routes.

L1011

Found the Esso map I mentioned earlier - its UK and Ireland, "price 7/6" so its pre-1971... and completely lacking in Irish route numbers

However, it has strip maps of 'recommended routes' between cities. The Dublin->Cork recommendation is:

Cork, Cobh Junction, Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Cahir, Cashel, Littleton, Urlingford, Durro, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise, Monasterevin, Kildare, Naas, Rathcoole, Dublin.

So even if the trunk road was different the recommended route was pretty much what we use now!

Route to Galway matches the old T4 (via Athenry); route to Wexford is the new N11 (not the T7), the route to Waterford goes through Kilkenny City. Sligo/Killarney/Belfast/Limerick all look correct for N4/N7+21/N1+A1/N7

edit: I also found a 1972 OS map of Dublin; just like the current one it doesn't mark dual carriageways, but is there anything anyone wants checked on it? Its far too big to scan, unfortunately... Of note on it is a preserved alignment for the M1 at Santry.

BrianD3

MYOB wrote: »

I also found a 1972 OS map of Dublin; just like the current one it doesn't mark dual carriageways, but is there anything anyone wants checked on it? Its far too big to scan, unfortunately... Of note on it is a preserved alignment for the M1 at Santry.

I also have an old OS map for Dublin (scale 1:18000), mine's from 1974.

On the topic of old road numbers, these were often stated on the old cast iron roadsigns. There are many of these old signs left but they are gradually disappearing as roads and signage get upgraded etc. I know of several that have been taken down recently. Probably sitting in a council yard now.

L1011

Mines the same scale, its probably just the revision before yours - has "9th Popular Edition" across the top.

mackerski

icdg wrote: »

The lack of a Naas Bypass would seem to put that map somewhere between 1977 and 1983. Although the lack of national secondary routes may suggest this may pre-date the finalisation of the system in 1977...

That map is certainly post-1980, as it has the Dungannon Bypass on it. However, it could also be post-1983, as the Naas Bypass took a while to make it onto a lot of maps.

L1011

mackerski wrote: »

That map is certainly post-1980, as it has the Dungannon Bypass on it. However, it could also be post-1983, as the Naas Bypass took a while to make it onto a lot of maps.

Its definatly not the best for showing bypasses, the Dromore (early 70s) and Banbridge (late 70s) bypasses are both missing. The Dungannon one is some distance from the town compared to both of those, though.

Victor

Lads, people complain about trainspotters.

MYOB wrote: »

Its definatly not the best for showing bypasses, the Dromore (early 70s) and Banbridge (late 70s) bypasses are both missing. The Dungannon one is some distance from the town compared to both of those, though.

Ah, come on Dungannon was one of those mystical bypass the was never build, it just appeared.

corktina

Victor wrote: »

Lads, people complain about trainspotters.

speaking as one of them (trainspotter that is, not one of THEM you understand) i was thinking the same , maybe some of the lads here should be joining the Roundabout Aprreciation Society)

http://www.roundaboutsofbritain.com/

[Deleted User]

corktina wrote: »

Lads, people complain about trainspotters.

speaking as one of them (trainspotter that is, not one of THEM you understand) i was thinking the same , maybe some of the lads here should be joining the Roundabout Aprreciation Society)

http://www.roundaboutsofbritain.com/

Now there's a hobby that's going round in ever decreasing circles

Gonzo

very interesting maps, really shows how much our road network has changed recently but also notice how the motorway road network in Northern Ireland is still almost identical today as it was then. Only the M3, Westlink in Belfast not present in those old maps?

JupiterKid

green_jesus wrote: »

Hear you go lads...

This route planning map is from an old road atlas of Ireland that has the 'new' N roads and the old T&L roads. There is no date of print in the atlas so its anybody's guess when it was published. (The books cover looks mid-80's)

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=69432&d=1230829831

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=69434&d=1230829999

Taking a close look at the North section of the map, you can see (I think at least) that a part of the M2 in NI is shown as still under construction (it opened in Sept 1975), so I would date this map as early 1970s vintage. Also, as another poster pointed out the Dromore (1972) and Banbridge (1977) bypasses on the A1 are absent.

Also, the N3 (T35) is shown as a non proimary route in its width and colouring. Generally, it's unfortunately not a detailed map, and shows no DC sections as distinct from S2. My bet would be 1972 or 1973 or thereabouts.

marmurr1916

I've got an old Shell road-map of Ireland from the early 1960s (or possibly the late 1950s).

It doesn't have a date on it, but it doesn't show any of the Northern Ireland motorways (not even as under construction).

Therefore, it must pre-date the start of construction of those motorways which began in 1963.

Most of the National Primary routes had been Trunk roads and generally they followed the routes of these Trunk roads, albeit with a different numbering system.

However, some National Primary routes also incorporated existing Link roads and unclassified roads into their routes.

National Secondary routes followed a similar pattern: they often incorporated former Trunk roads as well as Link roads and unclassified roads.

Furthermore, many Trunk roads were downgraded to Regional routes, effectively 'de-trunked'.

Some newer National Primary routes were built as new roads in the 1990s and obviously didn't incorporate existing roads.

Anyway, it's interesting to compare the old routes of National Primary roads (pre-motorway/HQDC) with the old Trunk and Link road network.

For example, the old N1 (before the ROI M1 was built) followed the same route as the T1.

Likewise the N2 followed the same route as the T2.

However, the T35 was the main route from Dublin to Cavan and onwards towards Enniskillen.

The T35 followed the same route as the existing N3 as far as Butlersbridge, north of Cavan town.

From there the T35 followed the same route as what is now the N54 as far as the border, near Wattlebridge in Co. Fermanagh.

I've listed the National Primary routes (pre-motorway) below, along with the former Trunk, Link and, in some cases, unclassified roads, that were incorporated into them.

N1 - T1.

N2 - T2.

N3 - T35 from Dublin to Butlersbridge, Co. Cavan; then via formerly unclassified road from Butlersbridge to Sugarloaf (current junction of N3 and R197).

From Sugarloaf to Belturbet the N3 follows a short section of the former L50 and from Belturbet to Kilconny (current junction of N3 and N87) it follows a short section of the old T52.

From Kilconny to the border with Northern Ireland at Aghalane Bridge, the N3 follows the line of an old Link road (number not shown on old map).

At the border the route joins the former B37 (now the A509) to Enniskillen.

Summary: same as T35 from Dublin to Butlersbridge; formerly unclassified road from Butlersbridge to Sugarloaf; L50 from Sugarloaf to Belturbet; T52 from Belturbet to Kilconny; former Link road (number unknown) from Kilconny to border.

N4- T3.

N5 - T77 from Longford to Swinford, Co. Mayo; then via L21 to Bellavary via Bohola; then via section of T40 to Castlebar; then via section of T39 to Westport.

N6 - T4 from Kinnegad to Ballinasloe; then via T4a from Ballinasloe to nr Loughrea; then via T21 to Derrydonnell (now junction of N6 and R348; then junction of T4 & T21) and then continued to Galway via Oranmore and what is now the Coast Road between Oranmore and Galway along the line of the former T4.

The old T4 followed the same route as the pre-motorway, pre-Athlone bypass route as the N6 from Kinnegad to Ballinasloe but then went to Athenry via Kilconnell, New Inn, Kiltullagh on the route of what's now the R348.

From Athenry it continued along what's now the R348 as far as that road's junction with the existing N6 (at Derrydonnell) before following the existing route as far as Oranmore.

From Oranmore, it followed the Coast Road to Galway.

N7 - T5

N8 - T14 from Portlaoise to Abbeyleix, then T36 from Abbeyleix to Cashel, then T9 from Cashel to Cahir, then via route of old N8 (pre-M8/various bypasses) from Cahir to Cork as the T6.

N9 - T6 from Naas to Kilcullen, then T51 from Kilcullen to Paulstown (existing N9/northern N10 split), then L111 to Thomastown via Gowran, then L32 from Thomastown to nr Ballyhale (existing N9/southern N10 split), then T14 to Waterford.

N10 - northern section was part of T51; southern section was part of T14.

N11 - T7 to Rathnew, then went along former unclassified route from Rathnew to what is now junction of N11 and R751 (north of Kilbride), then L29 to Arklow, then T7 to Enniscorthy, then section of T8 route to Wexford (remainder of T8 to Rosslare became part of the N25).

The T7 followed the same route as the old N11 from Dublin to Rathnew, then went to Arklow via Glenealy, Rathdrum, Avoca and Woodenbridge.

The Rathdrum to Woodenbridge section is now the R752, the Woodenbridge to Arklow section is now part of the R747.

The T7 followed the same route as the old N11 from Arklow to Enniscorthy, then continued to New Ross along what is now the N30 and from New Ross to Waterford along what is now a section of the N25.

N12 - part of T15 route.

N13 - Letterkenny to border (at Bridgend) section was part of T59 to what is now junction of N13 and R265 (at Newtown Cunningham), then the N13 follows the line of what was previously the T74 to the border with Northern Ireland at Bridgend.

The southern section of the N13 (previously part of the N56) from Letterkenny to Stranorlar was part of the T59.

N14 - T60 from junction with what is now northern section of N13 to Lifford.

N15 - T18 from Sligo to Castlefinn along similar route to existing N15, then T18 continued along what is now N15 as far as border near Cloughfin, then crossed border to Clady in Co. Tyrone.

The main Sligo - Derry route continued from there along the B85 to join the A5 near Strabane.

N16 - T17.

N17 - T11 from junction with T3 (Sligo-Dublin route) nr Collooney, to south of Charlestown. The existing N17 then follows previously unclassified roads from there to Claremorris via Kilkelly and Knock village. From Claremorris, the N17 then follows the route of the former L27 as far as Ballindine. From Ballindine to Tuam it follows the route of the former L13 via Milltown. From Tuam to Galway the existing N17 follows the route of a section of the T11.

In summary, the N17 follows the northern section of the T11 from Collooney to Charlestown and a section of the T11 from Tuam to Galway.

The section of the T11 between Tuam and Charlestown followed a very different route to the existing N17 between Tuam and Charlestown.

From Tuam to north of Ballyhaunis, the T11 followed what is now the N83 via Dunmore. From north of Ballyhaunis, near the townland of Tavraun, the T11 followed what are now Local roads via Tawnyinah to the townland of Lurga Lower south of Charlestown. It then continued along what is now the N17 to Charlestown.

The southern section of the T11 continued from Galway to Cork via Limerick, following the routes of the old N18 and the old N20.

Overall, the T11 was a continuous route from Cork to Sligo via Limerick and Galway.

N18 - T11 from Limerick to Coole, then unclassified road from Coole to Kiltiernan, then T11 to Oranmore, then either link or unclassified road on Oranmore to Claregalway section (now N18, former N64).

N19 - road (number and classification not shown on old map) from T11 (now N18) to Shannon Airport.

Presumably a Trunk road was built from the junction with the T11 at Hurler's Cross to Shannon Airport at a later date as part of the old Limerick - Hurler's Cross dual-carriageway.

N20 - T11 (Limerick to Cork section).

N21 - T28.

N22 - T29 from Caherbreagh (nr Tralee at junction of N21 & N22, formerly junction of T28 & T29) to Macroom, then the old N22 followed the L39 from Macroom to Ovens.

The existing N22 now continues from Ovens and bypasses Ballincollig to merge with Cork's South Ring Road (N25).

However, the pre-bypass N22 followed the line of the L39 (now part of the R608/Carrigrohane Road) through Ballincollig and into Cork via Carrigrohane.

The old T29 continued from Macroom to Cork via Coachford - this route is now the R618.

N23 - T28a.

N24 - T13 from Limerick to Cahir; T13 multi-plexed with T6 between Cahir and outside Clonmel at what is now junction of N24 and N76; then continued solely as T13 to Waterford.

N25 - T12 from Cork to east of Dungarvan at what is now junction of N25 and N72; multi-plexed with T30 from there to Lemybrien (now junction of N25 and R676); then continued as T12 to Waterford; T12 multi-plexed with T7 from Waterford to New Ross, then continued as T12 to Wexford; then the Wexford to Rosslare section of the T8 route (which went from Enniscorthy to Rosslare).

N26 (former N57) - Ballina to Foxford section was part of T40; Foxford to Swinford section was part of T77.

N27 (formerly part of R600) - part of L42 route.

N28 (formerly part of R609) - a section of the N28 from its junction with the N25 to its junction with the R609 is a new route, built in the 1990s. The older part of the N28 route (formerly part of the R609) was previously part of the L66 to near Carrigaline, then followed the route of an unclassified road to Ringaskiddy.

N29 - n/a - new road that was built in 1990s.

N30 (former N79) - between New Ross and Enniscorthy, part of T7.

N31 - part of the existing N31 followed a section of the T44.

N32 - n/a - new road that was built in 1990s.

N33 - n/a - new road that was built in 1990s.

L1011

There was a large thread on this very recently - but I can't find it offhand unfortunately...

marmurr1916

Below, I'm going to outline the routes of the old T (Trunk roads).

T1 -T10.

T1: Dublin-Swords-Balbriggan-Drogheda-Dunleer-Dundalk-border with Northern Ireland (towards Belfast).

The T1 followed the line of the old N1 as it was prior to the opening of the ROI's M1 motorway.

T2: Dublin-Ashbourne-Slane-Collon-Ardee-Carrickmacross-Castleblayney-Monaghan-Emyvale-border with Northern Ireland (towards Derry).

The T2 followed the line of the N2 as it was prior to the opening of the HQDC between the M50 and Ashbourne and the opening of various bypasses.

T3: Dublin-Lucan-Leixlip-Maynooth-Enfield-Kinnegad-Mullingar-Edgeworthstown-Longford-Roosky-Dromod-Carrick-on-Shannon-Boyle-Collooney-Sligo.

The T3 followed the line of the N4 as it was prior to the opening of the M4 and various bypasses.

T4: (Dublin)-Kinnegad-Rochfortbridge-Kilbeggan-Moate-Athlone-Ballinasloe-Kilconnell-Kiltullagh-Athenry-Derrydonnell-Oranmore-Galway.

The T4 followed the line of the old N6 (as it was prior to the opening of the M6 and various bypasses) as far as Ballinasloe, then the line of the R348 from Ballinasloe to Derrydonnell near Oranmore, then the line of the old N6 from Derrydonnell to Oranmore to Galway.

T4a: (Dublin)-Ballinasloe-Garbally-Aughrim-Kilreekill-Kilmeen-Loughrea (multiplex with T21).

The T4a followed the line of the N6 between Ballinasloe and Loughrea, as it was prior to the opening of the Loughrea bypass and other improvements.

T5: Dublin-Naas-Newbridge-Kildare-Monasterevin-Portlaoise-Mountrath-Borris in Ossory-Roscrea-Nenagh-Limerick.

The T5 followed the line of the N7 as it was prior to the opening of the M7 and various bypasses.

T6: (Dublin)-Naas-Kilcullen-Athy-Castlecomer-Henebry's Cross-Kilkenny (multiplex with T14)-Callan-Ninemilehouse-Clonmel-Cahir-Mitchelstown-Fermoy-Rathcormac-Watergrasshill-Glanmire-Cork.

The T6 followed the line of various pre-motorway/pre-bypass National routes: the N9 between Naas and Kilcullen, the N78 between Kilcullen and Henebry's Cross, the N77 between Henebry's Cross and Kilkenny, the N76 between Kilkenny and nr Clonmel, the N24 from nr Clonmel to Cahir and the N8 between Cahir and Cork.

T7: Dublin-Stillorgan-nr Bray-Rathnew-Rathdrum-Avoca-Woodenbridge-Arklow-Gorey-Enniscorthy-New Ross-Waterford.

The T7 followed the line of various pre-motorway/pre-bypass National and Regional routes: the N11 between Dublin and Rathnew, the R752 between Rathnew and Woodenbridge, the R747 between Woodenbridge and Arklow, the N11 between Arklow and Enniscorthy, the N30 (former N79) between Enniscorthy and New Ross, the N25 between New Ross and Waterford.

T8: (Dublin)-Enniscorthy-Oylgate-Wexford-Killinick-Rosslare.

The T8 followed the line of the N11 to Wexford, the N25 from Wexford to Rosslare Harbour (both before the opening of the Wexford bypass).

T9: Dundalk-Ardee-Kells-Delvin-Mullingar-Kilbeggan-Tullamore-Ballard-Cadamstown-Kinnitty-Boheraphuca-Ballybritt-Roscrea-Templemore-Thurles-Holycross-Cashel-Cahir-(Cork).

The T9 followed the line of various National, Regional and Local routes: the N52 between Dundalk and Mullingar, the old route of the N52 (via Ballynagore, now a Local route) between Mullingar and Kilbeggan and on to Tullamore, the N52 from Tullamore to Ballard, the R421 from Ballard to Kinnitty, Local roads from Kinnitty to Ballybritt (via Boheraphuca), then followed the line of the R421 from Ballybritt to Roscrea, the N62 from Roscrea to Thurles and the R660 from Thurles to Cashel (via Holycross) where it joined the T6 (old N8) to continue to Cork.

T10: (from Enniskillen)-Wattle Bridge-border with Northern Ireland-Cloverhill-Butler's Bridge-Cavan (multiplex with T35 & T15)-Bellananagh-nr Kilcogy (multiplex with T15)-Finnea-Castlepollard-Mullingar.

The T10 started at the border with Northern Ireland near Wattle Bridge where it became a continuation of the A4/A34 route from Enniskillen. It multiplexed with the T35 and T15 routes from the border to Cavan via Butler's Bridge. The border to Butler's Bridge section of the T10-T35-T15 mulitplex is now part of the N54, the Butler's Bridge to Cavan section is now part of the N3. It then followed the line of the N55 from Cavan to near Kilcogy (multiplexing with the T15 for this section) and the R394 from there to Mullingar.

The first nine Trunk Roads (T1, T2, T3, T4, T4a, T5, T6, T7, T8) radiated out from Dublin (with the T8 branching off the T7 at Enniscorthy) and followed an anti-clockwise pattern.

This pattern was similar to the existing anti-clockwise pattern which the routes radiating out of Dublin currently follow.

The pattern was interrupted by the T35 which came between the T2 and the T3 and the T42 (now N81), T43 and T44 which came between the T5 (T6) and the T7.

This is broadly similar to the way the N81 between the N/M7 (N/M8, N/M9, N10) and the N/M11 disrupts the current pattern.

marmurr1916

MYOB wrote: »

There was a large thread on this very recently - but I can't find it offhand unfortunately...

Damn! Wish I'd known that!

Richard

Thanks for that interesting post. When do the T and L roads date from? Were they ever used in Northern Ireland? When were the A and B roads introduced there?

marmurr1916

Richard wrote: »

Thanks for that interesting post. When do the T and L roads date from?

Sorry, no idea.

Richard wrote: »

Were they ever used in Northern Ireland?

Sorry, no idea.

Richard wrote: »

When were the A and B roads introduced there?

Sorry, no idea!

Given that A and B road numbers were first introduced in Britain in 1921, I'd guess that they were introduced into Northern Ireland soon after.

The Irish Free State probably introduced its own system after its foundation, although it could be that the T and L system wasn't introduced until much later.

Richard

Thanks for the reply!

marmurr1916 wrote: »

Given that A and B road numbers were first introduced in Britain in 1921, I'd guess that they were introduced into Northern Ireland soon after.

The Irish Free State probably introduced its own system after its foundation, although it could be that the T and L system wasn't introduced until much later.

OK - I'd remembered seeing some "T" routes referred to on Wesley Johnstons fantastic NI Roads site, and thought they may have been used throughout Ireland. But looking at http://www.wesleyjohnston.com/roads/typesandnumbers.html it seems that T routes were only used by planners and are unconnected to the ROI system.

Amtmann

I recently acquired the NRA's publication "Ireland's Principal Roads AD 1899 - 1979" by Peter O'Keefe.

It's a decent(ish) account of legislation, reports, funding and AADTs for the 1940s, 50s and 60s, but it doesn't discuss individual routes or the origin of the numbering system unfortunately. It's also very amateurishly produced: essentially printed off an office printer with illegible maps, cheaply bound, and not proofed at all. However, it is free; so give the NRA a call and they'll probably post it out to you.

I really wish someone would do a PhD on the history of the road network. It's a nice interdisciplinary topic, and could draw on economic and social geography as well as history, obviously. There's surely an IRCHSS in it for someone.

marmurr1916

T11-T19:

T11: Cork-Mallow-Buttevant-Charleville-Croom-Patrickswell-Limerick-Bunratty-Hurler's Cross-Newmarket on Fergus-Ennis-Crusheen-Gort-Coole-Lydican-Drumharsna-Owenbristy-Kiltiernan-Kilcolgan-Clarinbridge-Oranmore-Galway (multiplex with T4)-Claregalway-Tuam-Dunmore-Cloonfad-Ballyhaunis-Tawnyinah-Charlestown-Tobercurry-Collooney-joined T3 to Sligo.

The T11 was the main route along the western side of Ireland from Cork to Sligo via Limerick and Galway.

The T11 followed the route of various National and Local routes: the N20 as it was prior to improvements between Cork and Limerick, the N18 (prior to the opening of the Ennis bypass and other bypasses and improvements) between Limerick and Coole (north of Gort), current Local roads between Coole and Kiltiernan, the pre-improvement N18 between Kiltiernan and Oranmore, the old N6 between Oranmore and Galway, the N17 from Galway to Tuam, the N83 from Tuam to near Tavraun (approx. 14km/8.75 miles north of Ballyhaunis), then on current Local roads to Lurga Lower (approx. 5km/3miles south of Charlestown) via Tawnyinah, then it rejoined the line of the N17 (prior to the opening of bypasses and other improvements) from Charlestown to Collooney where it joined the T3 to Sligo.

T11a: Dunmore-Williamstown-Ballymoe.

The T11a followed the line of the R360 from Dunmore to Ballymoe, connecting the T11 to the T39 (now the N60).

T12: Cork-Dunkettle-Carrigtwohill-Midleton-Castlemartyr-Killeagh-Youghal-Dungarvan-Joulterspark-Lemybrien (multiplex with T30)-Kilmeadan-Waterford-New Ross (multiplex with T7)-Wexford.

The T12 followed the line of the N25 from Cork to Joulterspark (east of Dungarvan, at the junction of the N25 and N72). From there to Lemybrien (current junction of N25 and R676) it multiplexed with the T30, following the line of the N25. From Lemybrien to Waterford it again followed the route of the N25. From Waterford to New Ross it multiplexed with the T7 and from New Ross to Wexford it followed the route of the N25 as it was prior to the opening of the Wexford bypass and other improvements.

T12a: Cobh Cross-Cobh.

The T12a followed the line of the R624, connecting Cobh with the T12 (now the N25) at Cobh Cross.

T13: Limerick-Tipperary-Bansha-Cahir-Clonmel-Kilheffernan (multiplex with T6)-Carrick on Suir-Mooncoin-Waterford.

The T13 followed the line of the pre-improvement N24 between Limerick and Cahir. From Cahir to Kilheffernan (east of Clonmel, at the current junction of the N24 and the N76) it multiplexed with the T6, following the line of the existing N24. From Kilheffernan to Waterford it followed the line of the N24.

T14: Waterford-Mullinavat-Ballyhale-Knocktopher-Stonyford-Kilkenny-Henebry's Cross (multiplex with T6)-Ballyragget-Ballinakill-Abbeyleix-Portlaoise-Mountmellick-Tullamore.

The T14 followed the line of the N9 from Waterford to near Ballyhale (the current N9/N10 split), then followed the line of the southern section of the N10 from there to Kilkenny. From Kilkenny to Henebry's Cross (junction of the N77 and N78) it multiplexed with the T6, following the line of the N77 and from there it followed the line of the N77 to Ballyragget. From Ballyragget it followed the line of the R432
to just outside Abbeyleix.

From there it followed the line of the R340 Ballinakill Road into the centre of Abbeyleix. From Abbeyleix to Portlaoise it followed the line of the N8. From Portlaoise to Tullamore it followed the line of the N80 via Mountmellick.

T15: (Galway)-Roouanmore-Lackagh-Turloughmore-Moylough-Mount Bellew-Athleague-Roscommon-Lanesborough-Longford-Balinalee-Granard-nr Kilcogy-Bellananagh-Cavan (multiplex with T10)-Butlersbridge-Leggykelly-border with Northern Ireland (multiplex with T10-T35)-A3-border with co. Monaghan-T15-border with Northern Ireland (Derrynure)-A3-border with Co. Monaghan-Clones-Smithborough-Monaghan-border with Northern Ireland (Tamlat)-(towards Armagh and Belfast via A3).

The T15 followed the line of the N63 from Roounamore (near Lackagh, junction of T11 & T15, now junction of N17 & N63) to Roscommon and on to Longford. From Longford to Granard it followed the line of a section of the R194, then the N55 from Granard to Cavan. From Cavan to Butlersbridge it followed the line of the N3, then the line of the N54/A3 from Butlersbridge to Monaghan via Clones, crossing the border between north and south several times. From Monaghan it followed the line of the N12 to the border with Northern Ireland rejoining the A3 to continue to Armagh and Belfast.

T16: (Enniscorthy)-Ballynahallin-Bunclody-Ballon-Carlow-Ballickmoyler-Arless-Stradbally-Portlaoise.

The T16 followed the line of the southern part of the N80 from Ballynahallin (current junction of N11 & N80, then junction of T16 & T7) north of Enniscorthy to Carlow and on to Portlaoise.

T17: Sligo-Manorhamilton-Blacklion-border with Northern Ireland (towards Enniskillen and Belfast via A4 and, later, NI's M1).

The T17 followed the line of the N16 from Sligo to the border with Northern Ireland at Blacklion where it joined the A4 to continue towards Enniskillen and Belfast.

T18: Sligo-Grange-Drumcliffe-Bundoran-Ballyshannon-Donegal-Ballybofey-Stranorlar-Killygordon-Castlefinn-Cloghfin-border with Northern Ireland (towards Strabane and Derry via B85-A5).

The T18 followed the line of the N15 (as it was prior to the Ballyshannon/Bundoran and Donegal bypasses) from Sligo to Cloghfin near the border with Northern Ireland. From there it continued across the border to Clady in Co. Tyrone. From Clady, the route took the B85 to Strabane where it joined the A5 to continue to Derry.

T19: Kilkenny-Freshford-Urlingford-Turnpike (multiplex with T36)-Thurles-Toor-Ballycahill-Rosmult-Milestone-Inch-Anglesey Bridge-Rear Cross-Newport-Lisnagry-(Limerick via T5).

The T19 followed the line of the R693 from Kilkenny to Urlingford. Then it multiplexed with the T36 (part of the old N8, now R639) from Urlingford to Turnpike (junction of old N8 and N75). From Turnpike to Thurles it followed the line of the N75, then from Thurles it followed the line of the R498 to Toor (now junction of R498 and R503). From Toor it followed the line of the R503 to Lisnagry where it joined the T5 (old N7, now R445) to continue to Limerick.

Carawaystick

The route from B'SLoe to Galway is much more direct via Athenry, which is the route the M6 will go, so, I suppose back in the day, that was the main route, while the existing N6 was probably a smilar standard as that route is now.

Also the road from Loughrea town towards Galway is called the Athenry road as far as the junction with the N6/R349
The N6 west of Loughrea is very straight, compared to any other roads nearby, I presume it was straightened and widened back in the day, even though it has dry stone walls as the boundary.

The main road from Arklow to Dublin used to go via Avoca and Rathdrum, same as the train line goes now. Rathdrum used be the county town back in Charlie Parnell's time. That's why the N11 had a stop sign at the bottom of Rathnew hill, the "main road" used go from Rathnew towards Glenealy and Rathdrum, this is now the R751/R752 junction.

The Auld Fella has an AA Atlas book of Ireland from I'd say the 60's with a wee description of every town and village. There's a few tourist routes and possibly a description of the road network. If not, I should be able to see the road numbers in Donegal where there was none on the map in the op's post.

I'll add any new info from that over the weekend

Typewriter

MYOB wrote: »

There was a large thread on this very recently - but I can't find it offhand unfortunately...

Hear it is...

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055451069

marmurr1916

green_jesus wrote: »

Hear it is...

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055451069

Thanks! And thanks for the maps showing the old Trunk road network.

It'll make my project to describe their routes that much easier, since my map has a few gaps and some inaccuracies.

When I'm done, I'll add this info to Wikipedia along with the maps from that thread.

marmurr1916

T20-T29.

T20: Kilkenny-Bennettsbridge-Thomastown-Inistioge-New Ross.

The T20 connected Kilkenny with New Rosss via Thomastown, following the line of the R700.

T21: Thurles-Toor (multiplex with T19)-Borrisoleigh-Nenagh-Borrisokane-Portumna-Killimor-Ballydavid-Loughrea-Craughwell-Derrydonnell (Galway via T4).

The T21 connected Thurles with Derrydonnell, continuing to Galway via the T4. It followed the line of the R498 from Thurles to Nenagh, then the line of the N65 from Nenagh to Loughrea via Portumna. From Loughrea it followed the line of the pre-Loughrea bypass N6 to Derrydonnell where it joined the T4 to continue to Galway.

T21a: Borrisokane-Cloghjordan-Moneygall.

The T21a connected the T21 (now part of the N65) and the T33 (now part of the N52) at Borrisokane to the T5 (now N7) at Moneygall, following the line of the R490 via Cloghjordan.

T22: Dundalk-border with Northern Ireland-Cullaville (A37)-re-enter ROI-Castleblayney.

The T22 connected Dundalk with Castleblayney, crossing through Northern Ireland as the A37 (via Cullaville) before re-crossing the border. It followed the line of the N53/A37.

T23: Dundalk-Kilcurry-border with Northern Ireland-joined A29 (towards Newtonhamiltion, Keady and Armagh).

The T23 went from Dundalk to the border with Northern Ireland via Kilcurry, following the line of the R177. At the border, it joined the A29 to Armagh via Newtownhamilton and Keady.

T24: Dundalk-Chanonrock-Carrickmacross-Corvally-Shercock-Bailieborough-Virginia-Ballyjamesduff-Ballymachugh-nr Finnea-Granard.

The T24 connected Dundalk to Granard (where it joined the T31 and T15) via Carrickmacross and Virginia. The Dundalk to Virginia section followed the line of the R178. The Virginia to Granard section followed the line of the R194.

T25: (Drogheda)-Collon.

The T25 branched off the T1 (via part of the T26, now N51) near Drogheda and went to Collon, connecting the T1 (old N1) to the T2 (now N2). It followed the line of the current R168 from what is now junction 10 of the ROI's M1 to Collon.

T26: Drogheda-Slane-Navan-Bective Abbey-Trim-Kinnegad.

The T26 went from Drogheda to Kinnegad (where it joined the T3 and T4) via Slane, Navan and Trim. It followed the line of the N51 from Drogheda to Navan via Slane. It then followed the line of the R161 from Navan to Kinnegad via Trim.

T27: (Youghal)-Kinsalebeg-Clashmore-Modelligo-Halfwayhouse-Ballymacarbry-Clonmel.

The T27 connected the T12 (now N25) at Kinsalebeg, near Youghal, with Clonmel. It followed the line of the current R671.

T28: (Limerick)-Patrickswell-Adare-Rathkeale-Newcastlewest-Abbeyfeale-Castleisland-Caherbreagh-Tralee.

The T28 followed the line of the pre-improvement N21 between Patrickswell and Tralee.

T28a: Castleisland-Farranfore.

The T28a connected the T28 at Castleisland to the T29 at Farranfore, following the line of the N23.

T29: (Tralee)-Caherbreagh-Farranfore-Killarney-Ballyvourney-Macroom-Coachford-Carrigrohane-Cork.

The T29 followed the line of the pre-improvement N22 from Caherbreagh (junction with the T28, now junction of the N21 & N22) to Macroom via Killarney. It followed the line of the R618 from Macroom to Carrigrohane via Coachford, then crossed the River Lee and followed the line of the Carrigrohane Road into Cork.

The N22 diverges significantly from this route between Macroom and Cork. From Macroom to Ovens it follows the line of the former L39 via Crookstown, from Ovens to Cork there is a new HQDC bypass to the south of Ballincollig connecting with Cork's South Ring Road (N25).

marmurr1916

T30-T39.

T30: (Dungarvan)-Joulterspark-Cappoquin-Lismore-Tallowbridge-Fermoy-Castletownroche-Mallow-Rathmore-Clasheen-(Killarney via T29).

The T30 connected the T12 at Joulterspark (near Dungarvan, now junction of N25 & N72) with the T29 at Clasheen (near Killarney, now junction of N22 & N72) via Lismore, Fermoy and Mallow. It followed the line of the N72.

T31: Portumna-Ballinasloe-Athlone (multiplex with T4)-Ballymahon-Edgeworthstown-Granard.

T32: Roscrea-Birr-Cloghan-Ferbane-Fardrum-(Athlone via T4).

T33: Birr-Ballingarry-Borrisokane.

T34: Athlone-Roscommon-Tulsk-Boyle.

T35: Dublin-Clonee-Dunshaughlin-Navan-Kells-Virginia-Cavan-Butler's Bridge-Cloverhill-border with Northern Ireland (multiplex with T10)-A3-Wattle Bridge-A34-Netwownbutler-Lisniskea-Tamlaght-A4-Enniskillen-A32-Irvinestown-A35-Kesh-border with Co.Donegal-Pettigoe-Laghy-(Donegal via T18).

The T35 connected Dublin with Cavan via Navan, following the line of the old N3.

From Cavan, the T35 multiplexed with the T10 northward via Butlersbridge and Cloverhill to the border with Northern Ireland near Wattle Bridge (Cavan-Butlersbridge now part of N3, Butlersbridge - Wattle Bridge now part of N54).

At the border at Wattle Bridge, the route continued briefly as the A3 for approx. 600 metres before joining the old A34 towards Enniskillen via Newtownbutler, Lisniskea and Tamlaght (the section of the old A34 from the junction of the A3 near Wattle Bridge to Newtownbutler is now the B533, the section of the old A34 from Lisniskea to Tamlaght is now the B514).

At Tamlaght, the route joined the A4 to Enniskillen. From Enniskillen the route continued as the A32 to Irvinestown, then the A35 to the border at Pettigoe via Kesh. The route continued as the T35 again from Pettigoe to Laghy (now the R232) where it joined the T18 (now N15) to continue to Donegal.

In summary the route of the T35 via Northern Ireland corresponds to the N3 from Dublin to Butler's Bridge, the N54 from Butler's Bridge to the border near Wattle Bridge, the A3 for 600 metres, the B533 from the A3 junction to Newtownbutler, the A34 from Newtownbutler to Lisniskea, the B514 to Tamlaght, the A4 from Tamlaght to Enniskillen, the A32 from Enniskillen to Irvinestown, the A35 from Irvinestown to Pettigoe, the R232 from Pettigoe to Laghy.

The current N3 continues from Cavan to Butlersbridge (this section was part of the T10-T35-T15 multiplex) to Belturbet, crossing the border to join the A509 towards Enniskillen at Aghalane Bridge. The A509 joins the A4 on the outskirts of Enniskillen at the junction of the Derrylin Road and the Sligo Road. From Enniskillen the route continues to the border at Belleek as the A46. From Belleek it becomes the N3 again as far as Ballyshannon where it joins the N15 (old T18) to continue to Donegal.

T36: Abbeyleix-Durrow-Urlingford-Horse and Jockey-Cashel-Golden-Tipperary-Emly-Kilmallock-Charleville-Drumcolliher-Feohanagh-Newcastlewest-Abbeyfeale (multiplex with T28)-Duagh-Listowel.

T37: Cashel-Dually-Ballinure-Laffansbridge-Killenaule-Ballingarry-Ballyline-Ballymack-(Kilkenny via T6).

T38: Mitchelstown-Kildorrery-Mallow.

T39: Roscommon-Ballymoe-Castlerea-Ballyhaunis-Claremorris-Balla-Castlebar-Westport-Louisburgh.

marmurr1916

T40-T49.

T40: (Sligo)-Ballysodare-Beltra-Dromore West-Easky-Rathlee-Kilglass-Enniscrone-Corraun-Ballina-Foxford-Strade-Bellavary-Castlebar-Ballintubber-Partry-Ballinrobe-Kilmaine-Shrule-Headford-Galway.

Ballysodare-Dromore West (N59), Dromore West-Easky-Enniscrone-Corraun (R297, Corraun current junction of R297 & N59), Corraun-Ballina (N59), Ballina-Foxford (N26 - former N57), Foxford-Bellavary (N58), Bellavary-Castlebar (N5),Castlebar-Galway (N84).

T41: (Dublin)-Enfield-Edenderry-Daingean-Tullamore-Screggan-Blue Ball-Kilcormac-Birr-Pike-Portumna-Power's Cross-Gorteeny-Mountshannon-Scariff-Tuamgraney-Bodyke-Moymore-Spancil Hill-Ennis-Darragh-Caherea-Lissycasey-Knockalough-Kilrush.

T42: Dublin-Templeogue-Tallaght-Brittas-Blessington-Baltinglass-Rathvilly-Tullow-Clash-(Ballon via T16).

T43:Dublin-Milltown-Windy Arbour-Dundrum-Sandyford-Stepaside-Kiltiernan-Enniskerry-Kilmacanogue Upper-(Bray).

Now R117.

T44: Dublin-Ballsbridge-Merrion-Booterstown-Blackrock-Monkstown-Dun Laoghaire-Dalkey-Killiney-Shankill-(Bray via T7).

Now R118, N31, R119.

T45: (Netwonbutler)-A33-border with Co. Monaghan-Clones-Killeevan-Newbliss-Ballybay-Castleblayney-Milltown-border with Northern Ireland-A25-Altnamackan (towards Newry).

Netwownbutler to border A33 (now A34), Clones to Castleblayney (R183), Castleblayney to border (R182).

T46: Carrickmacross-Ballybay.

Now R180.

T47: Tullamore-Clara-Moate-(Athlone via T4).

Now part of N80.

T48: Durrow-Ballycolla-Aghaboe-Sentry Hill-(Borris in Ossory and Roscrea via T5).

Now R434.

T49: Cashel-Rosegreen-Ballyclerahan-Clonmel.

Now R688.

marmurr1916

T50-T59.

T50: Mitchelstown-Ballylanders-Knocklong-Hospital-Newline-Caherconlish-Beary's Cross-(Limerick via T13).

Now R513.

T50a: Kilmallock-Bruff-Holy Cross-nr Ballybricken-(Limerick via T57).

Now part of R512.

T51: (Dublin & Naas)-Kilcullen-Timolin-Moone-Castledermot-Carlow-Leighlinbridge-Paulstown-Kilkenny.

N9 from Kilcullen to Paulstown, N10 from Paulstown to Kilkenny.

T52: (Drumsna)-Annaduff-Mohill-Cloone Grange-Carrigallen-Killeshandra-Milltown Abbey-Lisnamaine-Kilconney-Belturbet-Sugarloaf-Gannons Cross-joined T10-T35 multiplex.

Annaduff-Lisnamaine (R201), Lisnamaine-Kilconney (N87, former R200), Kilconney-Belturget-Sugaraloaf (N3), Sugarloaf to Gannons Cross (R197).

T53: Dromod-Mohill-Garvagh-Fenagh-Ballinamore-Gortmore-Swanlinbar-border with Northern Ireland-A32-(Enniskillen via A32-A4).

Now R202 from Dromod to Gortmore, becomes N87 (previously R200) from Gortmore to border, joins A32 at border to continue to Enniskillen.

T54: Carrick on Shannon-Leitrim-Drumgorman-Drumshanbo-Tarmon-Drumkeeran-Killarga-Manorhamilton-Glenade-Kinlough-Bundoran.

R280 from Carrick on Shannon to Drumgorman, R207 from Drumgorman to Drumshanbo, R208 through Drumshanbo (Chruch Street to bridge over River Shannon), R280 from bridge to Bundoran.

T55: (Carrick on Shannon)-Drumheckil-Keshcarrigan-Fenagh-joined T53.

Now R209.

T56: Carrick on Suir-Ballinacluna-(Kilkenny via T6).

Now R696.

T57: Limerick-Ballyneety-nr Ballybricken-Mohane-Newline-Hospital (multiplexed with T50)-Emly (joined T36).

Limerick-nr Ballybricken (R512), nr Ballybricken-Mohane (R514), Mohane-Hospital (R513), Hospital-Emly (R516).

T58: Ballina-Crossmolina-Bellacorick-Bangor Erris-Bunnahowen-Belmullet.

Ballina-Bangor Erris (N59), Bangor Erris-Belmullet (R313).

T59: Stranorlar-Kilross-Letterkenny-Manorcunningham-Newtown Cunningham-Speenoge-Bridge End-border with Northern Ireland-(Derry via A2).

Now N13. Stranorlar to Letterkenny was originally classified as a National Secondary route (part of the N56) when the national road numbering system was implemented. However, it was upgraded to National Primary route status in the 1990s and a southern extension to the N13.

marmurr1916

T60-T69.

T60: (Letterkenny)-nr Corkey-Lifford-border with Northern Ireland-A38-Strabane-(towards Derry & Dublin via A5).

Now N14

T61: (Bray)-Kilmacanogue-Killough-Roundwood-Annamoe-Laragh-Rathdrum.

Now R755.

T62: (Dundalk)-Ballymascanlan-The Bush-Carlingford-Omeath-Cornamucklagh-border with Northern Ireland-(to Newry via B79).

Now R173.

T63: Waterford-Tramore-Annestown-Knockmahon-Bunmahon-Stradbally-Dungarvan.

Now the R675 from Waterford to Bunmahon, where the old T63 followed the line of Local routes as far as Ballyvoile. At Ballyvoile the T63 followed the route of the R675 to Dungarvan.

T64: Macroom-Kilbarry-Inchigeelagh-Ballingeary-Kealkill-Ballylickey-(Bantry via T65).

T65: Killarney-Kenmare-Glengarriff-Bantry-Scart-Aghaville-Drimoleague-Dunmanway-Enniskeane-Bandon-Inishannon-Halfway-Cork.

N71 from Killarney to Scart, then R586 from Scart to Bandon, then rejoining old N71 (as it was prior to improvements between Cork and Inishannon, including Halfway bypass) from Bandon to Cork.

T66: Tralee-Castlemaine-Killorglin-Glenbeigh-Cahirciveen-Waterville-Caherdaniel-Sneem-Parknasilla-Kenmare (Killorglin to Kenmare - part of Ring of Kerry route).

Now N70 (Killorglin to Kenmare - part of Ring of Kerry route).

T67: Killorglin-Killarney (part of Ring of Kerry route).

Now part of N72 (part of Ring of Kerry route).

T68: Limerick-Kildimo-Askeaton-Foynes-Tarbert-Listowel-Tralee-Camp-Annascaul-Dingle.

The Limerick-Listowel-Tralee section followed the line of the N69; the Tralee-Dingle section followed the line of the N86.

T69: Kilcolgan-Kinvara-Ballyvaughan-Lisdoonvara-Ennistymon-Lahinch-Miltown Malbay-Quilty-Doonbeg-Kilkee-Kilrush.

Now N67.

marmurr1916

T70-T77.

T70: Ennistymon-Ennis

Now N85 (was Regional route until 1990s).

T71: Galway-Moycullen-Oughterard-Maam Cross-Recess-Clifden-Letterfrack-Kylemore Abbey-Leenane-Carrowkennedy-Liscarney-Westport-Newport-Mulrany-Ballycroy-Bangor Erris.

Now part of the N59.

T72: Donegal-Inver-Dunkineely-Five Points-Ardara-Kilrean-Glenties-Lettermacaward-Dungloe-Burtonport-Kincasslagh-Crolly-Dore-Bunbeg-Brinlack-Gortahork-Falcarragh-Dunfanaghy-Creeslough-Cashel-Carrigart-Milford-Ramelton-Letterkenny.

Large parts of this route were identical to the N56 (Donegal coastal route), but the T72 diverged from the exisiting N56 between Dungloe and Crolly (via Burtonport and Kincasslagh) following the route of the R259. The next divergence was from near Dore to Gortahork via Bunbeg and Brinlack with the T72 following the route of the R257. The T72 followed a very different route from Creeslough to Letterkenny compared to the N56. Just south of Creeslough, the T72 turned north-east to Carrigart via Cashel. From Carrigart it went south towards Letterkenny via Milford and Ramelton. The section of the T72 between Creeslough and Letterkeeny is now the R245.

T72a: (Donegal)-Five Points-Killybegs-Kilcar-Glencolumbkille-Malin More.

Now R263.

T73: Inishowen Ring: Bridge End-Burnfoot-Fahan-Buncrana-Drumfree-Clonmany-Ballyliffen-Carndonagh-Gleneely-Moville-Whitecastle-Quigley’s Point-Muff-border with Northern Ireland (Culmore)-(Derry via A2).

The route of the T73 was almost identical to the route of the R238 (Inishowen Ring), except for the section between Carndonagh and Gleneely which did not follow the line of the present route of the R238 from Carndonagh to Culdaff to Gleneely. Instead the T73 went directly between Carndonagh and Gleneely following the line of a current Local route.

T74: (Letterkenny)-Newtown Cunningham-Speenoge-Bridge End-border with Northern Ireland-(Derry via A2).

Now part of the N13.

T75: (Dungarvan)-Ballymacmague South-Halfway House Inn-(towards Clonmel via T27).

Now part of the R672.

T76: Borrisoleigh-Templemore.

Now the R501.

T77: Foxford-Swinford-Charlestown-Ballaghaderreen-Frenchpark-Tulsk-Strokestown-Longford.

Foxford to Swinford is now part of the N26, Swinford to Longford is now part of the N5.