Gas was used in Ireland from the early 1800s for lighting and later for heating, cooking and industry. The old town gas (manufactured gas) industry grew rapidly throughout the country and towards the end of the 19th century one hundred and fourteen gas companies are known to have existed. In the 20th century there was stiff competition from electricity and this was the beginning of the demise of the gas industry. However it continued to survive in the larger urban areas. With the discovery of natural gas off the Irish coast in the 1970s and the formation of Bord Gais Eireann (Irish Gas) in 1976 the future of the gas industry was guaranteed. This book presents the industry from its foundations in the 1820s and tells of its problems, development, progress and personalities through the 19th century and into present times.