First steps to transatlantic: Crossing the Irish sea 1852–1854

The purpose of the Atlantic cable was to connect London and New York. We know a reasonable amount about the New York to Newfoundland section together with the Newfoundland to Valentia Bay, Ireland submarine portion. What do we know of the London to Valentia Bay connection? The answer is surprisingly little and what is known is submerged under a sea of disinformation. This paper is intended to throw some light on the matter.