help with ancestor who went to ireland

[Jen1]

I hope I am in the right place, but My G G Grandfather was born in Stepney London in 1826. I can't find him on the 1841, but he married in Bruree Co Limerick in 1851, to a girl from Castletownroche in Co Cork. He had several children, some were born in Co Limerick and some in Killalloe Co Clare. The family came back to London around the 1870's and his trade on the 1881 census is that of Marine Engineer.

My question is, did he go to Ireland to maybe either work on the waterways or possibly was involved in the building of canals or locks, and how can I find out anything further.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[Peter Goodey]

A marine engineer either works in a workshop or shipyard involved with marine engines or he's a ship's engineer. I don't see him digging canals.

I would be inclined to look up the Shannon Steam Navigation Company if I were you.