At the end of the 19th century, Ireland had a dense, well-developed railway network that criss-crossed the country, connecting its various regions and corners. The 20th century brought huge changes to Ireland, resulting in the country gaining independence, being divided into northern and southern parts, and more. As emigration increased, the railways in the northern part of the country were separated from the lines in the south, with the network of unused railways becoming sufficiently large over time.