The engines are attributed to the locomotive superintendent William Meikle and the first three, Nos. 24 (Glenamore), 25 (Gleanart) and No. 26 were supplied in 1864. A further two, No. 32 (Glenmalure) and No. 33 (Glendalough) with detail differences followed in 1873.[Note 2][1]
At this time the DW&WR was extending south, from Enniscorthy in 1963 to Wexford by 1874. These engines took over the main line express passenger trains to Wicklow and Wexford from earlier 2-4-0 types.[2] They continued to work main line expresses until replaced by more powerful 4-4-0s in 1895.[2]
No. 26 (Blackrock) was converted into a 2-4-0T locomotive in 1900 and served on the Shillelagh branch line thereafter.[1]
No. 25 was Irish Civil War loss. All were life expired by 1925 and withdrawn immediately on the amalgamation to Great Southern Railways apart from No. 24 which lasted until 1928 becoming GSR No. 422 and the sole member of class 422 / G7.[1]