Dunlavin was one of the more important stations on the former GSWR line from Salins to Tullow, which finally opened in stages in 1889. The long branch was never heavily used and passenger services on the route were suspended in 1944 following coal shortages. It reopened briefly only to be closed to regular passenger and goods traffic in 1947. The line to Tullow remained open however for occasional cattle specials before finally closing completely in 1959. Dunlavin Station retains its single story station building(now extended), platform, water tower, and even signal cabin, which still retains much of its original window panes. The adjacent station masters house also remains, and is typical of the type on the Tullow line.