Kilkee

Kilkee, Co.Clare, was the terminus of the 1892 built narrow gauge West Clare Railway, which ran from Ennis to Kilkee and Kilrush on the Shannon Estuary. Despite modernisation, the West Clare line was closed in 1961 by CIE, and was the last surviving narrow gauge line in the country. The station building at Kilkee is similar to that of Kilrush, although not built in brick. The station also retains its WCR style canopy and platform, which has been filled in. The goods and engine sheds have been demolished however. The West Clare Railway company plan to reopen the line from Moyasta Junction to here, as most of the trackbed of the former line has been preserved.

A West Clare Railway diesel railcar prepares to depart Kilkee for Ennis. The front of the unit probably had a confrontation with some cattle. ©Limerick City Museum This is Kilkee Station as it was in July 2002, retaining its station building, platform and canopy. Regrettably at this time, out of view, the locomotive shed stood at Kilkee, but I didn't take a photo and it has since been demolished. This is a closer view of the station building at Kilkee, built in July 1892. The large structure is similar to that found at nearby Kilrush. The station terminus only ever had one platform. This is the rear of Kilkee Station, showing the brick built window surrounds. The station has not seen a regular passenger since the West Clare Railway line was closed by CIE in February 1960.
A view looking only the platform at Kilkee Station, with cars now parked on the former trackbed. The site of the locomotive shed and goods yard is now occupied by a new housing estate visible in the background. The original late 19th century doors are one of the features to be retained at Kilkee Station. The canopy supports at Kilkee Station are typical of the West Clare Railway. Another example of these can still be seen at the former station at Milltown Malbay, but the one at nearby Kilrush has long since been removed. A mosaic of the West Clare Railway company logo, seen outside the former Kilkee Station. The West Clare was the last 3ft gauge passenger railway in Ireland when it was closed in 1960.