Woodlawn

Woodlawn is a sparsely populated area in east Co.Galway. The Midland Great Western however constructed a station at Woodlawn on their main Dublin to Galway line in August 1858, seven years after the line was opened. The station only ever had one platform, which was located on the up side of the line, opposite was cattle bank siding, which partially remains to this day. The stone built station building at Woodlawn is very attractive, retaining much of its original features, such as gable end boards and canopy. The goods shed, located at the west end of the station is also a very characteristic MGWR construction. The now redundant signal cabin still stands adjacent to the station level crossing. In recent years a loop was constructed at the station, allowing Dublin/Galway trains to cross at Woodlawn.
201 Class loco No.223 in Irish Rail's 'Intercity' livery, stands at Woodlawn Station with a Dublin to Galway service, consisting of Mk3 stock. The single platform station at Woodlawn, looking east towards Dublin from the down side of the line. The station was opened seven years after the line in August 1858. The characterstic stone built Midland Great Western Railway style Woodlawn station building, complete with original canopy. Closer view of the detailed canopy awning attached to Woodlawn Station.
The fine built, and somewhat elaborate goods shed at Woodlawn, which is located at the west end of the station. Another view of the unsually designed goods shed at Woodlawn; it has been disused since the withdrawal of wagon load services in 1978. At the west end of Woodlawn is the former post office, conveniently sited beside the station on the down side of the line. The tall Victorian era Midland Great Western Railway signal cabin at Woodlawn, located adjacent to the level crossing at the west end of the station.
The interior of Woodlawn signal cabin, showing the small lever frame. The cabin acted as a gatebox for the adjacent level crossing until it was automated in 2003. From the station forecourt, the main building at Woodlawn appears to be rundown. Only a small section remains in public railway use. Standard Irish Rail nameboard at Woodlawn Station. The station was constructed in 1858 to serve the adjacent Woodlawn House and village.