Ballybay

Ballybay, Co.Managhan, is located on the Dundalk to Clones section of the former Great Northern Railway's Irish Northwest line, opened in 1854. The line lost its passenger service in 1957 and closed completely in 1959. Ballybay was also the junction for the short branch to Cootehill, which left the mainline just west of the town at Shantonagh Junction. The Cootehill branch opened in 1860, but closed to passengers in 1947 and to goods in 1955.
Ballybay Station retains its gothic style station buildings and its attractive GNR signal cabin, though they are in a rundown state. The GNR station masters house however is in an excellent condition. The platform remains but the trackbed is now quite overgrown.
This is Ballybay Station on the Great Northern's Irish North West route. This is taken on the former platform, showing the main station building and typical GNR cabin beyond. The station was the junction for the Cootehill branch, which closed completely in 1955. Ballybay is just one of the many locations that still retains its typical Great Northern style signal cabin. It is located at the western end of the station. The GNR signal cabin and station building are seen together at Ballybay. The cabin looks in a sound state, complete with its decorative gable end boards. The only thing missing from 1957 seems to be the nameboard above the window. Another view taken from the former platform at Ballybay Station, showing the heavy arched style window and door surrounds. The signal cabin entrance can also be seen though its steps have been removed.
Looking along the platform now towards Dundalk at Ballybay. This shot shows more of the interesting architecture of the Irish North Western Railway who built the line first in 1854. The building seen from the station forecourt. The rear side of the signal cabin is on the extreme left. The large building is in a semi-derelict condition. The excellently preserved Great Northern Railway station masters house at Ballybay, complete with it's white railway picket fencing. It has minor porch extension. Looking from what was near the end of the platforms towards Enniskillen. This shows part of Ballybay village too. Straight ahead was the rail overbridge, to which now only one abutment remains.
Looking from what was near the end of the platforms towards Enniskillen. This shows part of Ballybay village too. Straight ahead was the rail overbridge, to which now only one abutment remains. The trackbed looking towards Dundalk from the east end of Ballybay Station. An old telegraph pole can be seen on the right. To the left was two tracks, with a cattle bank on the extreme right, all very much overgrown now.