Dalkey DUTC

Dalkey, south Dublin, was served by one of the last operational tram routes in the city. In 1879, the Dublin Southern Districts Tramways Company opened their tram route from the already existing line that terminated from Nelson's Pillar within city centre at Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire). The line between Dalkey and Kingstown was of single 4ft gauge track, with passing loops, it was later converted to the conventional standard Irish gauge of 5ft 3 inches. In 1896, the DSDTC, which had become part of the Imperial Tramways Company, was amalgamated with the rest of tram systems in the city by the Dublin United Tramways Company, who in the same year, electrified the route from the city centre through Kingstown to Dalkey. The Dalkey route, known as the No.8, was the last of the DUTC tram lines to survive, been finally closed in 1949 by CIE, and replaced by a bus. Today, the 1879 built tram depot at Dalkey survives, located off Castle St, the tracks and the majority of the tram sheds remain intact, though the facades have partially been rebuilt.
A 1920s view of Castle Street in Dalkey, where one of the 1910-1924 built 'balcony' electric trams can be seen. The single track emerging from the tram depot at Dalkey is in the foreground. A similar present day view of Castle St, named after the twin medieval castles, built in the 15th century, one of which is seen here. The entrance to the DUTC tram depot at Dalkey, the single track visible in the 1920s image can be seen. The tram route to Dalkey opened in 1879, and was converted to electric traction in July 1896. It is not known whether the Tramyard Gallery is connected with the DUTC depot itself, however it is a fine example of a single storey Victorian brick built structure, note also the tall chimney.
A view looking out from the tram depot at Dalkey, which leads out onto Castle Street. On the right is one of the original gates for the depot. Within the depot yard the single track fans out into numerous sidings which enter the former tram sheds. Close up of one of the points within the DUTC tram depot in Dalkey. Like the majority of tram routes in Dublin, the rails were laid within a cable stone surface. Another close up the point work within the DUTC tram yard at Dalkey, showing the point blades and frogs. It is interesting to note that the Dalkey Tramway had an original track gauge of 4-ft.
A view of the sidings within the DUTC tram depot at Dalkey, showing the former tram sheds, presently five of the sidings remain in situ. The original 4ft gauge track width was converted to the standard Irish gauge of 5ft 3 inches, which allowed the tram to be connected with the rest of the system operating within the city centre. The furthest tram shed still retains its original centre raised roof sky light, a common feature of many tram and train sheds. To the left is the depot foremans office, which has changed little since closure in 1949. The tram sheds on the eastern side of the DUTC depot in Dalkey have been totally rebuilt, with some of the sidings having been covered over.