Kilrush

Kilrush, 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 closed in February 1961 by CIE, and was the last surviving narrow gauge line in the country. The station building at Kilrush was similar to that of Kilkee, although built in brick. The station once had a typical WCR style canopy, but this was removed in railway days, the platform also has now been demolished. The small engine shed at Kilrush also remains in situ, located just west of the former station area. A line once ran from the station to terminate at Cappagh Pier to connect with steamers across the Shannon, but this short line fell out of use in the 1920s.
Kilrush Station, looking towards Cappagh Pier. This shot shows the large yard and goods shed on the right. ©Limerick City Museum Present day view shows the station at Kilrush, but the platform and goods shed are long gone. The platform side of the station building seen here has been bricked up. A 1950s view of Kilrush from the Cappagh Pier end of the station. A WCR railcar waits to depart for Ennis. The small white building in the distance is the signal cabin. ©Limerick City Museum Present day view shows that part of the plarform at the south end of the station survives, as does the brick station building.
The brick built station building at Kilrush as viewed from the forecourt, showing the original gable end boards. The August 1892 built building is now a private residence. This is one of the stone abutments which once carried the railway line on to Cappagh Pier beyond Kilrush Station. This section of line had fallen into disuse in the 1920s following following the demise of the boat trains. What was the large station yard at Kilrush, looking towards Ennis. In the distance can be seen the first level crossing and gate keepers house on the line to Moyasta. The first level crossing outside Kilrush, located on the approaches to the former station. The concrete gate posts survive, as does the well restored gate keepers house.
View of the trackbed leading out of Kilrush village, this is looking towards Ennis. The line was lifted after closure in February 1962. The approach to Kilrush from Ennis, showing the gate keepers house, and station building visible in the distance. Just beyond the level crossing is the former locomotive shed and carriage sidings. This view is taken from the formation of the line to Ennis. A view of the locomotive shed at Kilrush as it was in the early 1950s, with a West Clare Railway built 0-6-0 tank engine in steam. The line to Moyasta and ultimately to Ennis is on the right. ©Limerick City Museum