Lahinch

Lahinch, a popular seaside resort for golfing and surfing in Co.Clare, was once served by the West Clare Railway's 1887/95 constructed narrow gauge rail line from Ennis to Kilkee and Kilrush. The West Clare Railway was the last narrow gauge line in Ireland, finally closing in 1961, despite CIE's efforts to modernise the route. Lahinch Station had two platforms and large single storey station building complete with attached wooden veranda on the platform. A siding serving a small goods shed was located at the west end of the station, opposite which was a small WCR wooden signal cabin, while at the east end was a turntable and small level crossing. Unfortunately no trace of the station remains today, other than a station access path lined with a railway style stone wall, the entire site is now occupied by a housing estate. See Co.Clare Library site for photos of Lahinch Station.
West Clare Railway's 0-6-2 tank No.5c stands at Lahinch Station with a passenger service from Ennis in the 1930s. The station building, with canopy, is behind the train. No.5c 'Slieve Callan' has since been restored and now operates at the West Clare Railway at Moyasta. ©Limerick City Museum Another view of Lahinch Station, with a WCR 0-6-2 tank loco having arrived from Ennis. In the foreground is the siding serving the goods shed. ©Limerick City Museum The site of Lahinch Station, looking east towards Ennis. The roof of the white cottage beyond the modern houses can often be seen in old pictures of the station. The footpath access to the station is located by the blue car, where once there was a small level crossing on the line. Only trace of the station at Lahinch is this old stone railway wall, which formed the access path that led up to the station area.
Another view of the stone railway wall on the former access path to Lahinch Station. This is the first level crossing beyond Lahinch Station heading towards Kilkee & Kilrush. The crossing keepers house remains, these can often be easily identified due to their angle towards the road. Beyond Lahinch village is this former rail overbridge across the N87 road, only the stone abutments remain. The next bridge, Hanrahan's Bridge, remains surprisingly intact. Another view of the former rail overbridge just south of Lahinch village. The bridge was removed after closure in February 1961.