IRISH/UK RAIL LINKS                 eiretrains.com

Here are a list of other interesting websites related to the Irish Railway scene, beginning first with the important preservation movements, campaigns and of course other photographic sites,in no particular order.

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The IRISH TRACTION GROUP (ITG) was formed in 1989 with the aim of preserving at least one example of every Irish diesel locomotive class still in existence at the time. The ultimate objective of the group is to restore their collection of locomotives to full working order for enthusiast specials. Amongst their collection of ten locos includes two IR 001 (or A) Class locos which briefly returned to traffic in the late 1990s, aswell as preserving the only surviving example of the 101 (B) Class Sulzer engines, B103. The group generally operates at least two railtours a year, some of which are featured on this site, utilising older generation of Irish traction. The group hopes to return their 001 Class loco, 039 to traffic soon. Please visit the website and support the ITG activities. See also ITG Preservation in Action fototopic site.
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 Downpatrick & Co.Down Railway

The DOWNPATRICK & COUNTY DOWN RAILWAY (DCDR) are currently the operators of the only preserved standard gauge railway in Ireland. The railway was formed in 1985 with the intention of rebuilding the former BCDR branch from Downpatrick to Ardglass, which closed as long ago as 1950, and it is quite an achievement that so far track has been relaid from Downpatrick out towards the former BCDR mainline from Belfast to Newcastle, near Inch Abbey. A museum, station and railway workshops have now been established at the railway, and train rides are offered to the public during parts of the year. The BCDR have a uniqure fleet of engines, ranging from former CIE E&G class diesels, and GSWR's 0-6-0 tank engine, number 90(under restoration at Whitehead by RPSI) dating from 1875, along with a fleet former wooden body coach stock, such as the former BCDR Holywood railmotor car. For more info on this railway visit their website.
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Probably one of the first large scale of Irish railway rolling stock preservation attempts was undertaken thankfully by the RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF IRELAND (RPSI). The RPSI was formed in 1964 to preserve and restore Irish steam locos and other rolling stock to full working order. The RPSI have achieved this in everyway, preserving and operating steam locomotives dating back as long ago as 1879, such as GSWR's J15 0-6-0s, right up to operating one of Ireland's last steam locos, such as the WT 2-6-4 number 4, built in 1947 at Derby, and preserving the last convential steam loco delivered to Ireland, 0-6-4 tank engine Lough Erne, along with a wide range of wooden bodied stock. At their operating base at Whitehead north of Belfast on the Larne line, other steam locos await overhaul and restoration. The RPSI operate steam train excursions all year round on the Irish rail system for the public and enthusiasts alike, some of which feature on this site. For more info and steam train dates visit their website.
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HELLS KITCHEN BAR

You would have to be crazy if you haven't visited the IRISH RAILWAY MUSEUM located in HELLS KITCHEN BAR in Castlerea, Co.Roscommon. Although this museum may be small, it houses the largest and most fantastic Irish railway memorabilia! If that wasn't enough, the bar is the only one in the world that houses a full size locomotive, this being former CIE A Class Crosley loco A55(later 055), built in 1955 at Dukinfield Works, Manchester. The loco has been restored in its second livery of CIE green with white stripe, minus its engine, which is replaced by a wonderful seating area in the engine room, with the cab controls at either end. The museum has everything, ranging from lamps, station nameboards, signalling equipment, railway documents, brilliant archive photographs, the lot! Sean Browne, the owner, adds something new every year to the growing collection, the latest being a rail bike, dating from 1847! As you can gather, there is something from every era, 1950s diesel loco to 1840s rail bike. The museum is a must for those interested in Irish railways, and railways in general. For more information, on the collection and location of this great little museum, see the website.

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IRISH RAILWAY RECORD SOCIETY

The IRISH RAILWAY RECORD SOCIETY (IRRS) was formed in 1946, and can keep you up to date on the current railway scene, for over fifty years, through its membership journal, the IRRS have recorded every change on Irish railways and other notable events. Opposite Heauston Station, Dublin, the IRRS HQ holds and preserves a vast collection of artefacts relating to Irish railways, including documents and archive photographs. A library is open to members during the evenings and regular meetings and slide shows are arranged annually. Not only that, the IRRS also arrange regular outings to places of railway interest. See their website for membership details and events.

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IRISH RAILWAY NEWS, the Informed online resource for all matters relating to Irish railways, ranging from the latest news on locos, railcars/DMUs, the preservation movements, along with discussions on the future of Irish Railways, such as the Luas & Metro. There's also a dedicated section on Irish Rail pictures and websites.

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                ULSTER FOLK & TRANSPORT MUSEUM

The ULSTER FOLK & TRANSPORT MUSEUM, located at Cultra, in the Belfast suburbs, houses the largest collection of preserved Irish locomatives and stock, aswell as a vast amount of artefact displays, ranging from signalling, history of Irish railways, railway documents and former promotion railway posters, basically everything you'd expect. Amongst the large variety standard and narrow gauge stock includes the only survivor of CIE's three 800 Class 4-6-0s , this been No.800 Meabhe, built in 1939 by the GSR at Inchicore, being the largest locomotive ever to run in Ireland. Other exhibits include CDR's railcar No.1, first convential diesel railcar in the British Isles, the LNWR liveried Dundalk & Greenore coach, as well as the only preserved BCDR locomotive. Most of the major Irish railway companies are covered eg. GNR, CDR ect.. Also one of the GNR's Hill of Howth trams(No.9), as well as the famous Fintona horse tram. That's only a taste of what's there, there's alot more of course that is too long to list here! See the website for more details.

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HERITAGE RAILWAY as the name implies is a new railway heritage group aiming to set up a preserved standard gauge railway line in Ireland. The group also plans to establish a storage & maintenance site for any future preserved rolling stock and historical equipment. For details on the project as it evolves visit the website.

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                                               IRISH NARROW GAUGE RAILWAYS 

                                

The WATERFORD & SUIR VALLEY RAILWAY is a 6km narrow gauge railway at Kilmeaden, Co.Waterford, which utilises the former trackbed of the standard gauge Waterford to Dungarvan rail line, closed completely in 1982. The track runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir between Kilmeaden and Waterford offering panoramic views of the River Suir, rolling farmland and mountains. Their operating base is located at the former Kilmeaden Station, and train rides are provided during the summer months, which are well worth a visit .The loco utilised is a restored Simplex 60sp diesel locomotive with a Perkins diesel engine and two mock Edwardian style carriages. The company have ambitious plans for the future, which includes extending the line into Waterford city and developing a railway museum at Kilmeaden.

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Another successful Irish narrow gauge line in Ireland is the CAVAN & LEITRIM RAILWAY, which is based at the former original narrow gauge C&L station at Dromod, which closed in 1959, opposite the MGWR's station on the main Dublin--Sligo line. The new company took over the C&L station and engine shed in the 1995 and have relaid a small section of the original narrow gauge line from Dromod to Ballinamore, as for as the first levelcrossing north of the village, aswell as setting up a small museum in the station. The company have aquired the station at Mohill 5 miles further on and hope to extend the line to there. For more info regaurding the train times on the railway, see there website.

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The COUNTY DONEGAL RAILWAY RESTORATION LTD have done a fine job in preserving former County Donegal Railway stock, which includes the 2-6-4T No.5 Drumboe (currently at the RPSI), and a range of former CDR coaches and goods wagons. Their heritage centre is located at the former CDR station in Donegal Town, and contains a museum and a wealth of artefacts from the CDR. Outside the restored station is some of the CDR stock, aswell as a small minature railway. The society aims to reopen a short stretch of the former CDR line which closed as long ago as 1959, for the preserved stock to operate on. The society has a growing collection of photos of the old railways as well as original documents, film footage, various artefacts and memorabilia of all types, most of these are on display at the heritage centre which is well worth a visit. See their website for more information, and the vast photographic archive of the narrow gauge lines in Co.Donegal. See also the wonderful recreation of the CDR and other Irish narrow gauge for Trainz Railway Simulator here, which I also create trainsim routes for, see CDR Ballyshannon video clip also.

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The GIANTS CAUSEWAY & BUSHMILLS TRAMWAY operates on the former trackbed of the 3-foot gauge Giants Causeway Electric Tram which ran between Portrush and the famous tourist attraction, and closed as long ago as 1949. In 1996 a scheme was proposed to reopen part of the line as a steam narrow gauge line, and in 2002 this as achieved when the line was rebuilt from Bushmills to a new station built at the famous Causeway. Rolling stock for the line came from the closed Shane's Castle railway, the motive power being the former Born na Mona steam loco Shane and the former British Aluminium 0-4-0T once based in Larne. The HQ of the line, where also the engine sheds is located is at the Bushmills Station. The line runs for 2 miles along the scenic coastline of the North Antrim plateau and train rides are provided year round.

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The FINTOWN NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY is the only narrow gauge line currently operating in Co.Donegal and is based at the small village at Fintown, nestling deep in the heart of spectacular mountainous scenery. Fintown was originally located CDR's Glenties branch from Stranolar which closed completed in 1955. Today a small section of this line(just over 2 miles) has been reopened at Fintown and it is a unique three mile journey right along the shores of the scenic Loch Finn. The reopening on the 3rd June 1995 of this first section of the Fintown - Glenties railway restoration project commemorated the centenary of the original opening in 1895. Rolling stock used is an ex-mining Simplex 102T loco and rather unusually three Charleroix Belgian passenger tramcars! The railway also acquired former CDR railcar No.18, more accurate for the route indeed. For more information about the train times and history of the Glenties branch, see their website.

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The WEST CLARE RAILWAY have reopened a short section of the former WCR narrow gauge line from Moyasta Jnc, which had been closed since 1961. Extensions are in progress to continue all the way back to Kilkee. Moyasta Jnc station also now houses the WCR museum, displaying many pictures and artefacts of the line. The station building, platforms, and newly constructed signal cabin have been restored also.

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Headhunters Barbers Shop & Railway Museum

HEADHUNTERS BARBERS SHOP & RAILWAY MUSEUM is a small railway museum established in 2002 within a barber shop in Enniskillen town, Co.Fermanagh. With the help from railway employees and enthusiasts the museum has to be credited for preserving what's left of the bordering counties lines of the former Great Northern and Sligo Leitrim Railway around Enniskillen, as well as the narrow gauge Clogher Valley line .The fascinating historical exhibition lovingly recreates working environments such as the General Manager’s Office, Station Booking Office and Railway Signal Cabin, and this is complemented by a remarkable collection of railway memorabilia including uniforms, signalling instruments, signs, lamps, tableware, timetables, tickets and photographs from the three railway companies. Whilst Enniskillen Station is long gone, this little museum certainly keeps the spirit of these former lines alive in the town, and is well worth a visit for any rail enthusiast.

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NEW IRISH LINES, For over ten years, this little publication has provided help and advice for anyone interested in modelling Irish railways, broad and narrow gauge, historical or modern, fine-scale or popular. It is now published twice yearly (May and November), usually as a 30-page magazine, depending on what subscribers send in. Contributions, on modelling and prototype information, book and kit reviews are always welcome, and we are happy to include request for information from members in future issues. For subscription details, and specimen back numbers, please contact: Alan O'Rourke at
A.J.ORourke@sheffield.ac.uk
72 Sandford Grove Road
Nether Edge
Sheffield S7 1RR
England

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IRISH RAILWAY CAMPAIGNS

WEST=ON=TRACK is a campaign group which have highlighted the importance of the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) from Limerick to Sligo. Already work, with governmental approval, have started on the Ennis-Athenry section, and will hopefully progress to Tuam and Claremorris, ,and the Collooney section being preserved for future reopening. Some of the stations on the WRC feature on this site, as well as the recent track clearances along the route. The WRC Limerick-Claremorris line section had closed to passengers in 1975, but remained in use for specials and heavy freight traffic until the mid 1990s. For further details and pictures of the route, which includes a facinating photographic record of the stations on the 'Burma Rd' section shortly after closure in the mid 1970s, see the website.

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IRISH RAILWAY PHOTO WEBSITES

The HIDDEN-DUBLIN website operated by Paul Scott now includes a section for Irish railway enthusiasts, giving information on the best photographic spots for railways in Dublin, along with providing the details of train services operating to and from the city. Also on the site is a section for Irish Railway Photos which include some great pictures of Irish railways from the late 1970s onwards, showing trains and locations long since changed, such as the Point Depot and a collection of images of the IR 001 Class locos during the last 30 years, well worth a look!
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THE WANDERERS IRISH RAIL PHOTOS has an excellent cross section of contemporary images of the present Irish Rail system, ranging from freight & passenger, to Luas galleries, as well as all the recent updates to the rail network such as the delivery of the 22000 Class railcars, the opening and upgrading of stations and more, well worth to to visit. You can also view some Irish rail videos made by the Wanderer featuring 071 Class locos and Luas trams.
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DISUSED STATIONS UK, probably one of the most well known websites for its comprehensive record of all sorts of disused stations in Britain, ranging from the earliest of closures to even the most recent. Nearly all stations listed contain both fascinating past & present pictures of the stations along with a useful grid reference, location and present state, there are 100s of stations to view, with a few from interesting ones from Ireland.
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RAIL SCENE IRELAND is another great site that contains many pictures from the railway scene in Ireland today, and even the past. Images range from loco hauled services of the 1980s and 1990s, to the present day, featuring new railcars, DARTs and of course galleries of each Irish Rail locomotives, as well as Luas and rolling stock pictures. See also RAILSCAN IRELAND which is a dedicated photo site to Irish Rail images taken from the 1970s to the 1990s, featuring many long lost freight trains and locomotives, such as the 001 & 201 Class locomotives. There are also other loco galleries, and pictures of railcars during the orange Irish Rail 'Arrow' era.
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IRISH RAILWAYS & TRAINS by Stephen Parker. This is by far one of the best collection of archive photographs of Irish Railways on Fotopic, not only does Stephen's pictures date back to the late 1970s, but many of them show many scenes and trains full of nostalgia that has since been lost from the railways as recently in the last 15 years. Pictures range from a superb set of images DARTs on trial along side CIE C Class metrovick diesels on Dublin suburban duties, but long lost freight trains in the yards at North Wall. Many of the pictures show the dilapidated state of Ireland's railways that is doubt a great interest to enthusiast and general public alike today.
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IRISH RAILWAYS by GARY WILSON. Here is another excellent Fotopic site, one that features an extensive range of Irish rail images mainly from the early to mid 1990s era. There are separate galleries for all Irish rail locomotives, featuring 001s & 141s on Dublin suburban trains and freight trains around the country. There's a good selection of pictures showing suburban stations along the Maynooth line been constructed in the early 1990s, as well as the loco hauled trains that ran on those services. There are other galleries that feature other rolling stock, such as IR & NIR railcars, as well as the not so much photographed permanent way vehicles. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NORTHERN IRELAND TRANSPORT PHOTOS , as the name applies this fotopic site features a great selection of pictures of the Northern Ireland rail system, featuring both stations and trains. Includes many images of Enterprise workings, featuring 201 Class locos, as well as local services consisting of the new CAF railcars, as well as the older classic 80 Class 'thumper' unit. There are also other galleries which show various locations on Irish Rail, including passenger and freight, such as Tara Mines trains on the former GNR mainline. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

CIE LOCOMOTIVES, this is another fotopic site, but deals exclusively with Irish Rail locomotives, this been IR's 201, 071, 141/181 and 121 Class locos, as well as the withdrawn 001 Class Metro-Vicks. Pictures range from recent times, as well as some nice images of the past showing passenger and freight trains in the early 1990s. There's also a section on RPSI and ITG special trains, featuring steam locos also.

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DAVE ROWLAND'S TRANSPORT GALLERY is another nice fotopic site that features a section on Ireland with many scenes from the past on the Irish Rail network. Amongst the collection includes several images of withdrawn Metrovick locos at Inchicore, loco hauled services around Dublin during the late 1980s and 1990s, featuring other classes such as 121s, 141s and 181s. There are also some pictures of the then new 2600 Class railcars awaiting service entry. There are also numerous other galleries featuring archive pictures of other railways around Europe.

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BURITON WHEELBARROW is a fotopic site that features railways around the world, including some pictures from Ireland. The Irish section shows some photos of Irish Railways around the mid 1990s, with some interesting pictures of Irish Rails then new railcars, as well as some views of the withdrawn 001 Class engines. There are other locations that feature other Irish Rail classes around the country.

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HFDNED'S RAILWAY GALLERY is also a fotopic site that features railways around the globe, as well as Ireland. There are two interesting picture sections on this site, one which show Irish Railways during the 1990s, showing many locomotives and locations long since changed. The other gallery features some old fascinating photos of Irish Rail during the 1960s, showing some locations featured on Eiretrains, as well as then the new CIE diesel fleet., well worth a look.

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If you have any more links of Irish Railway websites I will be glad to add them to this list.

ciaran@eiretrains.com

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