All aboard! Historic steam train to travel through Laois
The event is part of the Irish Railway Record Society’s anniversary celebrations
A steam train will travel through County Laois next month as part of the Irish Railway Record Society’s 80th anniversary celebrations.
Founded in 1946, the Irish Railway Record Society has over 1,000 members across the world and promotes and preserves Ireland’s railway heritage.
Explaining the role of the Society, its Honorary Programme Officer Neil Dinnen said: “The Society is essentially a historical body. We take note of the past story of our railways, but we also observe and record the present-day operation of the Irish system, since railways, like all other forms of human enterprise, are in perpetual change and development.
“In this way rail transport, so important a section of current life, is securing its place in the recorded history of our time. The society produces three journals a year which contain historical articles as well as recording the modern-day developments of the Irish railway system, both in the Republic and Northern Ireland.”
To celebrate the group’s 80th anniversary, they will be operating a charter steam train this October in conjunction with the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.
The charter steam train will head from Dublin Connolly to Portarlington and then Thurles on Saturday, October 24.
The Steam Locomotive No. 171, Slieve Gullion, will haul the RPSI’s Heritage Cravens carriages and their legendary bar car and dining car which offer hot and cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, sandwiches, snacks, and light refreshments.
At Thurles, passengers will have around 3.5 hours to enjoy the town and visit its shops, restaurants, and bars.
This charter train is open for bookings by members of the public and they don’t need to be members of the IRRS.
Full details and ticket booking can be made on the Irish Railway Record Society website.