[Heritage] Steamy summer on the line for NI

Victor

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7511917.stm

Steamy summer on the line for NI

Steam train enthusiasts, history buffs and families looking for a day out could be making tracks across Northern Ireland this summer.

In County Down, volunteer enthusiasts have laid track on the old Belfast and County Down Railway line which was closed and abandoned nearly 60 years ago.

As a result, steam locomotives from the 1920s and 30s, or diesels from the 60s, will take passengers in 50 to 100-year-old carriages past rebuilt railway buildings and into the County Down countryside from Downpatrick to the terminus at Inch Abbey.

On the journey, they will cross the River Quoile on their way to the remains of a 12th Century monastery.

There, a living-history "monk" will greet passengers and tell them the history of the ruins of the abbey.

Meanwhile, a steam passenger train will run from Portadown to Bangor and back for the first time since 1965.

Two weekends have been arranged of steam trains to Bangor, reliving an historic journey to the seaside.

On Saturday 9 August, a train will operate from Portadown to Bangor and on Sunday 24 August, two return "Bangor Belle" steam trains will recreate steam powered excursions from Lisburn to Bangor and back.

Each train features restored carriages, and passengers can talk to the driver and fireman while on the journey through the north Down countryside.

The weekends have been arranged by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.

RPSI's Mervyn Darragh said: "Portadown was a very important junction and railway hub in the 1950s and 1960s and we are pleased to be able to bring some of that heritage back to the people of the area, bringing their history to life.

"Lisburn was also a busy junction station and maintains a lot of its historic charm - a great starting point for a trip back in time."

Tickets for the weekends can be purchased by phoning 028 38 394415, or 028 90 246609 .

Information on the Downpatrick to Inch Abbey excursion is available on 028 4461 5779.

godtabh

There is also trips between Dublin and Wexford. DOnt have the dates but they are all over the DART stations.

Hoping to do one next month

patrickc

Summer Steam – our engineering depot at Whitehead, Co.Antrim, Northern Ireland will be open to the public on 26th July, 17th August, 31st August and 14th September. You can enjoy a short steam train ride with one of our smaller steam locomotives, you can stand in the cab of one of our mighty express steam locomotives, you can take a guided tour of our engineering workshops, you can have a tea in our restored Dining Car or browse our shop. Open 2pm-5pm, no need to book in advance, just turn up and enjoy!

Portadown-Bangor Steam Train Excursion – It was 1965 when the last scheduled steam train operated from Portadown-Lisburn-Bangor. However, you can join us this year on Saturday 9th August for a mainline steam train trip. Starting in Portadown at 13:35, we pick up at Lisburn at 14:10 for arrival in Bangor at 15:05. You will have plenty of time for a walk around the seafront before your return journey. Adult tickets just £13 return (concession u16/over65 is just £9 return). Tickets are available now from the Millennium Court Arts Centre, William Street, Portadown (telephone 028 3839 4415). Advance booking essential.

Bangor Belle - another chance to enjoy steam trains along the seascapes of Belfast Lough and the steep hills of North Down. On Sunday 22nd August we will be operating two return trains from Lisburn-Belfast Central-Portadown. Again, the train will provide an authentic recreation of steam hauled trains from the 1960’s and you will be able to see, hear and smell the lovingly restored steam locomotive and carriages. Adult tickets just £10 return (concession u16/over65 just £7 return). Tickets are available now from Belfast Welcome Centre, Donegall Place, Belfast (telephone 028 9024 6609) or online by clicking here. Advance booking essential.

Santa Steam Trains from Dublin – ho ho ho – yes, it may be early in the year, but our Dublin based Santa Steam trains are already selling out. You can book your tickets by printing off our online booking form and posting it to us.

We will only send you an email when details are agreed or tickets go on sale for a train advertised on our website.
If you no longer wish to receive emails from us alerting you that tickets are on sale, then send an email to mailing@rpsi-online.org with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

steamengine

There is a programme on BBC1 this morning (2 may) on the DCDR railway entitled 'Raising Steam' for those who might be interested !

dowlingm

Hope the RPSI have negotiated a standstill with the fellas that cause security alerts which regularly force Enterprise customers onto buses.