Great British Railway Journeys - BBC2

steamengine

Great British Railway Journeys, Series 3 Episode 21, based on Bradshaw's railway guide, features Bray to Dublin next Monday, 18.30 on BBC2. The next 4 episodes are all based in Ireland.
Should be interesting. Details here

Judgement Day

Can't see how this is going to be done in a positive light. I was up in town last week and (apart from the druggies - see elsewhere) the course of the line is in a disgusting state. Everything that doesn't move is destroyed by graffiti; the most historic feature on the line (Cloncurry's Towers) has been partially dismantled and the adjoining bathing pavilion, railings etc are wrecked; lineside rubbish is everywhere - much of it IE's own track materials etc.etc. The only station that I noted between Connolly and Greystones that was in a reasonable state was the latter. Private houses, the bandstand in Blackrock Park, the Aviva Stadiium (again), lineside retaining walls - even on Killiney Head - have now been defaced. There must be thousands of Euros outstanding for trespass from these pond life who are ruining their country for Irish and visitors alike. It used to be that the only graffiti on the line would be the occasional 'Free Nicky Kelly' or similar in the same spot on the coast wall near Booterstown - God be with the days. I have given up writing to Dick Fearn about it but I haven't given up on my campaign to get something done - more another day.

steamengine

At the end of tonight's program featuring the IOM, which incidentally didn't include the steam trains, they showed a clip of a DART south of Bray which due to the nature of the terrain should be almost graffiti free. I doubt they will do an extended DART run, as the program series goes into a lot of peripheral issues related to railways, but doesn't actually spend a lot of time on the rails per se. They showed a brief shot of a training simulator too, presumably IR's. In general I would expect any of the episodes next week to be a mixed bag but it's an interesting series nevertheless.

wellboytoo

Judgement Day wrote: »

Can't see how this is going to be done in a positive light. I was up in town last week and (apart from the druggies - see elsewhere) the course of the line is in a disgusting state. Everything that doesn't move is destroyed by graffiti; the most historic feature on the line (Cloncurry's Towers) has been partially dismantled and the adjoining bathing pavilion, railings etc are wrecked; lineside rubbish is everywhere - much of it IE's own track materials etc.etc. The only station that I noted between Connolly and Greystones that was in a reasonable state was the latter. Private houses, the bandstand in Blackrock Park, the Aviva Stadiium (again), lineside retaining walls - even on Killiney Head - have now been defaced. There must be thousands of Euros outstanding for trespass from these pond life who are ruining their country for Irish and visitors alike. It used to be that the only graffiti on the line would be the occasional 'Free Nicky Kelly' or similar in the same spot on the coast wall near Booterstown - God be with the days. I have given up writing to Dick Fearn about it but I haven't given up on my campaign to get something done - more another day.

Your name heralds your outlook on life I think not the programme,I watch it quit a bit and it is a light touch of an area with sound bites of local culture and sites of interest in, but Portillo does wear lovely shirts!

AlekSmart

wellboytoo wrote: »

Your name heralds your outlook on life I think not the programme,I watch it quit a bit and it is a light touch of an area with sound bites of local culture and sites of interest in, but Portillo does wear lovely shirts!

Indeed wellboytoo,the first thing I wondered was who's Mr P's tailor !

However,full marks to the man,for making an entertaining and informative series which actually might just introduce a few new faces to take an interest in Railway Travel.

It's also kind of sad,that with the passing of Garret Fitzgerald,the Houses of the Oireachtas are notably lacking in any Public Representative capable of exhibiting the same level of interest that Portillo does,never mind making such a series

steamengine

AlekSmart wrote: »

Indeed wellboytoo,the first thing I wondered was who's Mr P's tailor !

However,full marks to the man,for making an entertaining and informative series which actually might just introduce a few new faces to take an interest in Railway Travel.

It's also kind of sad,that with the passing of Garret Fitzgerald,the Houses of the Oireachtas are notably lacking in any Public Representative capable of exhibiting the same level of interest that Portillo does,never mind making such a series

+1 .......full marks indeed.

The following subject matter Link is off topic, but contains a self admission of railway enthusiam by the present Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Whether such enthusiasm will ever be translated into a re-opened line in Youghal or anywhere else in this country here is the thousand dollar question.

Portillo is more than a tailor's dummy/railway guide, he did his bit in securing the future of the then threatened Settle-Carlisle line whilst he was Minister for Transport in Maggie Thatcher's government.

Looking forward to the Irish episodes tomorrow !!!

Judgement Day

wellboytoo wrote: »

Your name heralds your outlook on life I think not the programme,I watch it quit a bit and it is a light touch of an area with sound bites of local culture and sites of interest in, but Portillo does wear lovely shirts!

Is that you Bertie? http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0704/economy.html

Itssoeasy

Is the Dublin bray the first episode ?

steamengine

Well it's the 21st episode or the first of the Irish based episodes !

Fair dues to Portillo, two spins on the DART and one on the LUAS red line ! In the cab through the tunnel sections at Bray Head was the best bit for me - must get the box set when it comes out !

Cookie_Monster

I watched the first two series when still at home, found it lacking in rail tbh, a lot more focused on what's around it, very little covered on the route and it's history.

That said still a great series.

corktina

its not about Rail..It's about BRADSHAWS and the journeys he describes. Thats the charm of the programme, it appeals to non-trainspotter rail lovers. Can only be good for Rail generally.

Andrew Flexing

Not trying to be a smart alec but "Great British Railway Journeys; Bray to Dublin"? I don't get it.

murphaph

Andrew Flexing wrote: »

Not trying to be a smart alec but "Great British Railway Journeys; Bray to Dublin"? I don't get it.

The RoI has managed to build a handful of miles of new rail since 1922, and none of it as impressive as the costal route to Bray, which was all built by....the Brits!

newmug

Andrew Flexing wrote: »

Not trying to be a smart alec but "Great British Railway Journeys; Bray to Dublin"? I don't get it.

I was thinking the same. I just didn't want to ruin the thread by starting anti-brit stuff.

Andrew Flexing

murphaph wrote: »

The RoI has managed to build a handful of miles of new rail since 1922, and none of it as impressive as the costal route to Bray, which was all built by....the Brits!

"Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country". Seem to be forgetting that we are not part of their country (again)!

They'll proabably do a show about the 'British Lions' next...

Jehuty42

murphaph wrote: »

The RoI has managed to build a handful of miles of new rail since 1922, and none of it as impressive as the costal route to Bray, which was all built by....the Brits!

Have we actually built any new rail lines or alignments since 1922?

steamengine

Clearly Dublin-Bray is not a British Railway journey, however in Bradshaw's time c. 1840, it could have been construed that way, due to Ireland being part of the British Empire.

The title of the series 'Great British Railway Journeys' which is a BBC title is really generic, without any intention to patronise as far as I can see. In fact MP ran over the points raised at the beginning of last night's episode and showed the inside title page of Bradshaw's guide showing the journeys related to 'Great Britain and Ireland' .

The Irish content, so far, of this series is excellent IMO and leaves me to wonder why we have left it to the 'Brits' to produce a program of this calibre about our railways. :)

Judgement Day

Jehuty42 wrote: »

Have we actually built any new rail lines or alignments since 1922?

Off the top of my head.

Ballinacourty branch - from the point where it diverged from the Dungarvan/Waterford line.

Silvermines branch.

Kilmastulla.

Mungret Cement Siding.

corktina

and the LUAS

L1011

The show name does actually appear to be "Great British Railway Journeys Goes To Ireland" for those objecting to it.

etchyed

MYOB wrote: »

The show name does actually appear to be "Great British Railway Journeys Goes To Ireland" for those objecting to it.

Yes, and Portillo is being very careful with his language. There isn't any air of imperialism or claiming Ireland as British to it whatsoever. Anyone who bothered to watch before jumping to conclusions would see this.

Losty Dublin

Judgement Day wrote: »

Off the top of my head.

Ballinacourty branch - from the point where it diverged from the Dungarvan/Waterford line.

Silvermines branch.

Kilmastulla.

Mungret Cement Siding.

Add to the list Kyle's crossing and Lavistown Loop for one. There is also the substantial realignment of the DSER lines from Killiney to Bray, those on Bray head and the long tunnel to Greystones and those other inward deviations made around Kilcoole and Newcastle. We should also remember the extension lines in and around the North Wall, albeit built by the dock board and up north the Viaduct at Greenisland and the Dargan bridge in Belfast. Oh and Inch Abbey in Downpatrick.

I'm actually shocked at you for forgetting them, Parky :D

Tarabuses

murphaph wrote: »

The RoI has managed to build a handful of miles of new rail since 1922, and none of it as impressive as the costal route to Bray, which was all built by....the Brits!

I thought that route was built by William Dargen. They hardly brought the navies over from Britain did they?

Judgement Day

Losty Dublin wrote: »

Add to the list Kyle's crossing and Lavistown Loop for one. There is also the substantial realignment of the DSER lines from Killiney to Bray, those on Bray head and the long tunnel to Greystones and those other inward deviations made around Kilcoole and Newcastle. We should also remember the extension lines in and around the North Wall, albeit built by the dock board and up north the Viaduct at Greenisland and the Dargan bridge in Belfast. Oh and Inch Abbey in Downpatrick.

I'm actually shocked at you for forgetting them, Parky :D

I think Jehuty42 meant only new lines in 'The Free State'!

corktina

Tarabuses wrote: »

I thought that route was built by William Dargen. They hardly brought the navies over from Britain did they?

by British money I guess is meant....on the other hand, Irish capital paid for the Festiniog Railway I think.

That series is exactly the sort of thing RTE should be producing and flogging overseas. The one thing this Country has going for it is its BEAUTY. Hopefully a few people will be inspired to travel here as a result of it.

Itssoeasy

Dundalk looking well. And the mkIIIs in dundalk are they still there ?

Losty Dublin

Judgement Day wrote: »

I think Jehuty42 meant only new lines in 'The Free State'!

It's all the US of Europe, isn't it?

Judgement Day

Losty Dublin wrote: »

It's all the US of Europe, isn't it?

Not my corner of a foreign field....:D

Losty Dublin

Judgement Day wrote: »

Not my corner of a foreign field....:D

You can be our answer to Andorra or Sealand then

kingshankly

Itssoeasy wrote: »

Dundalk looking well. And the mkIIIs in dundalk are they still there ?

Yes still there and portillo was an absolute gent when I met him might sound a bit pompous but was very approachable

AlekSmart

Tarabuses wrote: »

I thought that route was built by William Dargen. They hardly brought the navies over from Britain did they?

William Dargan..."The man with his hand in his pocket".....what a wonderfully apt nickname...even more so in today's Ireland

Tarabuses

kingshankly wrote: »

Yes still there and portillo was an absolute gent when I met him might sound a bit pompous but was very approachable

Throughout the whole series he has come across as approachable. He has no problem in conversing with all he meets. He also seemed impressed by much of what he saw.

On several occasions, though, he has refered to when there was one Ireland and it was ruled by Victoria. He seemed sad that this has changed.

corktina

She died in 1901 ... kinda had to change didn't it?

lord lucan

Tarabuses wrote: »

On several occasions, though, he has refered to when there was one Ireland and it was ruled by Victoria. He seemed sad that this has changed.

I get the impression he has a real affinity with the Victorian era and almost wishes he was born a 100 years earlier.

corktina

as do I sometimes...or just a decade or two.I can't rememebr steam :mad:

LifeBeginsAt40

etchyed wrote: »

Yes, and Portillo is being very careful with his language. There isn't any air of imperialism or claiming Ireland as British to it whatsoever. Anyone who bothered to watch before jumping to conclusions would see this.

Well said! I thought it was very well presented by Mr P. I have watched all the UK series too, never missed one yet!

Those shirts though...well....

lord lucan

And for those who may be interested,Easons have the Bradshaws guide in stock.

steamengine

lord lucan wrote: »

And for those who may be interested,Easons have the Bradshaws guide in stock.

Picked up a copy in Easons this morning. €13.60 - ok price for a hard back facsimile copy of the actual book. Very well illustrated with prints and the brown cover looks suitably antiquated.

For anyone into history, it's a fascinating read. The section on Irish railways, tourist destinations etc. extends to about 30 pages, but as the print is small, there is a lot of reading in it. ISBN No 978-1-90840-202-8

steamengine

From the latest RPSI bulletin - should be well worth watching - Starts this evening !

Michael Portillo revisits the Ireland next week for his series “Great British
Railway Journeys” on BBC2 NI and BBC HD. All programmes go out at 6:30pm:

Monday 4th February - Killarney to Cobh

Tuesday 5th February - Charleville to Waterford

Wednesday 6th February - Kilkenny to Athy

Thursday 7th February - Newbridge to Roscrea

Friday 8th February - Athlone to Galway

foggy_lad

steamengine wrote: »

From the latest RPSI bulletin - should be well worth watching - Starts this evening !

Michael Portillo revisits the Ireland next week for his series “Great British
Railway Journeys” on BBC2 NI and BBC HD. All programmes go out at 6:30pm:

Monday 4th February - Killarney to Cobh

Tuesday 5th February - Charleville to Waterford

Wednesday 6th February - Kilkenny to Athy

Thursday 7th February - Newbridge to Roscrea

Friday 8th February - Athlone to Galway

None of the above journeys are that great or even British Railway journeys!

Judgement Day

foggy_lad wrote: »

None of the above journeys are that great or even British Railway journeys!

Yes, the mind does indeed boggle. Dublin/Rosslare, Derry/Coleraine and Cork/Cobh could be described as scenic but there's nothing great about any rail journey in Ireland these days.

mike65

It is about history of the railways (which was under British rule after all) nothing to do with being scenic.

AlekSmart

Judgement Day wrote: »

Yes, the mind does indeed boggle. Dublin/Rosslare, Derry/Coleraine and Cork/Cobh could be described as scenic but there's nothing great about any rail journey in Ireland these days.

Grumble Grumble,Bah,Humbug etc etc.....:(

The loose association with Bradshaws Railway Guide (Back in Stock in Easons NOW!!) means that Mr Portillo can use some poetic licence in his narration.

I think its a damn good piece of positive exposure for Ireland to a defined group of potential holidaymakers (The Gricers ?).

Plus,Mr Portillo's eclecticly vivid dress sense,gives great hope to bachelors everywhere that they too can take their place in modern society

Down with this sort of thing I say,but first lets have some more of it !!!!

parsi

Saw tonight's programme and the filmography was excellent.

Didn't shy away from why Kent Station was called Kent either.

The programmes seem less than being about great journeys but more about a collection of localities and their story. It's a tourist guide hanging off a railway hanger.

Good to see that so far his trips haven't been impeded by golden-ticket-holding drunks et al loudly "conversing" with each other. Surprised that we didn't see a few adverts regulars on one of their selling trips though.

Losty Dublin

steamengine wrote: »

Picked up a copy in Easons this morning. €13.60 - ok price for a hard back facsimile copy of the actual book. Very well illustrated with prints and the brown cover looks suitably antiquated.

For anyone into history, it's a fascinating read. The section on Irish railways, tourist destinations etc. extends to about 30 pages, but as the print is small, there is a lot of reading in it. ISBN No 978-1-90840-202-8

This year is the 150th anniversary of the death of George Bradshaw series. To mark this, there is a limited edition leather bound fascimilie edition released. If you see it then grab, my Eason's points bought me my copy :cool:

AlekSmart

parsi wrote: »

Saw tonight's programme and the filmography was excellent.

Didn't shy away from why Kent Station was called Kent either.

The programmes seem less than being about great journeys but more about a collection of localities and their story. It's a tourist guide hanging off a railway hanger.

Good to see that so far his trips haven't been impeded by golden-ticket-holding drunks et al loudly "conversing" with each other. Surprised that we didn't see a few adverts regulars on one of their selling trips though.

Bloody good exposure for Ireland IMO,with even stuff not too well known to ourselves and for sure not covered in a similar manner on "National" TV...

However the "Adverts Regulars" bit has me coming over all curious like.......who are they,and what are they peddling...

The Idyl Race

foggy_lad wrote: »

None of the above journeys are that great or even British Railway journeys!

I think if you actually look at the titles of the programmes they are listed as "Great British Railway Journeys goes to Ireland".

As for your arbitration of what is great or not, kindly leave the rest of us to our own opinions, O Great and Protected One.

purplepanda

Portillo really is hilarious at times & probably doesn't mean it until afterwards, amazing how it gets on so well with some of the buffoons he meets on his travels

parsi

purplepanda wrote: »

Portillo really is hilarious at times & probably doesn't mean it until afterwards, amazing how it gets on so well with some of the buffoons he meets on his travels

For a man who was such a pompous politician he really does get on well with the folk he meets and is happy to try his hand at the local speciality.

Though I did think that they gave way too much time to that guy from Charleville and his butter.

parsi

AlekSmart wrote: »

However the "Adverts Regulars" bit has me coming over all curious like.......who are they,and what are they peddling...

There are a number of active sellers on adverts (usually of electronics) who seem willing and able to meet up with people no matter where they live (if that location is served by public transport) so I've a theory that they have free travel.

Of course I could be wrong.

To add a dash of topicality - The Junction looked well on tonight's programme. Must have caught it on the one good day.

purplepanda

parsi wrote: »

Though I did think that they gave way too much time to that guy from Charleville and his butter.

Certainly plenty of butter being consumed by the locals anyway :pac: