New company to run Dublin tour to Cavan & Leitrim line

TÁILTE Tours is to run a two-day railtour which will include the Cavan & Leitrim Railway.

A new voluntary-led committee that seeks to raise funds and awareness for Ireland’s smaller railway heritage groups, its first event is a two-day railtour weekend over August 20/21.

Loco-hauled rarity

On Saturday, August 20, the ‘Premier Rose’will provide a rare opportunity to travel on a locomotive-hauled train on the scenic Kerry branch line to Killarney and Tralee. It will comprise Iarnród Éireann Mk.IV coaching stock that normally only operates on Dublin to Cork services.

The tour departs Dublin Connolly at 10am and will offer passengers the option of almost five hours in Killarney or three hours in Tralee, in the opening weekend of its famous Rose of Tralee festival.

Motive power will be provided by a General Motors Class 201 diesel. Since the takeover of most long-distance Iarnród Éireann services by Intercity Railcars in the late 2000s, these locomotives have generally only seen passenger use on Dublin to Belfast and a portion of Dublin to Cork services, while their use on railtours is also uncommon. The tour will provide a rare chance to travel behind a 201 on a branch line.

Opportunities

On August 21, the‘Wild Rose’ will include a trip to the Cavan & Leitrim Railway at Dromod, where there will be the opportunity to ride behind restored Avonside 0-6-0T No. 3024 of 1908 Nancy in its first season of operation. Former Bord na Móna 1954-built Ruston & Hornsby 4wDH No. LM114 Joe St. Ledger will also be available for haulage opportunities.

For more details, visit www. tailtetours.com