Downpatrick trains resume – but volunteers needed

AFTER an absence of two years, Ireland’s only broadgauge heritage railway, the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, reopened to the public on July 16, for its summer season.

However, reported issues around the partnership agreement with Newry, Mourne and Down Council have still not been resolved, preventing the reopening of the station building and museum to the public. Access to the railway at Downpatrick will be via the main yard gates until an updated agreement is put in place with the council.

Services are due to run on

Saturdays until September 3 using the former NIR Class 450 No. 458 Antrim Castle (which recently starred in the Channel 4 hit comedy series Derry Girls), on the two miles between Downpatrick and Inch Abbey. It is hoped that steam operations will resume for Halloween and Christmas services, as the railway felt the priority was to restore services with the

Class 450, as it requires fewer volunteers.

Without sufficient volunteers, the railway will be put in a perilous position, resulting in limiting the opening days. If you think you can help please contact the railway.

MIKE BECKETT NIR Class 450 No. 458 Antrim Castle idles at Inch Abbey Platform on July 16, working the first summer passenger service from Downpatrick since 2019. Two years of track improvements during Covid-19 lockdown and months of work on the railcar have made this possible.