At Táilte Tours, we’re all about celebrating the expansive history of Irish railways and the role which they played in society. With that in mind, we’re thrilled to have The Casino Model Railway Museum on board as a sponsor for our first fundraising diesel railtour from Dublin. Based in Malahide, in north Dublin, not only is The Casino Model Railway Museum one of Dublin’s key tourist attractions but it also plays an important role in telling the story of Irish railway heritage itself.
What is the Casino Model Railway Museum?
Ireland’s only model railway museum is a labour of love, enabling visitors to step back in time
and explore one of the world’s most unique model railway collections. It is housed in a
beautifully restored Casino cottage and located in the idyllic seaside village of Malahide and
within easy walking distance of Malahide Castle and public transport. In fact it’s Dublin only
railway museum and a unique visitor attraction in its own right.
The Cyril Fry Collection offers a close-up look at the exquisite workmanship of his hand-crafted models. All hand-painted and considered the most elaborate in Ireland. Visitors can delve into the interactive display, marvel at the models, and gasp at the wonder of The Irish International Railway & Tramway System.
Who was Cyril Fry?
Cyril Fry grew up in Dundrum in south County Dublin, and was mesmerised by the trains that
passed by on the Dublin & South Eastern Railway’s mainline to Harcourt Street. This was to be a passion that would continue throughout his life. At the age of seventeen, he started an apprenticeship with the Broadstone Works of the Midland & Great Western Railway, later becoming an engineer at the Great Southern Railways’ Inchicore Works, the largest railway works in Ireland. Railways were as much part of his personal life as his professional one; not only did he record the Irish railway scene for posterity through a vast collection of photographs, but he also constructed over 350 models in his home in Churchtown. These ran on a vast attic layout known as the Irish International Railway and Tramway System. Trains and trams of different gauges, motive power, and even countries all worked in harmony on this fascinating miniature system. Upon his death, the collection was purchased by Dublin Tourism. These operated at Malahide Castle from 1988 to 2011 and during the time was one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Dublin.
New beginnings at the Casino Model Railway Museum
Opened in 2020, the Casino Model Railway Museum is now home to Cryil Fry’s vast and varied model collection. The range of locomotives and rolling stock is vast and varied, and includes represents of vehicle types long consigned to history; a unique opportunity to see what early brail travel looked like in Ireland. The museum also includes a working model 00 gauge layout inspired by the creations of Fry and includes many iconic locations from across the Irish railway network.
One of the must-see things to do in Dublin, Casino Model Railway Museum is in the heart of
Malahide village and easily accessible by bus, train, and DART from the city – just 13 km away! If you’re a railway enthusiast visiting Dublin, this attraction should be top of your list.
For more information visit www.modelrailwaymuseum.ie
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