A fresh, bright and sunny morning greeted tour managers David Walsh and John Beaumont as they arrived at Connolly to greet our passengers. A diverse mix of passengers joined us, with plenty of new faces joined us along with several Táilte Tours regulars. Those present swiftly boarded the coach (A modern 241 reg Iveco unit driven by Anthony, if any bus gricers are asking.) After a roll call ensured all passengers were accounted for, we were on the road four minutes ahead of time. The journey was swift and direct via the Dublin Port Tunnel, M50 and M3; Jon B entertaining the passengers with a brief outlay of the days activities and a few anecdotes along the way.
A Mammoth Irish Railway Tour
Táilte Tours guide and Irish railway historian Jonathan Beaumont poses with the Waterford, Limerick & Western Railway saloon at Belturbet Heritage Railway Museum.
Belturbet was reached at 10:50; this was a little ahead of schedule with gave us time to partake in a well enjoyed mug of tea/coffee and some biscuits. The local guide on site, Sam O’Keefe, gave a wonderful talk about the history of the station and stories about the staff and families who lived and worked there. Sam’s family have a long history of working at the station; I guess you could say that he is a sixth generation railway man! The tour also took in the ex-Waterford, Limerick & Western Railway Saloon and a wooly mammoth; two rare sights if ever there was.
Full Steam Ahead to Dromod
Our tour group pose beside steam locomotive "Nancy" on the Cavan & Leitrim Railway.
Leaving Belturbet, we made our way along Cavan's many lakes and drumlins towards Dromod, home of the Cavan and Leitrim Railway. Here, Michael Kennedy offered a warm welcome. "Nancy" was in steam for the final day of the season, Darragh (Castlegregory Shed) and Nigel (Cheltenham Shed) being in charge of fire and regulator respectfully, with Emily (Dromahair Shed) being the designated guard for the day. Several trips were made alone the line, some being self powered, while the more sensible others took the chance of having a meal in the Copper Still, a local hostelry. It should be noted that were we not the only passengers on was the final operating weekend of the season at Dromod; over 100 passengers made a visit on Saturday alone!
Draught and Diesel, the Perfect Railway Tour
Preserved A class diesel No.A55 proudly carries the Táilte Tours headboard inside Hell's Kitchen pub in Castlerea.
After an eventful and busy two hours, we boarded the coach once again and, crossing the River Shannon at Rooskey, we made our way to Hell's Kitchen pub in Castlerea., the only pub in Ireland with a full-sized locomotive inside. Proprietor and renowned Irish railway preservationist Séan Browne was on hand to welcome us and although he didn’t have the town band laid on, he had a wealth of photos and displays out to impress his visitors. Having the man himself on hand was almost as impressive as locomotive A55 herself, and truth be known, Séan outshone the loco and became the real star of the show! Most of the tour took the chance to dine and drink here, the venue having recently gaining an active restaurant as well as a pub.
Alas time slipped away far too quickly and it was time for us to make our way home, making back to the city 15 minutes ahead of schedule.
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