A full newsletter will follow in a few days (the Secretary is currently away) but this has just been announced…
EAST COASTER DIESEL RAIL CRUISE – BELFAST TO WEXFORD AND ROSSLARE STRAND
SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2017
The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and The Modern Railway Society of Ireland are delighted to announce a unique diesel hauled railtour on Saturday 9 September 2017 from Whitehead RPSI at 07.30, Belfast Central 08.22 to Wexford and Rosslare Strand in the far south east of Ireland. The RPSI’s Mk 2 carriage set will be used throughout. Motive power will be provided by an NIR 111 class (former Enterprise) locomotive to and from Dublin, and beyond by an Irish Rail 071 class diesel locomotive.
The day will feature over 460 miles maximum travel with a very rare opportunity to travel by a diesel locomotive hauled train from Belfast to Wexford and Rosslare Strand over the former Dublin and South Eastern Railway (DSER) main line; Ireland’s most scenic line.
The day return fare is £59.00 boarding either at Whitehead RPSI (not the NIR station), Carrickfergus, Belfast Central, Lisburn and Portadown. The fare from Drogheda and Dublin Connolly is £54.00. Tickets may be purchased from the Belfast Welcome Centre, 6 Donegall Square North, Belfast, either in person, on-line, or by telephone 028 9024 6609.
For those not familiar with the railway beyond Dublin it skirts Dublin Bay to Dun Laoghaire and beyond Dalkey Tunnel there are sweeping sea views. At the majestic Bray Head there are four significant tunnels interspersed where the railway clings to the cliff face. Between Greystones and Wicklow the railway runs immediate to the beach and sea. Beyond Wicklow the railway climbs inland to Rathdrum and onward through scenic woodland to the small coastal town of Arklow. Travelling through rich countryside the next stations are Gorey and Enniscorthy, still in their DSER glory. Here we cross the River Slaney and skirt the ever widening river until it reaches Wexford, where it meets the sea. Wexford is the main town of Co. Wexford and has a population of around 20,000. While the train continues 6 miles south to Rosslare Strand (a small seaside village) our destination, passengers have the alternative option to de-train at Wexford, permitting around 2.5 hours to explore the town, its harbour and the option for sustenance. Beyond the station the train passes along an unfenced tramway at the quay, unique in Ireland, at 5mph; the road and retail outlets on one side, with the quayside on the other.
This should be an exciting day out, aimed both at those interested in diesel locomotive haulage and the customer seeking an alternative day out, featuring unique Irish scenery observed from a beautiful railway line.
Wexford arrival is schedule for 14.10 with departure at 16.45; Rosslare Strand is 14.30 to 15.40. Belfast Central return is 22.15.
The outward departure times are Whitehead RPSI 07.30, Carrickfergus 07.43, Belfast Central 08.22, Lisburn 08.36 and Portadown 09.01. Departure from Drogheda is 10.05 and Dublin Connolly (platform 5) 11.40. Return set down stops are as per the outward pick up stops.
30 June 2017
