In August 2009, the 117-year-old Slieve Callan was returned to service on the West Clare Railway after an absence of more than half a century. The locomotive is now running on 2.5km of restored narrow-gauge track at Moyasta Junction. Locals hope to restore more of the line between Kilkee and Kilrush and have appealed for the co-operation of landowners.
Watch the West Clare Railway engine No 5 Slieve Callan being driven through Kilrush (Frances Street) on its arrival back in Kilrush for the first time since it was withdrawn from service in October 1959. The engine has just recently undergone a complete refurbishment in England and is now, as far as I am aware the only working narrow gauge steam driven engine in the world with a 0-6-2T wheel configuration. Built in 1892, it will now be in active use on the restored line at Moyasta Junction, 3 miles from Kilrush.
We are open weekends only from St Patrick’s Day (Wednesday 17th March) until the May Bank Holiday Weekend (Monday 3rd May).
We are open every day from May Bank Holiday weekend (Monday 3rd May) until Thursday 30th September.
The Steam engine will run Thursday to Monday only, and the diesel engine will run Tuesday and Wednesday only.
Primary, Secondary or Third Level students can all benefit from a visit to West Clare Railway.
There is ample parking for buses and coaches, so just give us a call or email to discuss your particular requirements.
Santa arrives by helicopter on December 10th. Dozens of children are waiting to greet him.
We plan to extend the railway line to 2 miles and build a railway museum.
This week 5 vintage railway engine’s were delivered for the new west clare railway museum.