Iarnród Éireann Heritage and Enthusiasts

Iarnród Éireann has inherited a rich legacy of architectural, industrial and social history stretching back for more than 150 years.

Our heritage office works to conserve structures and artefacts on our rail network. They reflect the styles of the companies that built them and the times in which they were built. They are a part of the history of both the companies and of the country.

Iarnród Éireann’s heritage policy aims to;

  • preserve what is best from our past,
  • engage with community groups and enthusiasts, and,
  • work with the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland so that vintage steam trains can run on certain routes. This helps us to serve the railway tourist market.

You can contact us via ienews@irishrail.ie if you have any queries.

Railway Reading List 

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI)

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) was formed in 1964. Its aim is to preserve and to maintain historic steam and diesel locomotives, as well as vintage carriages. It is the only steam train operator in ROI that runs trains on mainline tracks (not just on heritage tracks).

Irish Railway Record Society

The IRRS Journal has a wealth of news and articles that cover all aspects of Railways in Ireland.

Inchicore Works 175th Anniversary 

2022 marked 175 years of Inchicore Railway Works. That's 175 years at the heart of its community and Ireland’s railways.

In the short film below, we’re delighted to bring you behind the scenes. Meet the people who work there, and learn about its past, present and its central role in our plans for the future.

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Heritage Maps

We have worked with the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), the Heritage Council and heritagemaps.ie to get historic map data on our rail network. It dates back to the creation of the rail network here in Ireland. The maps show how it has grown over the years.

You can head to our Heritage Maps page.

The Casino Model Railway Museum

The Casino Model Railway Museum is an Interpretative Centre for kids. You can see what its like to drive a life sized Iarnród Éireann train carriage.

It is housed in the beautifully restored Casino ‘Cottage Orné’ in the heart of Malahide Village. We worked with the Fingal County Council and Alstom to bring this project to life.

This image shows two children engaging with a "Train Driver" interactive exhibit.

Layered sights and sounds and digital screens on the windows of the carriage help to make your experience. Interactive parts have been added so that you can get hands-on and engage with the the journey as it unfolds in front of you.

The museum aims to bring out the curiosity in kids as they take part in an immersive rail journey. It aims to appeal to a younger audience while still engaging with all demographics. You can choose the start and end point of your rail journey. It is a self guided, continuous loop. You can hop on or hop off as you wish. It is aimed at kids between five and seven years of age. It has been designed with the neurodiverse in mind.

The image shows a young boy dressed in an Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail uniform, including a jacket with the company's logo and an official conductor's or station master's hat.

The Museum offers a close look at the exquisite craftsmanship of Cyril Fry. His hand painted models are considered to be the most elaborate in Ireland. There is also an interactive display, where you can see the modern models work and learn about the Irish Railway and Tramway System. Through touch screens you can get more context on different trains and on Irish Rail history. The Cyril Fry corner has won awards and shows his workshop as well as his attention to detail.

The Casino Model Railway Museum is an integral heritage attraction to Fingal, with visitors from home and abroad. It is next to Malahide Train Station so there is easy access for all.

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