Connemara Railway Project

Maam Cross Railway Station Restoration Project 🛤

A new Connemara visitor attraction in development
Once upon a time, a railway connected Galway city with the coastal town of Clifden, about 80km away. Not since the mid-1930’s has the sound of steam trains been heard west of Lough Corrib in the beautiful wilderness of Connemara.

However change is underway at Maam Cross in the heart of Connemara. At this scenic crossroads, about halfway between Clifden and Galway, a team of volunteers are working hard to restore the old railway station and lay tracks with the aim of carrying passengers through the landscape of Connemara once again.

The project will involve laying an 8km stretch of the old Clifden railway line and restoring the old train station to what will certainly become one of the most unique visitor experiences in Co. Galway.

Progress to date

Major progress has been achieved on the project since work at the site commenced in early 2020.

• Level crossing gates have been installed
• Kilometres of track have been laid and tested
• The signal cabin has been fully rebuilt
• Station platforms have been restored with nameboard and platform seats installed
• Sections of train have arrived (sleeping car, carriage 1916, dining car 242)

image ©️ MGWR (2017) DAC/Connemara Railway Project

The Old Clifden Railway line 🚂

The Galway-Clifden railway, established in the early twentieth century, was developed to connect the coastal town of Clifden on Ireland’s western edge with the bustling city of Galway. Construction of the railway commenced in 1891 and reached completion in 1935. Over these years, numerous Shebeens sprouted along the railway line, catering to the needs of the labourers who sought refreshment after a day of hard work.

Spanning approximately 48 miles, the route traversed some of Connemara’s most scenic and remote locations, including the Maam Valley and the Twelve Bens mountain range.

The track which winded its way through the rugged and picturesque landscapes of Connemara used the Irish Standard Gauge (space between the rail tracks) of 5’3″ or 1600mm. Irish Standard Gauge incidentally was, and still is different from Britain, Europe, and most of the rest of the world! The only other places with the Irish gauge still – are parts of Australia (the States of Victoria and South Australia and Brazil) all built by Irish engineers…!

The Route
The railway served both the affluent and the famous, ferrying them to Connemara to indulge in activities such as fishing, hunting, and soaking in the breathtaking landscapes. Not only did it transport passengers, but it also played a crucial role in carrying essential freight. The Bohermore tunnel, situated beneath us, became a popular playground for local ‘Railway Children,’ who would perch on top, eagerly awaiting the passing trains and relishing the thrill of smoke billowing out as the trains zoomed beneath them. For many, a journey on this route marked the first leg of a more extensive emigration journey, with some never returning to their hometowns.

Closure
Despite its enchanting route, the railway struggled to attract sufficient passengers and freight, grappling with the challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. Financial difficulties loomed, leading to the railway’s closure in 1935, merely a few years after its completion.

Today’s Railway Line
Segments of the erstwhile railway have been repurposed into walking and cycling trails, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the splendid surroundings of Connemara. The railway station buildings in Clifden and other towns along the route have been preserved as historic landmarks, providing a glimpse into the region’s industrial history for curious visitors.

images ©️ MGWR (2017) DAC/Connemara Railway Project

Future of the Clifden Railway Experience 🚞

The echoing sound of a steam train travelling through landscape of Connemara may soon become a reality once again. The Connemara Railway restoration project aspires to revive the charm of the west of Ireland’s country railway, encompassing both track and heritage trains. This endeavor aims to offer a tangible, working railway experience that delves into the themes of emigration, conflict, rural life, and the cinematic backdrop of ‘The Quiet Man,’ which was filmed amidst the untamed beauty of Connemara.

The vision for this restoration project extends to laying up to 8km of railway track. Simultaneously, the plan includes the refurbishment of platforms, the reconstruction of the signal cabin and down-platform waiting shelter, the restoration of the Goods Store, and the installation of a new water tank.

Upon the completion of this ambitious undertaking, the recreated Connemara railway station is poised to resonate once again with the sights, sounds, and aromas of a functioning Irish country railway. Heritage trains will ply the tracks, providing families, tourists, enthusiasts, and all visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in an aspect of Irish rural social history that has all but faded in the present era.
image ©️ MGWR (2017) DAC/Connemara Railway Project

This restoration project envisions the Connemara railway station as an all-weather family attraction, appealing to a wide audience. It promises to transport visitors back in time, allowing them to relive a bygone era and experience the unique allure of Ireland’s rural railway heritage.

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More information: www.connemararailway.ie