The Achill Railway
Old Railway Station in Achill
The railway line to Achill was officially opened on the 13th of May 1895. It carried passengers and freight until it ceased running in 1937. It is situated close to the bridge on the east (mainland) side of Achill.
Railway Benefits
The railway allowed easy access to tourists visiting the island. Tourists soon came in large numbers especially in summer. Also migrants left Achill for British farms. This was especially true in late summer when labourers would be in great demand for the harvesting season. These trains carrying the labourers were known as "harvesters' specials". The railway granted Achill economic growth and allowed supplies to be transported more efficiently. In addition, it encouraged economic stability by facilitating migration as the population was increasing rapidly in such a limited area.
Irish Industrial Minerals Company
The Irish Industrial Minerals Company of Westport operated a two-foot gauge railway in Achill at two different locations. The main line transported whitestone from a quarry in Slievemore to Purteen harbour. The second line was from a quarry in Dereens. This line ran six wagons and ended at the pier at Darby's Point, Cloughmore. In 1920 the Keel and Kildavnet industrial lines were closed.
The Prophecy
In the early 1600's a man called Brian Rua O'Cearbhain predicted that "carriages on iron wheels, emitting smoke and fire would carry coffins to Achill both at the beginning and end of a new era of transport". His predictions became a reality. One of the first trains to arrive into Achill in 1895 carried victims of the "Clew Bay Drowning Tragedy". A hooker transporting emigrating islanders to a steamer in Westport capsized drowning 32 people. The prophecy of Brian Rua was fulfilled in September 1937. Ten islanders were burned to death in a farm fire at Kirkintilloch in Scotland. Their bodies were brought home for burial by one of the last trains to Achill. Less than two weeks later the railway ceased operating.
For more information call 098 45187 or Email railwayhostelachill@gmail.com
Lavelles Achill Ltd, Achill Sound, Achill Island, Co Mayo.
IHI - Independent Hostels Ireland
Railway Benefits
The railway allowed easy access to tourists visiting the island. Tourists soon came in large numbers especially in summer. Also migrants left Achill for British farms. This was especially true in late summer when labourers would be in great demand for the harvesting season. These trains carrying the labourers were known as "harvesters' specials". The railway granted Achill economic growth and allowed supplies to be transported more efficiently. In addition, it encouraged economic stability by facilitating migration as the population was increasing rapidly in such a limited area.
Irish Industrial Minerals Company
The Irish Industrial Minerals Company of Westport operated a two-foot gauge railway in Achill at two different locations. The main line transported whitestone from a quarry in Slievemore to Purteen harbour. The second line was from a quarry in Dereens. This line ran six wagons and ended at the pier at Darby's Point, Cloughmore. In 1920 the Keel and Kildavnet industrial lines were closed.
The Prophecy
In the early 1600's a man called Brian Rua O'Cearbhain predicted that "carriages on iron wheels, emitting smoke and fire would carry coffins to Achill both at the beginning and end of a new era of transport". His predictions became a reality. One of the first trains to arrive into Achill in 1895 carried victims of the "Clew Bay Drowning Tragedy". A hooker transporting emigrating islanders to a steamer in Westport capsized drowning 32 people. The prophecy of Brian Rua was fulfilled in September 1937. Ten islanders were burned to death in a farm fire at Kirkintilloch in Scotland. Their bodies were brought home for burial by one of the last trains to Achill. Less than two weeks later the railway ceased operating.
For more information call 098 45187 or Email railwayhostelachill@gmail.com
Lavelles Achill Ltd, Achill Sound, Achill Island, Co Mayo.
IHI - Independent Hostels Ireland
