A steam train journey from Dublin to Dundalk

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland organises many outings throughout the year. We went on a train to Dundalk one wet day in carriages built in the 1960s pulled by "Merlin", a steam engine built in the 1930s.

We left Dublin Connolly some time after 10.30 a.m. on a Sunday, arriving at Dundalk in time for lunch. (Steam trains take longer than their modern counterparts!) On the way, we made brief stops at Balbriggan and Donabate where rail enthusiasts took pictures from the platforms. We got a breakfast sandwich of rashers and sausages (made in front of us in the buffet car) and took part in a raffle. In Dundalk, we had lunch and took a walk around the town. Unfortunately, we got lost on the way and didn't have time to make it to Dundalk Harbour - that will have to wait until next time.

Dundalk is a town with many remnants of an interesting past. The importance of brewing and distilling to the town is evident from the fact that the County Museum is based in an 18th century warehouse which formerly housed part of Dundalk Distillery. Dorothy Macardle (1889-1958), writer and journalist, was born in Dundalk, where the Macardle family owned a brewery. Dundalk also holds the remains of a Franciscan friary, built in 1240. Only the bell tower remains as the rest was razed on the orders of Deputy Sir Leonard Grey.

It was well after the appointed time of 3 p.m. when the train began its homeward journey, and the weather had improved significantly. We had tea and crisps from the buffet car. One thing I should mention, which I was unable to film on the train, is that there is a very pleasant bar area, which had an authentically vintage character. It would have been a very nice place to while away the time, but I'm not much of a drinker. We finally made it back at about 5.30 p.m.

I hope you'll watch the video and leave a comment if there's anything you found particularly interesting.