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.

The company’s heritage office is responsible for the conservation of the many protected structures, artefacts and installations across the network which reflects the distinctive styles of the companies which constructed them.

Iarnród Éireann’s heritage policy is geared towards;

• preserving what is best from the past in the context of the operating railway system,
• engaging with community groups and enthusiast bodies, and,
• facilitating the operation of vintage steam trains over certain routes to cater for the growing railway tourist market in association with the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

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

Railway Reading List 

Inchicore Works 175th Anniversary 

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

In the below short film, we’re delighted to bring you behind the scenes, meet the people who work there, and to give you an insight into its past, present and its central role in our plans for the future.

Heritage Maps

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail in collaboration with the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Heritage Council and heritagemaps.ie provide historical map data on the Railway network and it's infrastructure dating back to the creation of the railway network in Ireland.

For more information please see our Heritage Maps page.

The Casino Model Railway Museum

The Casino Model Railway Museum is a Children’s Interpretative Centre which gives visitors a chance to see what it is like to drive a life-sized Iarnród Éireann train engine carriage.

Housed in the beautifully restored Casino ‘Cottage Orné’ in the heart of Malahide Village this exciting project has been delivered thanks to a collaboration between Fingal County Council, Iarnród Éireann and Alstom.

The visitor attraction maximizes technology, with layered sights and sounds and digital screens on the windows on the carriage to help add to the experience. All these elements deliver educational and experiential content with energy and momentum. As each new subject is introduced you dramatically exit dark tunnels of fast-moving dappled light. To enhance the interactive nature of the experience, tactile and interactive elements have been incorporated allowing guests to engage with the content and experience as the journey unfolds.

The concept is to encourage children’s natural curiosity through interactive elements as their train journey unfolds, enabling them to engage, connect and be taken on an immersive rail journey. The Museum aims to appeal to a younger audience while still engaging with all demographics. The start and end point of your rail journey is dictated by you the user, as you board and disembark from the train. It is a self-guided experience, delivered through a continuous loop, and you can hop on or off at any time. The exhibit is aimed at children between five and seven years of age and has been designed with the neurodiverse in mind.

The Museum also offers a close-up look at the exquisite craftsmanship of Cyril Fry’s hand-crafted models. All hand-painted and considered the most elaborate in Ireland. There is also an interactive display, where you can watch the modern working models and learn about the Irish Railway and Tramway System. Through touch screens you can get more context on individual trains and Irish Rail history. The Cyril Fry corner is an award-winning area that is a representation of his workshop and demonstrates his attention to detail.

Now a thriving rail museum receiving visitors from home and abroad, the Casino Model Railway Museum is an integral heritage attraction to the village and the broader region of Fingal, it is located next to Malahide Train Station providing easy access for families to travel there by train.