Travel Diaries: Historic Steam Train Journeys!

The Railway Children:

Recently, I finally got to step back in time and tick something off my ‘travel experiences’ list that is on most fellow train and railway enthusiasts lists – to journey on a historic Steam Train. Not only that, but journey along one of Ireland’s most scenic railway routes along the East coast, so revered for its beauty that it has seen renowned train enthusiastic Michael Portillo take his programme Great British Railway Journeys to Ireland and grace the line with his presence. Armed with his trusty Bradshaw‘s Handbook, as featured on Season 8 of the BBC programme, he featured the Wexford to Wicklow portion of this railway line including the scenic ‘Meeting of the Waters’ in Avoca, Co. Wicklow.

The Excursion: Railway Preservation Society of Ireland‘s: Steam Train Excursion aboard the ‘Sea Breeze’ train.

The Date: Sunday July 9th, 2017.

The Route: Dublin to Arklow Co.Wexford – East Coast Railway Tour.

*Content is not sponsored.

The Railway Children was childhood staple reading material for me alongside the original film with Jenny Agutter which remains a firm favourite. I never fail to watch it any chance I get!

We started the day with copious excitement, meeting the steam train at Dublin‘s Connolly station. I’ve always had a love affair with trains. Day trips (or longer) aboard trains were commonplace childhood traditions for me. I find the “click, click, clack, clack” of the train travelling along the tracks soothing and relaxing, however I was sad to learn that this type of track is gradually being replaced and that the Dublin to Wexford line is one of the last in the country that you can still hear that sound nostalgically reverberating between carriages.

The opportunity to travel aboard the ‘Sea Breeze‘ Steam Train was truly a unique experience and one that will be cherished! I booked the trip as a Father’s Day present, as my Dad has longed to go on a steam train journey for as long as I can remember. My niece and Mom also came along to create some special memories. I’m forever grateful to the staff of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland for giving me VIP Access upon learning that I was Travel Media. The team went above and beyond to accommodate my reporting needs!

{Pictured: footage captured, reporting done – feeling inspired and living my dream of enjoying the incredible views of the Eastern seaboard, aboard the ‘Sea Breeze’ Steam Train.}

Do The Locomotive:

On this ‘all access‘ trip I was treated to exclusive access to several different viewing points in order to record pictures & video without unwanted distractions and background audio in order to get a clear audio of the true screech of a steam train whistle! I also hopped on board the Locomotive to experience what it was like inside, how many operators it fit and get a real feel of the heat inside due to the primed furnace, for myself. Blessed with a rare blisteringly hot day in the sunny southeast, I felt a bit bad for these guys working in such oppressive heat both inside and out!

Check out my video footage on my Facebook page GlamForce Blog by Gail O’Connor and Instagram: @littlegforce for EXCLUSIVE video footage from the day!

{Pictured: Above – Victoriana views from the inside of the Locomotive. Below – Selfie opportunity aboard the Locomotive!}

{Pictured: Locomotive like the Sea Breeze used for our excursion. *Photo courtesy of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.}

What’s on Offer?

Facilities: are kept to a minimum and include bar and snack services (including some hot food options) and of course lavatories. I had opted to not avail of these services instead opting to bring some snacks from home and available of  a lunch stop at our destination.

There is also a raffle held on board going to and coming from destinations as well as posters for sale.

》NOTE: There is NO overnight availability on these particular excursions however if you’re looking for that option you may like to explore the recently launched ‘Belmond‘ complete with Silver Service it’s Ireland‘s answer to the Orient Express!

{Pictured: images on board the steam train of other locomotives in the fleet}. 

PICTURE THIS!

Picture Gallery: Views to be enjoyed on the Dublin to Wexford Railway Journey!

{Pictured: The infamous chimneys of Poolbeg – an iconic sight dotted on the skyline of Dublin.}

{Pictured: views from the steam train of Ireland‘s Riviera, featuring Killiney Bay & Beach – with Bray head and Greystones in the distance.}

{Pictured: murals featured on the wall at Platform Two of Bray Train Station – erected in 1987 the outcome of a community arts competition won by then student artists John Carter and Jay Roche. The murals depict various eras of Irish History and Irish Railway History from the opening of the train station in the 1852 up to the 1980’s. The murals were recently restored in 2008 and updated from mural to mosaic when it was discovered that lime was seeping into them. Visit Mural to Mosaic to see how the work is progressing.}

{Pictured: views from the steam train along the Bray to Greystones railway route. }

Continuing along the line after the pretty coastal village of Greystones passengers are treated to picturesque views of the Sugarloaf mountain in Wicklow, as well as a glimpse at typical countryside scenes such as hay stacks, sheep, cattle and horses grazing on the Western facing side of the train, topping it off with stunning coastal picture postcard views on the Eastern facing side of the train.

{Pictured: Wicklow’s famed Sugarloaf Mountain as viewed from the steam train.}

{Pictured: the inspiration behind and where Thomas Moore penned, his melody ‘Meeting of the Waters’. This picturesque location is where the Avonmore and beg rivers meet to form the Avoca river – Avoca, Co.Wicklow.}

Destination Pics – The Arklow Arrival:

A very ‘Irish’ welcome greeted us at Arklow train station – sign reads welcome in  the Irish language or ‘as Gaeilge’.

{Pictured: Arklow station – luggage weighing scales from times gone by.}

{Pictured: View of train from outside the station walls showing it’s steam capacity.}

Destination Arklow:

Named after Ardwell, a 9th century Viking warrior leader the town of Arklow was first established as a settlement 2000 years ago. Arklow is halfway between Dublin and Wexford and is nestled at the foothills of the Wicklow mountains and is set around the estuary of the Avoca river. Another fun fact: Arklow is identified as a port on Greek geographer Ptolemy’s 2nd century map of Brittania.

From Arklow you have access to some of the best beaches on the East coast, plus a range of B&B’s and hotels were you can retire after a day exploring the stunning surrounding countryside in the area. The Maritime Museum is a huge draw within the town also, not surprising, considering the town’s long maritime history. Visit Arklow.ie for more information.

We had about 2 and a half hours to explore the town of Arklow before our return journey to Dublin. After several stops for photo opps, (of course!) we chose to eat in Darcy McGees upon recommendation from a passenger on the train and Tina of the RPSI. The pub was buzzing and servings were generous, I recommend the half portion option! The food was good, typical pub grub offerings and the establishment was busy with local and visiting trade – always a good sign.

We followed our meal with a visit to a small local shop for a ‘99′ ice–cream and to indulge in some goodies for the train journey home.

The RPSI run several excursions throughout the year which book out fast! In case you missed it: I’ve linked the RPSI website above.

It is worth noting: expect delays from time to time. We were delayed leaving Arklow train station bound for Dublin, for about 40 minutes. The RPSI run these excursions around the daily train timetable of Irish Rail so sometimes delays are beyond their control.

Once again I’d like to thank the RPSI in particular Tina and Pat of the RPSI for their hospitality and VIP access making the trip a truly memorable experience.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Until next time…

Gail. x

Photography: © Gail O‘Connor.

Original Locomotive pic: is © of RPSI as previously stated.

Various location information via: VisitWicklow & Arklow.ie.