Downpatrick and County Down Railway

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Downpatrick and County Down Railway

The island of Ireland's only full-size heritage railway, restoring and running vintage trains in St Patrick's Country.
(431)

We are a cross-community charity operated by volunteers. Located in the shadow of the iconic Down Cathedral, the Downpatrick and County Down Railway is Ireland's only full-size heritage railway. We operate vintage trains through the drumlin countryside of County Down between Downpatrick and Inch Abbey, a ruined 12th-century monastery. We restore, maintain, and operate railway vehicles dating from

the 1860s to the 1980s, including steam and diesel locomotives, carriages, and railcars from every corner of the island. The railway is a cross-community charity run by volunteers, and focuses on preserving our shared industrial heritage and passing on unique skills between generations. With a range of events throughout the year, as well as a railway museum, a signal cabin, and the buffet train from "Derry Girls", we have plenty to offer for people of all ages.

04/09/2026

With schools back and the weather a bit cooler, summer may feel as if it's over, but we still have one more day of summer heritage trains on Saturday (5th September).

The forecast looks pretty good, so as you visit Ireland's only full size heritage railway you can enjoy the County Down countryside, take a walk to Inch Abbey, visit our carriage gallery, museum, signal cabin and gift shop. You can grab a snack in our on board buffet too.

You can book your tickets in advance, but don't worry if you miss the 6pm deadline for online tickets, you can still buy them on arrival tomorrow.

Full details: https://www.downrail.co.uk/event/summer-trains/

01/09/2026

Our annual diesel gala on Saturday 29th August was a huge amount of fun for all our passengers (and the hard-working volunteers too). The rain did not dampen spirits, with a number of ‘firsts’ for us, and for preservation in general.

Cab rides in the station with 124 at the start of the day proved very popular, and the now traditional series of run-pasts on the North Line saw the VMT track machine followed by a GM loco pair of 146+190 working in multiple on a loaded ballast train, and finally a real thrash-past by 80 class power car 90 and driving trailer 749

Passenger runs were our 450 class railcar 458, then a GM festival of 124, 124+146 and 146+190, the first time pairs of small GM locos have appeared on a passenger train in preservation here.

Next year, we will try to plan not to have any rain...

31/08/2026

TRAINS RUNNING TODAY

We’re hosting the Downpatrick Artisan Market at our station today from 12:00 to 16:00. The sun is out, delicious treats will be available from 12 stalls, and as if that isn’t enough to tempt you our fares today are better than half price!

Adults: £5
Children: £3
Cab rides: £20*

Trains departing every 45 minutes from 12:00 to 15:45.

*Cab rides available on a first come, first served basis. 18+ only unless accompanied by an adult.

29/08/2026

CUT PRICE TRAINS THIS BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

For one day only, adults just £5, children £3.

Trains depart from our Downpatrick station at: 12:00, 12:45, 13:30, 14:15, 15:00, 15:45.

We'll be hosting the Downpatrick Artisan Market so bring your shopping list.

26/08/2026

DIESEL GALA SOLD OUT

Our diesel gala this Saturday, 29th August, is completely sold out – please do not travel to the railway if you have not booked.

We will not have tickets available on the day.

If you missed out, there will be another opportunity to travel behind loco 124 during our European Heritage Open Weekend, 12/13th September. https://www.downrail.co.uk/event/ehodni/

25/08/2026

This Bank Holiday Monday, we're hosting the Downpatrick Artisan Craft Market.

Twelve local traders will set up at the station, offering a vibrant mix of artisan food, handmade goods, and unique gifts.

We'll also be running heritage diesel trains at a special rate, only £5 for adults or £3 for children.

21/08/2026

Summer heritage trains are running again tomorrow, Saturday 22nd August, another warm and hopefully dry and sunny afternoon (fingers crossed!).

Enjoy the County Down countryside, take a walk to Inch Abbey, and visit our carriage gallery, museum, signal cabin and gift shop.

Online tickets sales have closed now, but you can still buy tickets on arrival at the station.

Full details: https://www.downrail.co.uk/event/summer-trains

18/08/2026

RAIL ALE IS COMING TO DOWNPATRICK

What do you get when you combine a heritage railway journey with some of the most interesting local craft beers?

Well, we’re about to find out. Not real ales, but rail ales! (Groan. Yes, we know that’s a terrible pun.)

This Saturday is the final session of our Down the Line Drinks Tastings and, following on from our wine, gin and whiskey experiences, this weekend Craig Fyfe is taking us on a train journey through the local brewing scene.

As we travel out to Inch Abbey and back, Craig will make virtual stops at breweries around Northern Ireland, introducing the beers, the people behind them and what makes each one distinctive, from brewing techniques and styles to the flavours in the glass.

There’ll be a selection of local craft beers to taste along the way, so you can discover something new while enjoying the rather unusual experience of doing a beer tasting on a heritage train.

Saturday 22 August 3.15pm from Downpatrick
£45 per person
Over 18s

Good beer, good company, a bit of railway history and County Down rolling past the window. And, we can guarantee you that the conductor won’t be confiscating these drinkies.

Booking link in the comments

17/08/2026

We're gonna need a bigger bucket...

14/08/2026

Our summer heritage trains are running again tomorrow, Saturday 15th August. It's to be dry, and we can hope for sun, so enjoy the County Down countryside, take a walk to Inch Abbey, and visit our carriage gallery, museum, signal cabin and gift shop.

If you're not organised enough to bring your own picnic, you can grab a drink and a light snack from our on board buffet.

Don't worry if you miss the 6pm deadline for online tickets, you can still buy them on arrival tomorrow.

Full details: https://www.downrail.co.uk/event/summer-trains/

Address

Downpatrick Railway Station, Market Street

BT306LZ

Telephone

+442844615779

Website

http://www.downrail.co.uk/

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