Stradbally Woodland Railway, Heritage railway in Stradbally, Ireland
Stradbally Woodland Railway is a heritage railway operation that runs steam and diesel locomotives over approximately one kilometer of track through woodland grounds in County Laois. The line connects several stations through the trees and gives passengers a slow view of the landscape.
The railway was founded in 1969 as Ireland's first volunteer-run heritage line and started with a locomotive from a Guinness Brewery. This founding marked the beginning of preserving railway traditions through amateur efforts in the country.
The railway preserves memories of Ireland's industrial past, especially through locomotives like Róisín, which worked in the peat bogs of Laois during the 1950s. Visitors can see these machines up close and understand their role in the local economy.
The operation is best visited on weekends and holidays from spring through summer when regular trains run. It helps to check the website beforehand to learn when trains operate and where you can buy tickets.
The trains run on biocoal from Arigna Fuels, making this railway an eco-friendly alternative among historic lines. This fuel choice shows how old technology can work with modern sustainability principles.
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