One of the best ways to see the beautiful South Dublin coast is to
jump on the DART and head to
Wicklow. Maybe an even better way is to take a journey on a vintage
steam train.
The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland rescues and restores antique steam trains and carriages. There are 11 steam locomotives in its collection at the moment, with four of those making regular journeys around the country.
It's not just the steam engines themselves that are originals. The locomotives pull vintage carriages – even the snack and bar cars come complete with their original refurbished interiors.
The RPSI regularly organises trips to Mullingar, Belfast and Wexford, as well as shorter excursions to Greystones and the odd mystery tour. There are special themes tours like “Steam and Jazz”, the 21st June “Mid-Summer Night's Steam”, and the Christmastime “Santa Special”.
There's a major event every year in the May Railtour, a 1,000 kilometre tour of Ireland. The tour includes rail lines that today are normally used only for haulage, including the underground line at the Phoenix Park.
Tour prices vary according to the journey, but a trip from Dublin to Greystones usually costs around €6 for under 16s or €12 for adults.
The Santa Special, from Pearse Street Station to Maynooth and back will run Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December 2003, at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. The journey lasts 2 or 2 1/2 hours and costs €12 per person. The price includes a present from Santa for children.
The full programme is available on the RPSI website. For ticket details, call 01 280 9147.
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