Trains
Ballinamore Station, Co. Leitrim
The last train for Belturbert from Ballinamore station. The Cavan-Leitrim Line closed in 1959. Compared to other railway lines in Ireland in the 1900s, the Cavan-Leitrim line managed to continue running for a long time. This was due to the fact that the coalmines at Arigna, which was one of the stops, depended on the trains to transport mined coal.
© Leitrim County LibraryBallinamore Station, Co. Leitrim
© Leitrim County Library
© Leitrim County Library
Ballinamore Station, Co. Leitrim
The last train for Belturbert from Ballinamore station. The Cavan-Leitrim Line closed in 1959. Compared to other railway lines in Ireland in the 1900s, the Cavan-Leitrim line managed to continue running for a long time. This was due to the fact that the coalmines at Arigna, which was one of the stops, depended on the trains to transport mined coal.
© Leitrim County Library
Dromod Shed
Photograph of Dromod Shed on the Cavan and Leitrim Narrow Gauge Railway Line. The men are Benny MacGuinness (left) and Pat Connell (right). The photograph was taken in 1953.
© Leitrim County LibraryDromod Shed
© Leitrim County Library
© Leitrim County Library
Dromod Shed
Photograph of Dromod Shed on the Cavan and Leitrim Narrow Gauge Railway Line. The men are Benny MacGuinness (left) and Pat Connell (right). The photograph was taken in 1953.
© Leitrim County LibraryThe Cavan and Leitrim Narrow Gauge Railway opened from Dromod to Belturbet in 1887 and a year later the line was extended to Arigna.
Along the route it served Mohill, Ballinamore and Drumshanbo. The sound of the train was a daily reminder to people of the time of day as many people did not have a watch.
The train was an important mode of transport for the people of south Leitrim. It was used by ordinary folk who had no other method of transport and it was also used to carry goods for business people. It was especially important for tranporting coal from Arigna.
Many people earned their income from the railway. There were people employed at the many small stops between major stations. There were also gatehouse keepers at each location where the railway crossed an existing roadway.
Decline of the Railway
Cavan and Leitrim Railway Train
Restored train at Dromod Station in Co. Leitrim. Visitors can take a short trip on the train.
© Cavan and Leitrim RailwayCavan and Leitrim Railway Train
© Cavan and Leitrim Railway
© Cavan and Leitrim Railway
Cavan and Leitrim Railway Train
Restored train at Dromod Station in Co. Leitrim. Visitors can take a short trip on the train.
© Cavan and Leitrim RailwayGradually, roads improved and railway services became less popular. A bus with just a driver was cheaper to run than the railway. Lorries and cars became more popular.
The Cavan and Leitrim Railway closed in 1959.
Part of the line has been restored and tourists can take short trips on a steam train in the summer.