There's nothing quite so evocative as a trip on a steam train on a glorious sunny afternoon. Which is why we applaud those local railway enthusiasts who have laid over two miles of track along the Belfast and Co. Down Railway trackbed - abandoned more than 50 years ago - to create Ireland’s only full-sized heritage railway.

Steam locomotives from the 1920s and 30s, or diesels from the 60s, take passengers in 50 to 100 year old carriages from Downpatrick town centre past rebuilt railway buildings and into the Co. Down countryside. The track crosses the River Quoile and heads toward the peaceful remains of the 12th Century monastery at Inch Abbey. And after your trip, the museum and carriage gallery bring together railwayania big and small, telling the story of the line and Irish Railways in general.

And, if all that nostalgia has you hooked, why not book a day's footplate experience and have a go at driving your very own steam engine? You can also hire a steam or diesel train, or buffet carriage at the station, for a party with a difference.