Downpatrick & County Down Railway

Railway buffs will relish this homage to the great era of the steam and diesel train. Local enthusiasts have laid over two miles of track on the original 150-year-old Downpatrick-Belfast line to create Ireland’s only full-sized heritage railway. Steam locos from the 1920s and 30s, or 60s diesels, take passengers from Downpatrick town centre past rebuilt railway buildings to 12th Century Inch Abbey. A buffet car serves light snacks and a platform shop sells railway-related toys and memorabilia.

Hop on-board for special St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Summer trips departing from their town centre station (beside the gleaming St. Patrick’s Centre and with plenty of free car parking). Avoid the St. Patrick's Day traffic jam by joining the Shamrock Specials at Inch Abbey, where there's free parking, and gliding effortlessly into Downpatrick to enjoy the parade. Trains run all day Wed 17 Feb, tickets £5 adults, £4 senior citizens/children, U3s free.

The Easter-Eggspress runs from 14:00 - 17:00 on Sat 3, Easter Sun 4 and Easter Mon 5 April. Tickets cost £5 adults, £4 senior citizens, £4 children incl. egg from the Easter Bunny, U3s £2.50. And check the website for more details on the Railway's May bank holidays and June-Sept weekend journeys.

Your ticket lasts all day and there's no need to book in advance. For more details on all trips tel. (+44) (0)28 4461 5779, www.downrail.co.uk.