Since the arrival of the first train in Ireland in there had been a lot of talk about setting up a network throughout the country. The first railway line ran from Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) to Dublin. The Waterford businessmen waited and waited for plans to be announced for the this area but in the end they got fed up waiting and decided to go ahead and build a line themselves. They set about collecting money from all interested people and by 1852 had collected nearly £77,000. The estimated cost of the line was £5,500 per mile.The first sod was cut in February 10^th.1853 and the railway was completed by September 2^nd. 1853.The builder of the line was Mr. William Dargan. I suppose if you want something badly enough you have to go and do it yourself

During the 1930's special trains were organised to bring children of poor families to the seaside once a year. In 1936 it is reported that over 2,000 children were brought to Tramore on the train for a day out. They were also fed when they got here. One this one day I read that they ate over 7,000 sandwiches, 600 pounds of sweets, 400 pounds of cooked meat,350 loaves of bread, 180 gallons of milk,10 boxes of apples, 19 cases of oranges and 400 dozen small bottles of lemonade. This is a lot of food and drink.

Children under 3 years of age travelled free, under 12 years were half price and dogs were charged 3 pennies .For the first two miles the main road to Tramore could be seen on the right side of the line.

At the halfway point there was an advertising sign which read --:

"HALF WAY TO TRAMORE, HEARNE & CO. LTD, WATERFORD.

This shop is still in business on the Quay in Waterford city and it sells hardware. Passengers did not see the sea until they reached Tramore but they could see the spire of the Church of the Holy Cross from 3 miles away.

Introduction Early History First Train Developments Accidents Steam Close