Overview
The West Clare Railway heritage centre sits in the quiet townland of Moyasta, just off the N67 between Kilrush and Kilkee on the Wild Atlantic Way. Here a short stretch of the original 3 ft narrow‑gauge line has been relaid, allowing visitors to board the lovingly restored steam locomotive Slieve Callan for a 15‑minute ride through the rolling countryside of West Clare. Adjacent to the platform is a modest museum that houses original steam and diesel locomotives, period carriages and a wealth of interpretive material about the line’s impact on local trade, tourism and Irish popular culture.
History
The West Clare Railway was authorised in 1883 under the Tramways Act, which allowed a cheaper narrow‑gauge construction and guaranteed returns for local baronies. After a series of failed schemes dating back to the 1840s, the first sod was cut on 26 January 1885 at Milltown Malbay by Charles Stewart Parnell, who used a silver spade that now forms part of the exhibition in the Clare Museum.
The line officially opened on 2 July 1887, linking Ennis with the coastal termini at Kilkee and Kilrush via Moyasta Junction. At its peak the railway ran three‑daily passenger services, expanding to five by the turn of the 20th century and moving roughly 250 000 passengers and 80 000 tonnes of freight each year over a route of about 53 miles.
Its modest 25 mph steam engines were notorious for tardiness – a fact immortalised in Percy French’s comic song Are Ye Right There Michael? after French successfully sued the company for a missed performance in Kilkee.
During World II the line improvised with turf as fuel, and staff famously refused to transport British Army weapons during the War of Independence. After the war, dieselisation began in 1952; by 1955 the West Clare Railway was the only narrow‑gauge diesel‑run line in Britain and Ireland.
Dwindling passenger numbers and rising losses led CIÉ to close the line on 31 January 1961, ending the last narrow‑gauge passenger service in Ireland.
A preservation society acquired Moyasta station and a short section of track in the mid‑1990s. Diesel‑powered heritage trains began running in 1995, and on 14 July 2009 the original steam locomotive No 5 Slieve Callan steamed for the first time in over half a century, marking the return of steam to the line. The restoration was funded by local businessman and railway enthusiast Jackie Whelan, who also helped secure planning permission for the museum and café.
Today the railway operates a mix of restored steam, a Channel‑Tunnel shunter and a former Bord na Móna diesel, together with two wooden‑bodied passenger coaches built by Alan Keef Engineering.
What to See & Do
- Steam train ride – Board the 0‑6‑2T Slieve Callan for a 15‑minute journey that traverses the original track bed, offering glimpses of the Burren’s limestone hills and the Atlantic coastline. The locomotive is steamed on weekends (June‑September) and on pre‑booked private tours.
- Diesel train experience – On weekdays the heritage diesel railcar provides a shorter, quieter trip, allowing families to compare early‑20th‑century diesel traction with the later steam service.
- Moyasta museum – Inside the former station building you’ll find the restored steam engine, a collection of twelve diesel shunters (two in service, the rest awaiting restoration), and original GSR and CIÉ rolling stock. The Great Southern Railways side‑corridor carriage No 1325 now serves as a reception café, while the Iarnród Éireann Mark 2 carriage No 4402 is used as a lecture theatre for school groups.
- Interpretive displays – Panels detail the railway’s role in the Lisdoonvarna Festival, the Kilrush Horse Fair, and the development of the Lahinch golf course. A dedicated section explains the Percy French lawsuit and the enduring folk song that keeps the line’s mischievous reputation alive.
- Craft shop & café – The old dining car has been converted into a small café serving tea, coffee and locally‑made treats. Adjacent is a craft shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and artwork made by local artisans.
- Carriage cinema – One of the restored carriages is equipped for short film screenings, showing historic footage of the railway in the 1950s.
- Scenic walks – After your train ride, the gravel car park provides easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way and the West Clare Cycleway. The surrounding countryside is ideal for short walks that follow the former railway alignment toward the Loop Head Peninsula. The route also links to the long‑distance Burren Way.
Volunteer and Sponsorship
The preservation society that runs the site relies on volunteers to maintain the locomotives, restore carriages and help with museum duties. Opportunities include:
- Carriage restoration – assisting skilled volunteers with sanding, painting and fitting new fittings on historic coaches.
- Track and grounds work – helping to clear vegetation along the short operational line and maintain the car park and walkways.
- Educational outreach – guiding school groups, delivering talks on railway history and assisting with the carriage‑cinema sessions.
A “Sponsor a Sleeper” programme is advertised on the official website, allowing individuals or businesses to fund the restoration of a specific carriage or diesel shunter in exchange for a certificate of appreciation. Contact the society via the phone number or email listed in the Practical Information section for more details.
Greenway Development
The former railway corridor forms the backbone of the West Clare Greenway, a 100‑km active‑travel route linking Kilrush, Kilkee, Ennis and the coastal towns of Lahinch, Miltown Malbay and Ennistymon. Recent funding updates:
- 2025 – €850,000 allocated for the Kilrush‑to‑Kilkee section and €500,000 for the Ennis‑to‑Ennistymon stretch.
- 2025‑2026 – Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) declined funding for the Ennistymon‑to‑Moyasta segment, prompting local TD Joe Cooney to lobby for re‑allocation of unused greenway funds.
- 2026 – Planning permission for the first Kilrush‑to‑Kilkee section is expected to be lodged in the second half of the year, with construction targeted for early 2027.
While the heritage railway remains closed, the greenway promises a safe, traffic‑free path for cyclists and walkers, linking directly to the Wild Atlantic Way and, in the longer term, to the UNESCO‑designated Burren Geo‑Park.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in Moyasta, consider adding a few of County Clare’s other highlights to your itinerary:
- Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey Centre – A short drive north brings you to one of Ireland’s most spectacular limestone caves.
- Black Head Lighthouse and Loop Walk – A stunning coastal walk with dramatic sea views, perfect for an afternoon after your train ride.
- Burren Way – The long‑distance walking route passes close to Moyasta, offering further opportunities to explore the unique karst landscape.
- Clare Museum (Ennis) – See the original silver spade used by Parnell and other railway artefacts.
Practical Information
Opening hours
| Day | Time | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday – Saturday | 13:00 – 16:00 | Diesel train |
| Sunday – Monday | 13:00 – 16:00 | Steam engine (weekends June‑Sept) |
| Outside listed times | By appointment | Private tours |
| Current status | Closed to the public until further notice – see the official website for updates |
Admission
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €8.00 |
| Child (4‑12) | €4.00 |
| Child under 3 | Free |
| Group (10 +) | Discounted rates (contact) |
Getting there – Moyasta is reachable by car via the N67; a gravel‑surface car park accommodates roughly 20 vehicles, so early arrival is advisable in peak season. No reservation is required. The nearest town is Ennis, where regular Bus Éireann services connect to Galway and Limerick, and the mainline railway station offers onward connections. Cycle parking is provided on‑site for riders following the Wild Atlantic Way route.
Facilities – Restrooms are available (standard, not wheelchair‑accessible). The site is wheelchair‑accessible via a level path from the car park to the platform, though the historic carriage interiors retain original steps. A small café operates in the former dining car, and a craft shop sells locally‑made souvenirs.
Contact – For the latest schedule, group bookings, school tours or accessibility queries, call +353 65 905 1284 or email info@westclarerailway.ie. More information, including downloadable timetables, is on the official website.
Note – When operating, the railway provides a unique glimpse into Ireland’s narrow‑gauge legacy, making it a rewarding stop for families, history enthusiasts and anyone travelling the scenic west coast.