Railway will run for a touch of nostalgia

Railway will run for a touch of nostalgia

14 March 2013

A ‘RAIL’ alternative has been offered to everyone attending the Saint Patrick’s Day carnival in Downpatrick.

To combat the car parking problems on the day the Downpatrick and County Down Railway are staging Shamrock Specials.

In conjunction with Down Council a park’n’ride service will be available from the Down Business Park into the heart of the carnival, between noon and 5pm.

Railway Chairman, John Wilson: “We know that many people end up parking as far out as the former Abbey Lodge Hotel site and the Down Business Park on the Belfast Road and end up having to walk a fair distance into the town centre.

“So many people use our trains to get into the carnival and save the hassle of parking.

“There will be a shuttle bus between the Business Park and our Inch Abbey Station, where you can walk onto a vintage train that will take you into the heart of the carnival.

“While also getting people into the carnival, if you’re already in the town, why not get on board at Downpatrick and travel out and visit this glorious Christian heritage site while celebrating Ireland’s Patron Saint?

“You also get the best view of Down Cathedral, the site of St. Patrick’s Grave, from on board the train,” he said.

Tickets will be available at Inch Abbey and Downpatrick stations. Refreshments will also be served all day on board a buffet carriage while people wait for the train.

The railway museum exhibition and new Carriage Gallery visitor centre will also be open, along with a new interpretative display actually inside the carriage workshop allowing you to see the work that goes on behind the scenes.

Return tickets cost: £5.50 adult; £4.50 children or senior citizens; children under the age of three go free.

There’s no need to book and for further information on events, or to join as a volunteer, contact the Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre on tel: 028 4461 2233, log on to the railway’s website atwww.downrail.co.uk find them on facebook at www.facebook.com/downrail or follow on twitter @downrail