Heritage Trains at the Stradbally Woodland Railway

Experience rail travel from a bygone age at the Stradbally Woodland Railway, the oldest volunteer-run heritage line in Ireland.

Operated by Irish Steam Preservation Society members, the railway has been running for over 50 years using engines and carriages with deep connections to Ireland's rich railway history. Our steam engine Róisín worked for Bord na Móna on the bogs of Co Laois in the 1950s and has called the county her home ever since. She passed into society ownership in the late 1960s and has pulled thousands of visitors through the woods of the Cosby Estate since then on carriages dating as far back as 1887.

Our vintage diesel loco, originally ESB No 4 but today called Rusty, was also based in Co Laois, working at Portarlington power station until arriving on the railway in the late 1980's. She's a popular choice for pulling trains and has more than a few fans among our regular visitors.

Both engines are part of a long history of the bog railways that once crisscrossed the midlands, a unique and often overlooked part of Irish industrial heritage.

Experience these wonderful machines up close and in person in a setting where our friendly volunteers will answers all your questions while keeping steam and industrial history alive in the 21st century. Tickets can be bought through the society's website at irishsteam.net.

We will always do our best to make sure those with autism or other special needs enjoy their day as much as possible.

Tickets are valid all day for unlimited train trips. Each trip lasts approximately 10 minutes.

Prices: €4 child, €8 adult, €20 family of four. Cash and card accepted on the day or book online in advance.

Shop open selling snacks, hot and cold drinks and secondhand books and magazines.

Free parking and toilets with baby changing facilities on-site. Our train is wheelchair accessible.