Downpatrick Railway Museum / Newry Man Lost
Downpatrick Railway Museum is Ireland’s only full-sized heritage railway an it operates vintage steam trains to Inch Abbey and King Magnus’ Grave in the heart of the Drumlin countryside. The Railway which runs right through the heart of St. Patrick’s Country over the River Quoile and takes in breathtaking views of the amazingly beautiful Down Cathedral to the peaceful ruins of Inch Abbey.
The line was built on the track bed of the old Belfast and County Down Railway, which ran to Newcastle. The old line was closed and abandoned nearly 60 years ago but thanks to the volunteers who have laid nearly three miles of track to create Ireland’s only full-sized heritage railway and keep the magic alive for all to visit.
The museum houses a modern visitor center called ‘Carriage Gallery’ which charts the development of railways in Ireland from the 19th century to today. I highly recommend a visit and while you are there you can check out the Belfast & County Down Railway’s “Royal Saloon” which carried the future Kings George V and VI, as well as King Edward VII and their friends.