[railway] Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick, County Down

Details

Accessibility:

The main railway station is in the centre of Downpatrick. Free parking is available adjacent to the station.

There is level access from the car park into the foyer of the station, and onto the platform. A single cabin has been built in order to allow access for those using wheelchairs or walking aids without the need to use a lift or ramp.

A ramp links the station to a pathway. From this pathway, you may view the workshop, and use a further ramp to access the carriage gallery.

The museum is located on the upper floor of the station and is only accessible via two flights of stairs. There is no lift available within the station building.

Access to the interior of some old carriages requires going up steps. At least one carriage will have large double doors on each train. A ramp can be installed in order to allow access to this carriage which has an area for wheelchairs with adjacent seats.

The nature of the railway is that it is very noisy; both due to the trains themselves, and the sounds of horns, and whistles. For those that find loud noises disturbing or upsetting, it may be worth bringing ear protectors for the visit to the railway. Volunteers will be alert to blue ear defenders, and will do their best to warn when loud noises are doing to happen.

The railway welcomes visitors bringing dogs, including Guide Dogs, with them for their visit.

If you choose to take a train to visit Inch Abbey, be aware that it has a grass surface, so may be difficult to walk on depending on weather conditions.

Free admission is available to those caring for another visitor who requires assistance. Carers will need to provide documentary proof to avail of the free admission.

Brief Description:

Volunteers have maintained the Downpatrick station, and laid 3 miles (4.8km) of track on the site of the former Belfast and County Down Railway. Visitors can take a short train journey to its station for Inch Abbey, shown on our photos. There is also a museum, carriage gallery, model railway, and gift shop at the Downpatrick Station.

Further Information

Address:

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Market Street, Downpatrick. Co. Down. BT30 6LZ.

Email:

info@downrail.co.uk

Phone:

Monday-Friday (09:30-12:30): +4428 4461 5779

Website:

https://www.downrail.co.uk/

Opening Hours:

On normal running days, 12:30-17:00. Make sure to check opening days in advance of your visit at https://www.downrail.co.uk/events/

Directions:

Driving: From Belfast, follow signs for Newcastle/ Downpatrick. The station is located in the centre of Downpatrick on Market Street.

Walking: From the back of the Downpatrick Bus Station, go West across the car park to the railway station.

OS SO 582986

Transport:

The railway station is beside Downpatrick Bus Station, which is a hub with buses to other towns/ villages across the local area. The Belfast bus services are 15, 215, and 515.

Amenities:

An accessible toilet is available in the station building. It also contains baby-changing facilities.

As the station is located in the centre of Downpatrick, a range of shops, cafes and banks are located a short walk away.