Ballycar Railway Station Co. Clare
The Newmarket-on-Fergus Railway
Station was built between the years of 1860-1880 The building is listed in the record of
Past
protected structures in Co. Clare alongside major estates such as Dromoland Castle The railway station tells a story of
how life in the village and indeed the Country changed over the years. Present
What people lived in the building? From the first Station Master Mr Sheridan, to the last being Mr O Conner
the Ballycar Railway Station has a distinct and unique story. The people who lived in the station house were respective station masters at the time and members of staff. These people had the responsibility to successfully manage and run a service which influenced the lives of both locals and non – locals How has the building linked with the historical development of the locality?
It became increasingly evident how grateful the local people were and are for the existence of the station. Many described the major influence the Railway station had on the development of Rineanna now known as Shannon. Shannon went onto provide great employment to the people of Newmarket which greatly influenced the development of the village.
Sourced at Clare County Local Studies ď‚— Architectural style: The Station House (right) was built in 1860-1880 by local residents of the Newmarket area. The station was built by local Residents from the Ballycar area and to this day memories live on with those who experienced the tradition and culture that evolved around the station. The building can be classed as a formal building
ď‚— In comparing old photographs with the building today
much of the original structure has changed through the years.
Today paint covers key heritage features such as thee red brick surrounding the windows and the limestone corner stone’s.
A photo of the building in its original state. Note how the white lime washed walls highlight the red brick surrounding the windows and door. Also left exposed was the limestone cornerstone.
ď‚— due to modern extension (below) one could argue the
balance of the building has been affected. The original building consisted of a three gables. Today extensions have been added onto the both side of the building.
Original window detail
Section through the wall at window and door openings
Internally the side of the window opening are sloped to allow the light to disperse more efficiently into the room
Original exposed red brick and limestone corner stone
Inside door walls are tapered
ď‚— From the first Station Master Mr
Sheridan, to the last being Mr O Conner the Ballycar Railway Station has a distinct and unique story. ď‚— To this day the history of the
building has attracted much interested as it has being sold twice since closing down. It now stands as a protected structure with its function that of a dwelling house, as the train travelling the EnnisLimerick line passes by.