Launch of Castlerea Railway Museum’s 25th Anniversary photo exhibition

Castlerea Railway Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary this year! On the 7th of July 1998, the retired CIE locomotive that forms the centrepiece of the museum arrived in the town via lorry to be lifted by crane into the lounge of the Hell’s Kitchen pub. This event sparked the creation of the museum, and a new building was built around the locomotive to house curator Sean Browne’s huge collection of railway memorabilia.

To celebrate and commemorate this milestone, the museum is launching a new display of photographs, which show memories from the preparation of the Hell’s Kitchen site for the arrival of the locomotive, to its exciting delivery day and placement, to the official opening day of the museum in 1999. The exhibition, entitled ‘Staying On Track: 25 Years of Castlerea Railway Museum’, includes many photographs that show the extraordinary proceedings around bringing a locomotive by road from Dublin to Castlerea, the ex- citement around the opening of a new local tourist attraction, and the town of Castlerea from 25 years ago. The photographs feature local people who participated in and attended the events linked to the museum’s beginnings, so you are sure to spot many people you know in the crowds!

As the museum is currently undergoing renovation, the launch will take place in Castlerea Library on Thursday, July 13th. The event begins at 6.30 pm, and the exhibition will be launched by the guest of honour, Dr Greg Kelly. The exhibition will remain on free display in the library throughout the month. All are very welcome to attend the launch. The Castlerea Railway Museum 25th Anniversary Photo Exhibition is supported by the Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme, an all-of-Government five-year initiative, from 2023 to 2027, which places creativity at the centre of public policy.

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