Rails Through Wexford: The North and South Wexford Lines in Colour

RAILS THROUGH WEXFORD is a photographic journey across the two scenic railway routes in the south of the county, which once upon a time connected Waterford city with Wexford town and points further afield. The photographs are mainly from the collection of acclaimed railway photographer Barry Carse, who has been taking photographs of railway operations in the area for some fifty years. Despite both being opened as through routes in 1906 and serving a similar hinterland, the two lines would have a very different history. Today, only the section from Dublin to Wexford and on to Rosslare remains in use for passenger trains.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Colourpoint Creative Ltd

RAILS THROUGH WEXFORD is a captivating photographic exploration of the two picturesque railway routes nestled in the southern reaches of the county. Once upon a time, these routes served as vital connections, linking the vibrant city of Waterford with the charming town of Wexford and various other destinations. By employing two distinct routes, they facilitated the movement of people and goods, adding a touch of elegance and convenience to the region's transportation system.

The photographs featured in this remarkable journey are predominantly sourced from the extensive collection of acclaimed railway photographer Barry Carse, who has dedicated over fifty years to capturing the essence of railway operations in the area. These images offer a glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing scenes that have long since vanished, leaving behind only faint traces of their former glory.

Our adventure begins by tracing the erstwhile North Wexford line, starting from the bustling streets of Waterford city and ascending through the picturesque towns of New Ross and Palace East. Our path eventually converges with the Dublin-Rosslare line at Macmine Junction, marking the beginning of a thrilling journey southward.

From Macmine Junction, we embark on a scenic route southward, passing through the charming villages of Wexford and continuing onto Rosslare Harbour. Along the way, we soak in the breathtaking landscapes, capturing the essence of rural Ireland's beauty. Before returning to Waterford, we take a detour along the South Wexford line, traversing Wellington Bridge and experiencing the historic significance of this bridge.

While both the North Wexford and South Wexford lines were inaugurated as through routes in 1906, their histories diverge significantly. The North Wexford line, initially a vital link, faced closure in 1963, marking the end of its passenger services. However, the section from Waterford to New Ross continued to serve as a freight route until 1995, thanks to the sugar beet loading facility at Wellington Bridge and the historical Rosslare-Cork passenger trains. Unfortunately, the demise of the domestic beet industry in 2006 and the subsequent cessation of passenger services in 2010 spelled the end of an era for the South Wexford line.

Today, the remnants of this railway heritage can be found only in the section from Dublin to Wexford and onward to Rosslare. This segment remains a vital link for passengers seeking to explore the scenic beauty of the region, offering a nostalgic journey through time.

RAILS THROUGH WEXFORD serves as a testament to the rich history and architectural marvels of the county's railway system. Through the lens of Barry Carse's photography and the narratives provided, we embark on a journey that transports us back to a bygone era, capturing the essence of a time when rail travel was a symbol of elegance and adventure.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 210 x 260 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780733814