Really enjoyed watching tjis stream! Having been on a 16 hour train journey with no dining or trolley service in 2023 somewhere in Europe... 3 hours seems like nothing!!!! I use this service to visit friends near Ballyhaunis
@@VMS-g1j i know. Can't believe i made such a daft mistake 🤷♂️ Happy to be corrected. This is definitely a "pedants welcome" channel 😀 Thanks so much for watching too 👍
Loved seeing this journey! Retired hubs and I (Americans) will take this Dublin to Westport train in the spring of 2025 to visit with his former colleagues and friends. Always get a bit anxious when looking for the right train in a station we’ve not yet been to - this was a great introduction. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it. and yes, even though I might be called a "seasoned traveller" I often view other people's UA-cam videos just so I'm not as anxious about a journey or the layout of a railway station or maybe the transfer from a plane to connecting bus/train/metro services. Incidentally, if you are flying into Dublin's main airport, then there are regular coaches that link you to the city centre which also drop off at the main railway stations. I hope you have a lovely time in Ireland. I've always really enjoyed my trips there.
What a lovely video 😊 I really hope the catering service comes back, makes us all not on the Cork/Dublin line feel like 2nd class citizens, as along with catering they also have 1st class and quiet carriages! Hope you enjoyed Westport it’s a lovely town.
@@lisainbookland i did enjoy my short trip to Westport and would love to return! It would be nice to see a trolley service reinstated on these long journeys. 🤷♂️ Thanks for watching 👍
The signalling, not just on the Mayo route, but almost all the IR network, has been centrally controlled from Dublin for about fifteen years. The old signal cabins are maintained because planning permission would be needed to remove them, indeed some may be "protected structures" (equivalent to "listed buildings"). It is fortunate that there is less vandalism in the West of Ireland, anywhere else these features would be covered in graffiti and eventually removed as eyesores. While Paddington Bear may be just sitting on a bench in Westport to promote his new movie, it is appropriate that this friendly bear chose Westport among some others, as Westport is a friendly place, one of the nicest towns in Ireland. The Railway line from Athlone to Westport, now commonly known as the Mayo branch, was known in Victorian times as "Lord Lucan's line". This ancestor of the disgraced 7th earl, was a large land owner around Castlebar, and the biggest investor in the company which built the line, officially and grandiosely known as the Great Northern and Western Railway. Many thanks for giving us this most enjoyable video.
@@thomasburke2683 thanks for all that. I for one would love to stay in one of those signal boxes if they could be repurposed. And yes, it was lovely to see Paddington in the beautiful town of Westport. Thanks again for that useful background information and for watching my video 👍
Another perfect video, Johnny . No matter the weather or the direction , you never fail. I think you will find the pubs of Westport very welcoming and the Guinness phenomenal. Slainte !
@@opagodaswirling9383 thanks so much. I'm not a big fan of Guinness tbf. The draught stuff just tastes like frothy mild to me. Mind you, there are some other excellent breweries in Ireland so I'm not spoilt for choice. I had an excellent meal in Westport. I would definitely like to return! Thanks so much for watching my stuff 👍
Horological interlude. Love it! It's been more years than I care to remember since I last visited Westport, so it was lovely to return on this journey.
@@Timstravels01 more Westport in the next video... thanks for having a laugh! As you know i like to pop a few things into the voiceover 😉 Thanks for coming along 👍
@@Irish780 thanks for that. I do think that this new covering is wearing extremely well. I've travelled in many of the 22000 units over the past few years and they all show consistently very little wear. I would love standard class seats like those on my line in South West England! Thanks so much for watching 👍
@@whatthehellcarrot2801 haha! I said i was coming back! Had a great week in Ireland, and will definitely return again. Still more to see and do! Thanks for watching too 👍
My father and grandfather both worked for the Inchicore Railway Works. My dad emigrated to the States in the late 50s, and I was grateful to make a third (long overdue) visit to Ireland last year to see some of my cousins in Inchicore. My grandfather worked for Guinness back in the day too, although he was fired for, I kid you not, punching a British policeman. Not sure which impresses me more, honestly, that he worked at Guinness or was fired from there for such a brave (/stupid?) act. He and my grandmother were (quietly, unofficially it seems, like many Irelanders were around the 1916 Uprising) part of the IRA, and my grandfather was eventually arrested and imprisoned at Kilmainham Jail around the same time as the Uprising. On a trip to Ireland in 1988, my dad showed me which cell my grandfather was in, but as he's now passed and I was only 13 at the time, Ive sadly forgotten which one it was. It was still wonderful to tour the old place again last fall. Anyway, grateful to you as always for all your wonderful videos, Johnny! We did the train to Galway from Dublin last year too, incidentally, and the bus we eventually took was for a tour that included the Cliffs of Moher, so that's my guess. Hope you enjoyed whatever you did!
Ah what lovely memories. Thank you so much for sharing them. Its really interesting. I'm always struck by how recent the uprising/war of independence is to our own lives. Best wishes to you from Devon, UK
Thank you again for another lovely adventure - went to Dublin earlier this year without leaving the city - always nice to see what more is there just a couple hours beyond, possibly for next time.
@@PeteG143 definitely go outside Dublin. It is a great city, but i prefer the rest of the country. If you want the city vibe away from Dublin then i recommend Cork.
Excellent Johnny. My dad who is from Mayo and is in his mid 80s is, believe it or not a subscriber and enjoys a lot your work. Hope we will be seeing you climb the famous Croagh Patrick in the next video! Great footage of Heuston btw, that spire on your left as you departed is the famous 17th century Royal hospital of kilmainham, home for military veterans for over two centuries. It predates the Royal hospital in chelsea and it's grounds used to cover where Heuston Station now lies. Well worth a visit
@@Manchesteru999 thanks for that extra information and thanks too to your Dad for subscribing and watching! I didn't have time for Croagh Patrick and it would not have been the best day to climb out the following day!
That's the Rosie Hackett Bridge at 00:19 - O'Connell Bridge is behind you in that shot... you're standing on it in the next shot! Enjoying the videos of Ireland.
@@peterbranigan1124 dammit! You are so right! My apologies for that, and thank you so much for pointing it out. Thanks too for the kind words and for coming along on the Ireland videos 👍
Paddington is popping up all over Ireland - and in the UK too I think - on benches. Promoting the new movie that's out next month: Paddington in Peru. Great and enjoyable video.
Ah yes - well I can report that the local kids (and me) think its a lovely, if surprising, thing to find in Westport. Thanks for the kind words and thanks too for watching 👍
@@Sim0nTrains Yes. I highly recommend Ireland, although the accommodation is expensive! Might go in the summer next time and take my tent! I'd def stay in one of the signal boxes though if they made them into holiday accommodation 😁
@@JohnnyHooverTravels that I can agree with about hotels/accommodation, they are expensive, the only reason I went to Ireland is that I found the right price at the right time, this year I had 3 nights in a Premier Inn in Dublin back in March and cost 120 Euros, which came to £101, I found that price in October 2023
Technicially Guinness isn't owned by Diageo, but rather Diageo is a merger between Guinness and Grand Metropolitian. The windowsills outside the old Booking Hall in Heuston are still covered in brass plates and I assume were where tickets were originally sold. But I would love to get a tour of the Inchicore Works, someday. I do like Westport. It was well laid out and not messed with in the years since.
I didn't spend too long showing Heuston as I have done that in previous videos - I must look out for the brass plated windowsills next time I'm there. And yes, Westport is definitely well laid out. Do they not have open days at Inchicore? I seem to recall they used to... Thanks so much for watching another video 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels I have seen some photos that look like that are from an Open Day. I will have to dig into that. Some of their buildings are quite elaborate.
Another excellent video Johnny. I have never travelled on the Westport line, but an interesting point is that Manulla Junction station is interchange only, passengers cannot enter or leave the station other than by train. When you travel on Avanti's 805s I think you will like them.
@@kevinellis8869 haha. It's buses for a couple of vids now so i can take in a few routes not covered by the train. Best wishes to you and thanks for watching 👍
Perhaps you should visit Westport again in the future and take Mrs. Hoover along for a Paddington photo :) It looks like a very jolly little town, we`re looking forward to the next video, thank you. Your sunlit photography was spot on, as always!
Lovely video and a very nice destination point in Westport. Looking forward to the next video to see how you got on there. It would be great if the signal boxes could be put back into use as you say as it help to keep them maintained.
@@shaneheff5244 i had a great walk down to the quay at sunset, which i will include in the next video. I do have a daydream about owning a holiday letting company that has converted hundreds of signal boxes into holiday homes for train fans!
The railway bridge in Athlone is called the "Athlone Railway Bridge"; Jeeze lads, I'd never have guessed that, tbh. (Great video, btw - loved it; greetings from the SSE (Sunny South East - but often Soggy South East) of Ireland - Wexford to be precise).
Lovely video as always Johnny. It's great to see the improvements which have been made to Heuston Station and to the trains in my lifetime. I regularly travelled on the western-bound trains when I was a student in the 1990s and remember how cold and draughty Heuston could be before they fitted all that glass. You could also easily tell the difference between the Galway and Westport-bound trains. Westport had nice trains with upholstered seats and automatic doors. Galway had older, somewhat rickety trains. I hope we get to see all those promised new train lines because, in hindsight, the decimation of our rail network was a colossal mistake.
@@snifferdog Yes, i think Ireland took the EU money and went hard for new roads. Maybe should have put a bit into the railway... Thanks for the kind words and thanks too for watching 👍
@JohnnyHooverTravels Recently the Irish government has set out a requirement for a 2:1 ratio of spending on public transport versus road. Lots of revived old lines and new ones are planned so hopefully we will see big improvements.
@@JohnnyHooverTravels indeed I know I haven’t mentioned this on my post but I am going to Malaga and Seville next month at the end of next month as part of my birthday weekend I’ll be 27 on the Wednesday of the 27 of November my mum will be with me too so I am not alone
Another fasinating journey Johnny packed full information and lovely scenery. Ireland looks beautiful and as a disabled person its great to see several accessable stations. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more from your travels in Ireland.
@@johnroberts2331 thanks John. Yes, got a few more edits in the works of my week in Ireland 🇮🇪 I agree it's nice to see better accessibility, although the trains are still not level boarding 🤷♂️
@@JohnnyHooverTravels great to hear! I look forward to seeing more from the Emerald (excuse spelling) Isle. I agree but it is no different to most trains (bar Greater Anglia I think) here in the UK as they are 90% not level boarding but we do amazing staff on our railways who help the disabled. I can't remember a terrible experience. Few hiccups at times but very few I must say. More stations here in the UK are becoming accessable thankfully. London has far to many. I was in Bodmin last week and they are arranged a taxi to get me to Liskeard to continue my journey back to my sisters in Barnstaple (Via Exeter SD). Staff were amazing.
Fabulous journey, really interesting looking at trains in Ireland. Actually really interesting and exciting looking at their long term plans and aspirations over the next few years throughout the island
Beautiful ride, many thanks. Definitely not spoiled by the sun, although your squinting threshold may disagree! Westport looks like a lovely place to traipse around. Highlights for details freaks like me include that wonderful Swiss clock moment at Heuston, and the fabulous water tower at Ballyhaunis. Cheers!
@@horsehollerer thanks. Worth putting in the clock moment, even if it was just for you and me 😉 Highly recommend Westport. I just scratched the surface in my short stay.
Thank you Johnny for another very interesting video jammed full of very diverse pieces of information! I particularly liked your starting the video with the memorial to the great famine of 1845-6.
@@Fan652w honestly the video does not do that memorial justice. It is really moving, coupled with the informative text nearby. So pleased that Ireland has come so far since those days. Thanks as ever for the kind words and for watching along 👍
Nice trip at a reasonable price. Irish Railways are missing a trick not having a drinks/snacks trolley on a 3 hour journey. I hope the pub you stayed at was good !
Yes it is a shame there was no trolley, but commenters have said that they are slowly coming back. My stay in Westport was lovely! Thanks so much for watching 👍
An interesting video. Westport is a lovely little town and one I've visited many times. I would have liked to see a little more of it and hear your opinion. PS I would have thought you'd be old enough to know how "ha'penny" is pronounced.
@@Ulysses1707 firstly, damn good point about ha'penny... oh boy... Wrt Westport. The following video when i leave Westport does include some time looking at the town and the waterfront A scenic bus ride through the Mayo and Galway countryside ua-cam.com/video/c7UKaxiSork/v-deo.html
Aw, thank you for such kind words. I do like the architecture of the railways (and architecture in general), so if you dip into more of the 150-odd videos on the channel you should see a lot more of that! Thank you so much for watching the video and subscribing to the channel 👍
Irish rail have recently introduced new carriages on the class 22000s. They are extremely smooth and quiet compared to the originals and have extra capacity too !
@@CharlieEdwards-b6i have they just slotted in an extra carriage, that does not have an underfloor engine? That would account for the quiet running? Anyway, thanks so much for watching 👍
I took this route in 2018. It was overcast. I sat next to a woman from Mexico. I stopped for a night in Tullamore where I had a waiter at the Bridge House who seemed exactly like the young priest in "Father Ted." My relatives had an Airbnb in Westport. We watched the Irish film, "Black 47," at the local theatre. Good times. I wish I had a vacation house in Ireland.
Interesting that you wish you had a place to go to. As I love to travel so much, I'd hate to be tied to one location for my travels, so that's almost a nightmare to me to have to maintain another house! But yes, Ireland is soooo beautiful that it is a lovely place to go. Thanks so much for watching the video. There's a whole playlist of Ireland trips to be found here: ua-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGbSpUAMdhzoGGFOBg-tpLlP.html
Beautiful trip - thank you so much for taking us along, Johnny! Should stop off in Tullamore and do a tour of the Tullamore Dew distillery (they also make the best Irish coffee)...
@@DarthFurball haha! I'm in two senses a bad tourist in Ireland as i like neither Guinness or whiskey! Although there are plenty of other breweries that keep my interest though, so do not shed a tear on my behalf. Thank you so much for coming along on this trip. More from Ireland in the weeks to come 👍
Thanks for sharing that vid. Westport is a lovely place and worth a visit. I have noticed that a lot of signal boxes on IE have been renovated with that green weatherboard cladding and look quite smart. The line does indeed stop at Westport but as you walk up the platform (in your vid at 14m 30 secs) you can just see, on the far rhs beyond the goods shed, a pile of logs; there is (autumn 2024) one timber train per week to Westport. I do find those 22000 class unit pretty uncomfortable but otherwise their performance seems pretty good. Shame you didn't get chance to get a look at Manulla Jn - crazy place as passengers can only change trains there (just like Smallbrook Jn on the IOW). With improvements to the M60 maybe a park and ride might have been possible.
@@rayob9131 thanks for that. All very interesting stuff! I'm holding onto the idea of visiting Manulla jnct as a good excuse to return! I wonder if they let you wait for the next train at Manulla jct. I'd love to get some shots of it when it is deserted. Thanks too for watching. It is very much appreciated 👍
It's useful to know that Tullamore station is fully accessible, as I have relatives there whom I hope to visit one day - and if I do, I feel a trip to Westport will be a must, as it looks delightful!
@@paulharvey9149 Yes. Westport is lovely and the quay (featured in the next video) is also great. Probably the nicest place i visited on this Ireland trip. Of course they make the station step free, but rarely is entry in to the train so easy 🤷♂️ Thanks so much for watching 👍
@@fintonmainz7845 I've got some stuff planned as i do have some Interrail time to use up! I will talk a bit more about Interrail when i next use the pass. Actually must do some planning this week for the new year! Best wishes and thanks for watching 👍
Nice video. I'm new to your channel, but I love trains and your channel has become my new favourite. My favourite train is probably Avanti West Coast. Do you know any updates on HS2 yet?
@@TheVigilantWarrior thanks, and welcome along to the channel. There's lots of videos to catch up on! If you fancy a challenge there's one playlist with all the videos in order of the dates i made the trips - you can watch me get better (or worse) as the videos progress! All videos in chronological order ua-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGYvh9laP5gL9x3kPfHZnS4x.html
@@funkrod pleased to hear it. Welcome along 👍 If you fancy a challenge, there's always this playlist All videos in chronological order ua-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGYvh9laP5gL9x3kPfHZnS4x.html But if it's specifically Ireland that you are interested in, then maybe this one would be more your thing Ireland ua-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGbSpUAMdhzoGGFOBg-tpLlP.html Either way, thanks so much for watching this one and for the kind words 👍
You missed a point about Manulla Junction. As table 240 of the European Railway Timetable tells us, it is ''A passenger transfer point only'. In other words you can change trains there, but you cannot start or finish a journey there. The only other EXTANT station I know which is 'only for changing trains' is Saglians in Switzerland. (ERT table 545.) I have never been Manulla, but I have changed trains at Saglians.
@@Fan652w now that IS interesting. I mean if the station has an exit how could they possibly stop you leaving? There's only so much you can say in the time of the video. Something i noticed of interest is that regular travellers didn't get out of the first train to arrive until the our train pulled in. Comfortable seat and a heated train out of the rain. Why would you move until the last minute? I'm off to look at that station on Google maps to see if there's any way of entering or leaving it!
@@JohnnyHooverTravels I do know that there is no passenger entry/exit at Saglians. You certainly cannot buy a ticket to Saglians, and I am sure that must also be the case for Manulla Junction.
Loved the video Johnny, and look forward to more of your Irish adventures. There is no public access to/from Manulla Jcn, so it's only accessible to the public by train
@@rogersexton7857 yep i looked for the station on the app and it isn't there. And on google there's a locked gate leading to the station with a sign saying "no access to the railway". Fascinating...
Michael Portillo stopped off at Manullla junction a few years ago for his Railway Journey series. He remarked that, even after the thousands of miles of rail he had covered, it was the first station he encountered that he could neither enter nor leave.
Excellent video as always Johnny!! Beautiful scenery!! Yes there is a lot of investment that irish rail are putting into the network including the reopening of the Rosslare to Waterford line and also into Rosslare Europort as they own the port too. Hope all is well, take care
@@peterdnreynolds777 well I suppose we await whether the strategic review ever becomes reality. However Rosslare is definitely on the go as that's the port i left from and they are in full swing with redevelopment. I understand they are going from three berths to six and bringing the customs into the port area. Apparently it is a Brexit benefit for the port as freight now flows directly to/from France without passing through the UK 🤷♂️
@@JohnnyHooverTravels yes is definitely is full swing of being redeveloped. Yes the majority of freight now comes direct from Europe compared to before brexit where the majority of freight came through the UK. I can remember waiting for the ferry at both Pembroke and Fishguard and at least 50 lorries coming off the ferry, the last time I went over on the Rosslare ferry from Fishguard in September, think there were a maximum of 20 trailers onboard.
Another fine video, Johnny….thank you! I appreciate the unpleasantness of shooting into the sun, but at least you were on the right side of the train to at catch a - albeit very brief - glance over to Mum’s family home in Co Offaly, as you sped west between Clara and Athlone. Interesting that you mentioned the possibility of reopening the line between Athlone and Mullingar; I was under the impression the rails had been lifted in readiness for converting the route into a “Greenway “ I always thought that when Cora’s Iompair Éireann (CIE, the Republic’s public transport operator) built the current Athlone station in the mid 1989s (1985/86?) on the Galway/Westport to Dublin Heuston line, hey we’re missing a trick. The DART has recently opened in Dublin, and a lot of commuters wanted a direct transfer onto the new service, travelling via Mullingar onto the Dublin to Sligo route, rather than having to catch the 90 “Feeder” bus between Heuston and Connolly stations
@@RoddyJenkins the lines mentioned feature in the strategic rail review. But like most reports, it doesn't happen unless the money follows www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/final-report-of-the-all-island-strategic-rail-review-31july2024.PDF
The trolley service did stop over Covid but it has restarted again! It was working on a couple train I’ve been on recently, maybe it just wasn’t run this time! Looked like a great journey broadly though! Got the weather for it
@@Almex228 ah. Thanks so much for that extra information. Much appreciated. Maybe they could turn them into overnight accommodation. I'd be up for that! Thanks so much for watching 👍
Thanks for the video. Very interesting. I have been researching this route because I want to see where my ancestors came from. Castlebar is in fact the nearest station and then there is a bus journey. However there are only three buses a day to the village where my ancestors came from. Certain bus routes in rural areas in Ireland really are threadbare. 😮
You are very welcome. and yes, buses do get thinner on the ground as it gets more rural. I suppose my only advice is to plan your day around those buses or ask/email tourist information at Castlebar about other options like taxi firms. Thanks for watching too 👍
@@trottiscliffe actually it is kind of a coincidence. We both talked about visiting Ireland when we were chatting recently, but we didn't coordinate the journeys at all! I actually did do a trip to Sligo too, but i will hold off on releasing that one for a while to leave some space!
There are parts of Ireland that are so reminiscent of rural England (before the influx of retail parks!) - I never feel like I'm "abroad" when I go there.
I actually almost did this trip 30 years ago, except that I stepped on my train in Galway and switched two times before reaching Ballina. I shared seat with an old man from Achill Island Had a nice chat he tried to convince me to his home area He also mentioned that many Germans visited the area due to a book written by Heinrich Böll
I did travel on this line last february between Clara and Roscommon as I was staying in Athlone as a base and wanted to explore around. Our train from Clara to Roscommon was late because of a freight train held it up, but all the other trains I took to and from.Athlone worked just fine.
@@JohnnyHooverTravels if you happen to visit again the area of Athlone, make sure not to miss the Clonmacnoise monastery ruins (I saw them last February), and a walk to the Lough Rea Shore in Athlone. Roscommon is also worth a visit too
I second that. Roscommon is a beautiful county with so much to offer. The county town Roscommon is also a little gem. Small but perfectly formed and has lovely places to eat and drink. Also plenty of history with Roscommon Castle, Roscommon Abbey and the Old Gaol (Jail)
Nice one Johnny, Westport looks great. Paddington on a bench is 1 of 23 scenic locations across UK & Ireland where you'll see him, it's to promote the "Paddington in Peru" film !! :)
So I hear! I can report the kids in Westport were loving him... mind you the filling in the sandwich looked more like thick mustard than marmalade! Of course, thanks for watching too 👍
Super video! You have encouraged me to take this rail trip however I will have to take the train down from Belfast first. Can you tell me how long the walk is from Westport railway station into Westport? Many thanks
Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated! Maybe you could make the journey part of a round robin if you throw in a few bus rides aswell? The walk's 10-15 mins
I've taken this train a couple of times to one of my very favourite places in the world- Foxford/Ballina Co. Mayo; I was surprised on leaving Heuston station there was no buffet but no problem, I thought- I'll get something at Manulla Junction. Err-no. Manulla Junction is a real tumbleweed platform, suitable as an opening scene for 'For a few dollars more'
Paddington is there because there’s new Paddington film being released in a couple of week’s time. There’s a couple of dozen of them in the U.K. and Ireland.
@@Dreyno indeed. I did read about it shortly after returning. He was very popular with the kids when i was there. I waited quite a long time before i could get that shot of him by himself. Thanks so much for watching too 👍
There's only one in Ireland. They wanted to put four, north and south, but wanted €77k each. No council took up the offer so they gave one to westport.
@@colinclarke3730 the I'm so pleased i bumped into it! The local kids were so loving it, but i don't think a council would want to fork out €77k for it! After all, as it turned out it is marketing a film, so i do think the film company should be footing the bill anyway.
Iarnród Éireann used to have a trolley service serving "Barry" Tea before the pandemic Three hours on a train and no refreshments is borderline cruel and unusual punishment. LOL I hope they bring back refreshments for at least part of the journey because they must make something on a captive audience.
@@annfrancoole34what's wrong with giving people the option? No one is forcing you to buy from the trolley, but ofhers (like me) might still be inclined 🤷
My Paddington Bear is my best friend, since I paid his ransom after we met on the supermarket shelves and we have been together ever since, we fall asleep and wake up in each other’s arms 😍😍😍
Correction - The Halfpenny Bridge was cast at Coalbrookdale, Shropshire using iron ore from Co. Leitrim. Also Coalbrookdale us where the World's first ever iron bridge was cast in 1779 and still stands today, in Ironbridge, Shropshire.
@@kevinceltic5549 not quite sure what you are correcting here. I referred to "Shropshire cast iron" in the voiceover. So the iron was most definitely cast in Shropshire 🤷♂️ Btw, i have been to Ironbridge and it is indeed a fascinating place with all its industrial history 👍
The peat bogs have already started to show recovery since commercial turf cutting was stopped, although will take many decades to function fully as Carbon capture as they did centuries ago. Hope the power cable to France gets signed off to ease reliance on Gas (mostly imported from UK and Norway), Hydro, wind and electricity imports from UK, currency fluctuations must be a headache for the ESB now all turf burning power stations closed or scheduled to shortly.
@@tonys1636 thanks for that. We do need them back doing their thing if we've any chance to stop or even reverse the climate change. Nevertheless it was interesting to see from the train some idea of the sheer scale of these bogs and the associated commercial workings. Thanks for that, and thanks too for watching 👍
Other postings have shown the difference in the price of tickets between the train from Dublin to Belfast and the same journey in reverse. This may suggest that Irish fares are subsidised, much more in the south than in the north.
@@Battismore-Blue Yes, i think they are reasonable. But of course it is the distance rather than the time, as another person on this thread points out! Thanks so much for watching 👍
Beware Calatrava. He has cost his municipal clients much more than the price of the buildings and professional fees. PS Great plan work in your latest posting. Object lesson to others.
@@tomcarr1358 well yes, i must admit Calatrava is definitely the expensive option. But i do like visiting the work and seeing it (safe in the knowledge i didn't pay for it or have to maintain it!) Thanks too for the kind words and for watching 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels we were in Oviedo a few years ago. Calatrava’s project there is amazing but somewhat lacking in utility. As I may have said before incidental comments are a welcome leavening to the usual agenda of WC statistics and lack of luggage space which Lumo did not think about in a service attractive for students. More on carriage ride engine noise and general ambiance would be welcome.
While I love his station in Liège, his type of architecture is not the most adapted to rainy northern Europe, I'm afraid. Those glass tiles he's so fond of are slipping hazards, the white concrete and steal demands a lot of maintenance which has never been a forte of SNCB, unfortunately, not to mention there's virtually no cover against the elements under that big open canopy, and there's hardly any seating. Beautiful, not practical. Worse, if a train door is at the height of the support beams, you can't put out a ramp for wheelchair users...
Really enjoyed watching tjis stream! Having been on a 16 hour train journey with no dining or trolley service in 2023 somewhere in Europe... 3 hours seems like nothing!!!! I use this service to visit friends near Ballyhaunis
Thanks! and thanks too for watching 👍
That metal foot bridge across the Liffey is pronounced the “Heypenny” bridge = half a penny to cross it back in the day 😂
@@VMS-g1j i know. Can't believe i made such a daft mistake 🤷♂️
Happy to be corrected. This is definitely a "pedants welcome" channel 😀
Thanks so much for watching too 👍
Loved seeing this journey! Retired hubs and I (Americans) will take this Dublin to Westport train in the spring of 2025 to visit with his former colleagues and friends. Always get a bit anxious when looking for the right train in a station we’ve not yet been to - this was a great introduction. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it. and yes, even though I might be called a "seasoned traveller" I often view other people's UA-cam videos just so I'm not as anxious about a journey or the layout of a railway station or maybe the transfer from a plane to connecting bus/train/metro services.
Incidentally, if you are flying into Dublin's main airport, then there are regular coaches that link you to the city centre which also drop off at the main railway stations.
I hope you have a lovely time in Ireland. I've always really enjoyed my trips there.
What a lovely video 😊 I really hope the catering service comes back, makes us all not on the Cork/Dublin line feel like 2nd class citizens, as along with catering they also have 1st class and quiet carriages! Hope you enjoyed Westport it’s a lovely town.
@@lisainbookland i did enjoy my short trip to Westport and would love to return!
It would be nice to see a trolley service reinstated on these long journeys. 🤷♂️
Thanks for watching 👍
Beautiful video clip; thanks a million for posting!
@@mdmd-md-p5y you are very welcome. Lots more on the channel 😀
The signalling, not just on the Mayo route, but almost all the IR network, has been centrally controlled from Dublin for about fifteen years. The old signal cabins are maintained because planning permission would be needed to remove them, indeed some may be "protected structures" (equivalent to "listed buildings"). It is fortunate that there is less vandalism in the West of Ireland, anywhere else these features would be covered in graffiti and eventually removed as eyesores.
While Paddington Bear may be just sitting on a bench in Westport to promote his new movie, it is appropriate that this friendly bear chose Westport among some others, as Westport is a friendly place, one of the nicest towns in Ireland.
The Railway line from Athlone to Westport, now commonly known as the Mayo branch, was known in Victorian times as "Lord Lucan's line". This ancestor of the disgraced 7th earl, was a large land owner around Castlebar, and the biggest investor in the company which built the line, officially and grandiosely known as the Great Northern and Western Railway.
Many thanks for giving us this most enjoyable video.
@@thomasburke2683 thanks for all that. I for one would love to stay in one of those signal boxes if they could be repurposed. And yes, it was lovely to see Paddington in the beautiful town of Westport.
Thanks again for that useful background information and for watching my video 👍
Another perfect video, Johnny . No matter the weather or the direction , you never fail. I think you will find the pubs of Westport very welcoming and the Guinness phenomenal. Slainte !
@@opagodaswirling9383 thanks so much. I'm not a big fan of Guinness tbf. The draught stuff just tastes like frothy mild to me. Mind you, there are some other excellent breweries in Ireland so I'm not spoilt for choice. I had an excellent meal in Westport. I would definitely like to return!
Thanks so much for watching my stuff 👍
Horological interlude. Love it! It's been more years than I care to remember since I last visited Westport, so it was lovely to return on this journey.
@@Timstravels01 more Westport in the next video... thanks for having a laugh! As you know i like to pop a few things into the voiceover 😉
Thanks for coming along 👍
Enjoying your trip just a mention them seats got a recover they used to be blue
@@Irish780 thanks for that. I do think that this new covering is wearing extremely well. I've travelled in many of the 22000 units over the past few years and they all show consistently very little wear. I would love standard class seats like those on my line in South West England!
Thanks so much for watching 👍
U finally came back!!!!! It's about time. You should do more vids in Ireland
@@whatthehellcarrot2801 haha! I said i was coming back! Had a great week in Ireland, and will definitely return again. Still more to see and do!
Thanks for watching too 👍
Another good video under sunny skies. You and Mark S are both riding the rails and hopping on the buses in Ireland. 👍
@@sandiandgregh indeed we are, although he was there a bit before me, so our paths did not cross this time.
Best wishes to you 👍
My father and grandfather both worked for the Inchicore Railway Works. My dad emigrated to the States in the late 50s, and I was grateful to make a third (long overdue) visit to Ireland last year to see some of my cousins in Inchicore. My grandfather worked for Guinness back in the day too, although he was fired for, I kid you not, punching a British policeman. Not sure which impresses me more, honestly, that he worked at Guinness or was fired from there for such a brave (/stupid?) act. He and my grandmother were (quietly, unofficially it seems, like many Irelanders were around the 1916 Uprising) part of the IRA, and my grandfather was eventually arrested and imprisoned at Kilmainham Jail around the same time as the Uprising. On a trip to Ireland in 1988, my dad showed me which cell my grandfather was in, but as he's now passed and I was only 13 at the time, Ive sadly forgotten which one it was. It was still wonderful to tour the old place again last fall. Anyway, grateful to you as always for all your wonderful videos, Johnny! We did the train to Galway from Dublin last year too, incidentally, and the bus we eventually took was for a tour that included the Cliffs of Moher, so that's my guess. Hope you enjoyed whatever you did!
Ah what lovely memories. Thank you so much for sharing them. Its really interesting. I'm always struck by how recent the uprising/war of independence is to our own lives.
Best wishes to you from Devon, UK
Thank you again for another lovely adventure - went to Dublin earlier this year without leaving the city - always nice to see what more is there just a couple hours beyond, possibly for next time.
@@PeteG143 definitely go outside Dublin. It is a great city, but i prefer the rest of the country. If you want the city vibe away from Dublin then i recommend Cork.
Cork city is very small, more townlike.
@@jameskeogh948 haha. You may have a point although it is still twice the size of my home city of Exeter 😁
Excellent Johnny. My dad who is from Mayo and is in his mid 80s is, believe it or not a subscriber and enjoys a lot your work. Hope we will be seeing you climb the famous Croagh Patrick in the next video! Great footage of Heuston btw, that spire on your left as you departed is the famous 17th century Royal hospital of kilmainham, home for military veterans for over two centuries. It predates the Royal hospital in chelsea and it's grounds used to cover where Heuston Station now lies. Well worth a visit
@@Manchesteru999 thanks for that extra information and thanks too to your Dad for subscribing and watching!
I didn't have time for Croagh Patrick and it would not have been the best day to climb out the following day!
A great presentation. Thanks a million 😊👌👌😀
You are very welcome. Thank you so much for watching 👍
Some fabulous sights and views on the spur line to Ballina that you missed…
I'm tempted to return - if only so I can change trains at the quirky station at Manulla Jnct!
Thanks so much for watching 👍
That's the Rosie Hackett Bridge at 00:19 - O'Connell Bridge is behind you in that shot... you're standing on it in the next shot! Enjoying the videos of Ireland.
@@peterbranigan1124 dammit! You are so right! My apologies for that, and thank you so much for pointing it out.
Thanks too for the kind words and for coming along on the Ireland videos 👍
Paddington is popping up all over Ireland - and in the UK too I think - on benches. Promoting the new movie that's out next month: Paddington in Peru. Great and enjoyable video.
Ah yes - well I can report that the local kids (and me) think its a lovely, if surprising, thing to find in Westport.
Thanks for the kind words and thanks too for watching 👍
Really some lovely signal boxes on this route and enjoyed the disused turntable. Ireland Railways are just lovely. Great video
@@Sim0nTrains Yes. I highly recommend Ireland, although the accommodation is expensive! Might go in the summer next time and take my tent!
I'd def stay in one of the signal boxes though if they made them into holiday accommodation 😁
@@JohnnyHooverTravels that I can agree with about hotels/accommodation, they are expensive, the only reason I went to Ireland is that I found the right price at the right time, this year I had 3 nights in a Premier Inn in Dublin back in March and cost 120 Euros, which came to £101, I found that price in October 2023
@@Sim0nTrains i must keep an eye on that. Good shout!
Technicially Guinness isn't owned by Diageo, but rather Diageo is a merger between Guinness and Grand Metropolitian.
The windowsills outside the old Booking Hall in Heuston are still covered in brass plates and I assume were where tickets were originally sold.
But I would love to get a tour of the Inchicore Works, someday.
I do like Westport. It was well laid out and not messed with in the years since.
I didn't spend too long showing Heuston as I have done that in previous videos - I must look out for the brass plated windowsills next time I'm there.
And yes, Westport is definitely well laid out.
Do they not have open days at Inchicore? I seem to recall they used to...
Thanks so much for watching another video 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels I have seen some photos that look like that are from an Open Day. I will have to dig into that. Some of their buildings are quite elaborate.
@ i should like to time a return to Dublin to match with an open day too! 👍
Another excellent video Johnny. I have never travelled on the Westport line, but an interesting point is that Manulla Junction station is interchange only, passengers cannot enter or leave the station other than by train. When you travel on Avanti's 805s I think you will like them.
Yes, that one thing makes me tempted to go back and change there. I've said it before, I do like "quirky" 😀
Lovely trip, taking us to places we wouldn't often see.
Looking forward to seeing what more mischief you get up to in Ireland :)
@@kevinellis8869 haha. It's buses for a couple of vids now so i can take in a few routes not covered by the train.
Best wishes to you and thanks for watching 👍
Perhaps you should visit Westport again in the future and take Mrs. Hoover along for a Paddington photo :) It looks like a very jolly little town, we`re looking forward to the next video, thank you. Your sunlit photography was spot on, as always!
@@ampersand. thanks. Yes, i showed Mrs H Westport and said that it was lovely. We'll see. She does prefer a hot sunny beach in the med tbh...
Lovely video and a very nice destination point in Westport. Looking forward to the next video to see how you got on there. It would be great if the signal boxes could be put back into use as you say as it help to keep them maintained.
@@shaneheff5244 i had a great walk down to the quay at sunset, which i will include in the next video.
I do have a daydream about owning a holiday letting company that has converted hundreds of signal boxes into holiday homes for train fans!
The railway bridge in Athlone is called the "Athlone Railway Bridge";
Jeeze lads, I'd never have guessed that, tbh.
(Great video, btw - loved it;
greetings from the SSE (Sunny South East - but often Soggy South East) of Ireland - Wexford to be precise).
@@ericdunn555 thanks! I love Wexford and should return.
Thanks too for watching 👍
Lovely video as always Johnny. It's great to see the improvements which have been made to Heuston Station and to the trains in my lifetime. I regularly travelled on the western-bound trains when I was a student in the 1990s and remember how cold and draughty Heuston could be before they fitted all that glass. You could also easily tell the difference between the Galway and Westport-bound trains. Westport had nice trains with upholstered seats and automatic doors. Galway had older, somewhat rickety trains. I hope we get to see all those promised new train lines because, in hindsight, the decimation of our rail network was a colossal mistake.
@@snifferdog Yes, i think Ireland took the EU money and went hard for new roads. Maybe should have put a bit into the railway...
Thanks for the kind words and thanks too for watching 👍
@JohnnyHooverTravels Recently the Irish government has set out a requirement for a 2:1 ratio of spending on public transport versus road. Lots of revived old lines and new ones are planned so hopefully we will see big improvements.
Fantastic Trip Report and Commentary Johnny!😃.
@@trainsinireland5063 thanks so much. And thanks too for watching 👍
Nice to see you back in Ireland 😊
@@Luce306 Yes! I was back for a week and it was lovely. Best wishes to you for your adventures 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels indeed I know I haven’t mentioned this on my post but I am going to Malaga and Seville next month at the end of next month as part of my birthday weekend I’ll be 27 on the Wednesday of the 27 of November my mum will be with me too so I am not alone
Another fasinating journey Johnny packed full information and lovely scenery. Ireland looks beautiful and as a disabled person its great to see several accessable stations. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more from your travels in Ireland.
@@johnroberts2331 thanks John. Yes, got a few more edits in the works of my week in Ireland 🇮🇪
I agree it's nice to see better accessibility, although the trains are still not level boarding 🤷♂️
@@JohnnyHooverTravels great to hear! I look forward to seeing more from the Emerald (excuse spelling) Isle. I agree but it is no different to most trains (bar Greater Anglia I think) here in the UK as they are 90% not level boarding but we do amazing staff on our railways who help the disabled. I can't remember a terrible experience. Few hiccups at times but very few I must say. More stations here in the UK are becoming accessable thankfully. London has far to many. I was in Bodmin last week and they are arranged a taxi to get me to Liskeard to continue my journey back to my sisters in Barnstaple (Via Exeter SD). Staff were amazing.
Fabulous journey, really interesting looking at trains in Ireland. Actually really interesting and exciting looking at their long term plans and aspirations over the next few years throughout the island
@@walterfillingham Yes, they have the strategic rail review. Let's see if any of it gets delivered in my lifetime!
Best wishes to you 👍
Beautiful ride, many thanks. Definitely not spoiled by the sun, although your squinting threshold may disagree! Westport looks like a lovely place to traipse around. Highlights for details freaks like me include that wonderful Swiss clock moment at Heuston, and the fabulous water tower at Ballyhaunis. Cheers!
@@horsehollerer thanks. Worth putting in the clock moment, even if it was just for you and me 😉
Highly recommend Westport. I just scratched the surface in my short stay.
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Ha, I'm spending a couple of days on trains and boats in Switzerland next month, and the clock got me pumped for it!
@@horsehollerer as the winter comes, I'm seriously thinking of making some snowy videos in Switzerland!
Thank you Johnny for another very interesting video jammed full of very diverse pieces of information! I particularly liked your starting the video with the memorial to the great famine of 1845-6.
@@Fan652w honestly the video does not do that memorial justice. It is really moving, coupled with the informative text nearby. So pleased that Ireland has come so far since those days.
Thanks as ever for the kind words and for watching along 👍
Nice trip at a reasonable price. Irish Railways are missing a trick not having a drinks/snacks trolley on a 3 hour journey. I hope the pub you stayed at was good !
Yes it is a shame there was no trolley, but commenters have said that they are slowly coming back. My stay in Westport was lovely!
Thanks so much for watching 👍
An interesting video. Westport is a lovely little town and one I've visited many times. I would have liked to see a little more of it and hear your opinion. PS I would have thought you'd be old enough to know how "ha'penny" is pronounced.
@@Ulysses1707 firstly, damn good point about ha'penny... oh boy...
Wrt Westport. The following video when i leave Westport does include some time looking at the town and the waterfront
A scenic bus ride through the Mayo and Galway countryside
ua-cam.com/video/c7UKaxiSork/v-deo.html
Thanks for your informed pretour to Heuston - and your knowledge of archetecture - you have an eye for beauty ! - a new subscribor !
Aw, thank you for such kind words. I do like the architecture of the railways (and architecture in general), so if you dip into more of the 150-odd videos on the channel you should see a lot more of that!
Thank you so much for watching the video and subscribing to the channel 👍
Irish rail have recently introduced new carriages on the class 22000s. They are extremely smooth and quiet compared to the originals and have extra capacity too !
@@CharlieEdwards-b6i have they just slotted in an extra carriage, that does not have an underfloor engine? That would account for the quiet running?
Anyway, thanks so much for watching 👍
I took this route in 2018. It was overcast. I sat next to a woman from Mexico. I stopped for a night in Tullamore where I had a waiter at the Bridge House who seemed exactly like the young priest in "Father Ted." My relatives had an Airbnb in Westport. We watched the Irish film, "Black 47," at the local theatre. Good times. I wish I had a vacation house in Ireland.
Interesting that you wish you had a place to go to. As I love to travel so much, I'd hate to be tied to one location for my travels, so that's almost a nightmare to me to have to maintain another house! But yes, Ireland is soooo beautiful that it is a lovely place to go.
Thanks so much for watching the video. There's a whole playlist of Ireland trips to be found here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGbSpUAMdhzoGGFOBg-tpLlP.html
Video was very very beautiful and waiting for your next interested video ❤️
@@trailwayt9H337 thanks. More from Ireland next week!
Beautiful trip - thank you so much for taking us along, Johnny! Should stop off in Tullamore and do a tour of the Tullamore Dew distillery (they also make the best Irish coffee)...
@@DarthFurball haha! I'm in two senses a bad tourist in Ireland as i like neither Guinness or whiskey! Although there are plenty of other breweries that keep my interest though, so do not shed a tear on my behalf.
Thank you so much for coming along on this trip. More from Ireland in the weeks to come 👍
Nice video. I know this line well as I’ve travelled it many times going to visit family in Mayo.
@@irishrailways22000 thanks! And thanks too for watching 👍
Thank you for coming to Westport and I hope yoou enjoyed your stay
@@michaelmcging9627 Westport was lovely. I really enjoyed it and would love to return next time I'm in Ireland 🇮🇪
Thanks so much for watching 👍
Thanks for sharing that vid. Westport is a lovely place and worth a visit. I have noticed that a lot of signal boxes on IE have been renovated with that green weatherboard cladding and look quite smart. The line does indeed stop at Westport but as you walk up the platform (in your vid at 14m 30 secs) you can just see, on the far rhs beyond the goods shed, a pile of logs; there is (autumn 2024) one timber train per week to Westport. I do find those 22000 class unit pretty uncomfortable but otherwise their performance seems pretty good. Shame you didn't get chance to get a look at Manulla Jn - crazy place as passengers can only change trains there (just like Smallbrook Jn on the IOW). With improvements to the M60 maybe a park and ride might have been possible.
@@rayob9131 thanks for that. All very interesting stuff! I'm holding onto the idea of visiting Manulla jnct as a good excuse to return! I wonder if they let you wait for the next train at Manulla jct. I'd love to get some shots of it when it is deserted.
Thanks too for watching. It is very much appreciated 👍
Superb video as always
@@adrianbenn7250 thanks, that's very kind. And thank you for watching 👍
It's useful to know that Tullamore station is fully accessible, as I have relatives there whom I hope to visit one day - and if I do, I feel a trip to Westport will be a must, as it looks delightful!
@@paulharvey9149 Yes. Westport is lovely and the quay (featured in the next video) is also great. Probably the nicest place i visited on this Ireland trip.
Of course they make the station step free, but rarely is entry in to the train so easy 🤷♂️
Thanks so much for watching 👍
Excellent.
I'd love to see a video about Interrail reavel in Europe (hint hint)
@@fintonmainz7845 I've got some stuff planned as i do have some Interrail time to use up!
I will talk a bit more about Interrail when i next use the pass. Actually must do some planning this week for the new year!
Best wishes and thanks for watching 👍
Nice video. I'm new to your channel, but I love trains and your channel has become my new favourite. My favourite train is probably Avanti West Coast. Do you know any updates on HS2 yet?
@@TheVigilantWarrior thanks, and welcome along to the channel. There's lots of videos to catch up on! If you fancy a challenge there's one playlist with all the videos in order of the dates i made the trips - you can watch me get better (or worse) as the videos progress!
All videos in chronological order
ua-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGYvh9laP5gL9x3kPfHZnS4x.html
Lovely stuff Johnny. you have a new subscriber
@@funkrod pleased to hear it. Welcome along 👍
If you fancy a challenge, there's always this playlist
All videos in chronological order
ua-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGYvh9laP5gL9x3kPfHZnS4x.html
But if it's specifically Ireland that you are interested in, then maybe this one would be more your thing
Ireland
ua-cam.com/play/PLXk1cIVnitGbSpUAMdhzoGGFOBg-tpLlP.html
Either way, thanks so much for watching this one and for the kind words 👍
You missed a point about Manulla Junction. As table 240 of the European Railway Timetable tells us, it is ''A passenger transfer point only'. In other words you can change trains there, but you cannot start or finish a journey there. The only other EXTANT station I know which is 'only for changing trains' is Saglians in Switzerland. (ERT table 545.) I have never been Manulla, but I have changed trains at Saglians.
@@Fan652w now that IS interesting. I mean if the station has an exit how could they possibly stop you leaving?
There's only so much you can say in the time of the video. Something i noticed of interest is that regular travellers didn't get out of the first train to arrive until the our train pulled in. Comfortable seat and a heated train out of the rain. Why would you move until the last minute?
I'm off to look at that station on Google maps to see if there's any way of entering or leaving it!
@@JohnnyHooverTravels I do know that there is no passenger entry/exit at Saglians. You certainly cannot buy a ticket to Saglians, and I am sure that must also be the case for Manulla Junction.
Loved the video Johnny, and look forward to more of your Irish adventures.
There is no public access to/from Manulla Jcn, so it's only accessible to the public by train
@@rogersexton7857 yep i looked for the station on the app and it isn't there. And on google there's a locked gate leading to the station with a sign saying "no access to the railway". Fascinating...
Michael Portillo stopped off at Manullla junction a few years ago for his Railway Journey series. He remarked that, even after the thousands of miles of rail he had covered, it was the first station he encountered that he could neither enter nor leave.
Excellent video as always Johnny!! Beautiful scenery!!
Yes there is a lot of investment that irish rail are putting into the network including the reopening of the Rosslare to Waterford line and also into Rosslare Europort as they own the port too.
Hope all is well, take care
@@peterdnreynolds777 well I suppose we await whether the strategic review ever becomes reality. However Rosslare is definitely on the go as that's the port i left from and they are in full swing with redevelopment. I understand they are going from three berths to six and bringing the customs into the port area. Apparently it is a Brexit benefit for the port as freight now flows directly to/from France without passing through the UK 🤷♂️
@@JohnnyHooverTravels yes is definitely is full swing of being redeveloped. Yes the majority of freight now comes direct from Europe compared to before brexit where the majority of freight came through the UK. I can remember waiting for the ferry at both Pembroke and Fishguard and at least 50 lorries coming off the ferry, the last time I went over on the Rosslare ferry from Fishguard in September, think there were a maximum of 20 trailers onboard.
Another fine video, Johnny….thank you! I appreciate the unpleasantness of shooting into the sun, but at least you were on the right side of the train to at catch a - albeit very brief - glance over to Mum’s family home in Co Offaly, as you sped west between Clara and Athlone.
Interesting that you mentioned the possibility of reopening the line between Athlone and Mullingar; I was under the impression the rails had been lifted in readiness for converting the route into a “Greenway “ I always thought that when Cora’s Iompair Éireann (CIE, the Republic’s public transport operator) built the current Athlone station in the mid 1989s (1985/86?) on the Galway/Westport to Dublin Heuston line, hey we’re missing a trick. The DART has recently opened in Dublin, and a lot of commuters wanted a direct transfer onto the new service, travelling via Mullingar onto the Dublin to Sligo route, rather than having to catch the 90 “Feeder” bus between Heuston and Connolly stations
@@RoddyJenkins the lines mentioned feature in the strategic rail review. But like most reports, it doesn't happen unless the money follows
www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/final-report-of-the-all-island-strategic-rail-review-31july2024.PDF
Bus next? I'm guessing you're going to Achill and perhaps exploring the story of the old Achill railway.
@@markwringe2826 haha! Not quite. But a lovely day out in Mayo and Galway nevertheless... including the fjord!
The trolley service did stop over Covid but it has restarted again! It was working on a couple train I’ve been on recently, maybe it just wasn’t run this time! Looked like a great journey broadly though! Got the weather for it
That's good to hear. I shall look out for it, next time I'm in Ireland.
Thanks so much for watching 👍
Despite the presence of the various fine looking signal boxes that you passed the signals are actually controlled from a central location.
@@Almex228 ah. Thanks so much for that extra information. Much appreciated.
Maybe they could turn them into overnight accommodation. I'd be up for that!
Thanks so much for watching 👍
Thanks for the video. Very interesting. I have been researching this route because I want to see where my ancestors came from. Castlebar is in fact the nearest station and then there is a bus journey. However there are only three buses a day to the village where my ancestors came from. Certain bus routes in rural areas in Ireland really are threadbare. 😮
You are very welcome. and yes, buses do get thinner on the ground as it gets more rural. I suppose my only advice is to plan your day around those buses or ask/email tourist information at Castlebar about other options like taxi firms.
Thanks for watching too 👍
I am sure it's no coincidence that LMAT went to Sligo about the same time haha
@@trottiscliffe actually it is kind of a coincidence. We both talked about visiting Ireland when we were chatting recently, but we didn't coordinate the journeys at all!
I actually did do a trip to Sligo too, but i will hold off on releasing that one for a while to leave some space!
There are parts of Ireland that are so reminiscent of rural England (before the influx of retail parks!) - I never feel like I'm "abroad" when I go there.
@@stevecooksley it is a very welcoming country. I enjoy every trip.
Thanks so much for watching 👍
For me, it’s crazy to think that you were in Houston station an hour ago. I hope you enjoy your time in Westport.
@@JoshuaBitini-w7u haha! It was a week and a half ago! But yes, i loved Westport .
Thanks so much for watching 👍
I actually almost did this trip 30 years ago, except that I stepped on my train in Galway and switched two times before reaching Ballina. I shared seat with an old man from Achill Island
Had a nice chat he tried to convince me to his home area
He also mentioned that many Germans visited the area due to a book written by Heinrich Böll
@@Kulla1berg i suspect much has changed and yet much remains the same!
Thanks for watching 👍
I did travel on this line last february between Clara and Roscommon as I was staying in Athlone as a base and wanted to explore around.
Our train from Clara to Roscommon was late because of a freight train held it up, but all the other trains I took to and from.Athlone worked just fine.
@@enricomonti156 good to hear. It is a lovely part of the world for sure. And thanks so much for watching 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels if you happen to visit again the area of Athlone, make sure not to miss the Clonmacnoise monastery ruins (I saw them last February), and a walk to the Lough Rea Shore in Athlone. Roscommon is also worth a visit too
I second that. Roscommon is a beautiful county with so much to offer. The county town Roscommon is also a little gem. Small but perfectly formed and has lovely places to eat and drink. Also plenty of history with Roscommon Castle, Roscommon Abbey and the Old Gaol (Jail)
Enjoyable video
@@SlogOnTheTyne thanks! And thanks for watching 👍
Nice one Johnny, Westport looks great. Paddington on a bench is 1 of 23 scenic locations across UK & Ireland where you'll see him, it's to promote the "Paddington in Peru" film !! :)
So I hear! I can report the kids in Westport were loving him... mind you the filling in the sandwich looked more like thick mustard than marmalade!
Of course, thanks for watching too 👍
Super video! You have encouraged me to take this rail trip however I will have to take the train down from Belfast first. Can you tell me how long the walk is from Westport railway station into Westport? Many thanks
15 minutes will bring you to town centre and you will have passed some sights that are worth a stop along the way
Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated!
Maybe you could make the journey part of a round robin if you throw in a few bus rides aswell?
The walk's 10-15 mins
Great Video Johnny
@@paulgibsonphotography cheers Paul 👍
I've taken this train a couple of times to one of my very favourite places in the world- Foxford/Ballina Co. Mayo; I was surprised on leaving Heuston station there was no buffet but no problem, I thought- I'll get something at Manulla Junction. Err-no. Manulla Junction is a real tumbleweed platform, suitable as an opening scene for 'For a few dollars more'
@@tomjones7593 Yes. Everybody tells me about Manulla Jct. i really must return!
Thanks so much for watching. It is very much appreciated 👍
Paddington is there because there’s new Paddington film being released in a couple of week’s time. There’s a couple of dozen of them in the U.K. and Ireland.
@@Dreyno indeed. I did read about it shortly after returning. He was very popular with the kids when i was there. I waited quite a long time before i could get that shot of him by himself.
Thanks so much for watching too 👍
There's only one in Ireland. They wanted to put four, north and south, but wanted €77k each. No council took up the offer so they gave one to westport.
@@colinclarke3730 the I'm so pleased i bumped into it! The local kids were so loving it, but i don't think a council would want to fork out €77k for it! After all, as it turned out it is marketing a film, so i do think the film company should be footing the bill anyway.
You walked in front of my geography teacher there.
@@UKMDI really? Small world eh!
Thanks for watching (apparently quite closely) 😉
@@JohnnyHooverTravels you wouldn't miss the gub
Iarnród Éireann used to have a trolley service
serving "Barry" Tea before the pandemic
Three hours on a train and no refreshments
is borderline cruel and unusual punishment. LOL
I hope they bring back refreshments for at least part of the journey
because they must make something on a captive audience.
What's wrong with bring your own refreshments. I always bring my own wouldn't pay absorbent prices for a cup of "dish water" and tasteless sandwiches.
@@johncrwarner haha! I had some supplies from the shops at Heuston so i was fine!
Thanks so much for coming along on the trip 👍
@@annfrancoole34what's wrong with giving people the option? No one is forcing you to buy from the trolley, but ofhers (like me) might still be inclined 🤷
These Class 22000 trains have been refurbished in recent times, including new leather seats.
@@RailsandSky well it was a good refurb as they look great!
My Paddington Bear is my best friend, since I paid his ransom after we met on the supermarket shelves and we have been together ever since, we fall asleep and wake up in each other’s arms 😍😍😍
How very kind of you to liberate him
@@michaeljohndennis2231 how lovely. Well you would definitely have liked getting your picture taken with this one!
Thanks for watching 👍
Correction - The Halfpenny Bridge was cast at Coalbrookdale, Shropshire using iron ore from Co. Leitrim. Also Coalbrookdale us where the World's first ever iron bridge was cast in 1779 and still stands today, in Ironbridge, Shropshire.
@@kevinceltic5549 not quite sure what you are correcting here. I referred to "Shropshire cast iron" in the voiceover. So the iron was most definitely cast in Shropshire 🤷♂️
Btw, i have been to Ironbridge and it is indeed a fascinating place with all its industrial history 👍
Ballina trains consist of Japanese class 2800 diesel railcars and occasionally 3 piece 22000s
@@trainsme7919 thanks for that. On my trip it did look to be a 2800.
And thanks too for watching 👍
The peat bogs have already started to show recovery since commercial turf cutting was stopped, although will take many decades to function fully as Carbon capture as they did centuries ago. Hope the power cable to France gets signed off to ease reliance on Gas (mostly imported from UK and Norway), Hydro, wind and electricity imports from UK, currency fluctuations must be a headache for the ESB now all turf burning power stations closed or scheduled to shortly.
@@tonys1636 thanks for that. We do need them back doing their thing if we've any chance to stop or even reverse the climate change.
Nevertheless it was interesting to see from the train some idea of the sheer scale of these bogs and the associated commercial workings.
Thanks for that, and thanks too for watching 👍
Boom..1st..up d'oirish!
@@Prometheus_43 that appears to be the case 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels Cheers, thanks for the great videos, keep em coming!
@@Prometheus_43 thanks 👍
Doing that run on 5 November next.
@@RailsandSky it's great. You'll enjoy it for sure.
Thanks for watching 👍
They seem pretty reasonable prices , for a three hour train ride , when you compare them to Avanti on the WCML , stupidly expensive !
Other postings have shown the difference in the price of tickets between the train from Dublin to Belfast and the same journey in reverse. This may suggest that Irish fares are subsidised, much more in the south than in the north.
Flexible return Dublin to Westport, 40 euros, 3 hours. Super off peak return London to Stoke, same distance, £37, 1 1/2 hours.
By British standards, a fare of less than 19 Euros for a journey of 163 miles looks ridiculously cheap.
@@Battismore-Blue Yes, i think they are reasonable. But of course it is the distance rather than the time, as another person on this thread points out!
Thanks so much for watching 👍
@@exilenm2is there an open return ticket a available in Ireland?
i live in ballinlough
@@cynthia3471 ah. The place with the abandoned station!
🐻
@@tycelight indeed. Ends with a cute bear! 🐻
I was in school an hour ago
@@JoshuaBitini-w7u good to hear! I've not been to school for about 45 years 😉
Beware Calatrava. He has cost his municipal clients much more than the price of the buildings and professional fees. PS Great plan work in your latest posting. Object lesson to others.
@@tomcarr1358 well yes, i must admit Calatrava is definitely the expensive option. But i do like visiting the work and seeing it (safe in the knowledge i didn't pay for it or have to maintain it!)
Thanks too for the kind words and for watching 👍
@@JohnnyHooverTravels we were in Oviedo a few years ago. Calatrava’s project there is amazing but somewhat lacking in utility. As I may have said before incidental comments are a welcome leavening to the usual agenda of WC statistics and lack of luggage space which Lumo did not think about in a service attractive for students. More on carriage ride engine noise and general ambiance would be welcome.
@@tomcarr1358 your request is noted. And i stick to my loo review rule that only remarkably good or remarkably bad ones get a mention!
While I love his station in Liège, his type of architecture is not the most adapted to rainy northern Europe, I'm afraid. Those glass tiles he's so fond of are slipping hazards, the white concrete and steal demands a lot of maintenance which has never been a forte of SNCB, unfortunately, not to mention there's virtually no cover against the elements under that big open canopy, and there's hardly any seating. Beautiful, not practical. Worse, if a train door is at the height of the support beams, you can't put out a ramp for wheelchair users...
Pronounced "Haypenny Bridge".
@@talldarkviking ah... couldn't make an Ireland video without getting one wrong... thanks so much for the correction and thanks too for watching 👍