The Greystones Experience (2009)

On Sunday 23rd August 2009 No.186 ran excursions from Dublin Connolly to Greystones, and from Greystones to Wicklow.

Unusually the set, seen here near Drumcondra, was hauled by No.186 directly to Platform 5 in Connolly for departure to Greystones and Wicklow. After the trip No.186 again hauled the train back to Inchicore. (M. Hoey)

Passing Booterstown. (B. Pickup)

No.186 is seen here on Bray Head, heading south. (C.P. Friel)

Blasting along the coast near Newcastle. (B. Pickup)

Coach 1142, dating from 1921, was next to the engine. It returned to service in 2008 after a meticulous overhaul. (C.P. Friel)

After running round the train at Wicklow, No.186 headed home tender first. (B. Pickup)

At Newcastle once again - this time with the photographer's back to the sea. (C.P. Friel)

Heading north, the train has emerged from the Brandy Hole Tunnel. (C.P. Friel)

The Brandy Hole shingle beach is now covered with boulders to protect the embankment. (C.P. Friel)

Heading north, the train is about to enter the 'new' No 1 diversion tunnel, dating from 1876. It is passing the curved wall and the site of the trestle bridge from which a train fell in 1867. (C.P. Friel)