450 Class 'thumper' set in use on Downpatrick running days 2022

DCDR news:

The news you have all been waiting for – Downpatrick and County Down Railway is opening its doors to the public once again in summer 2022 after two-and-a-half years of closure.

Initially we will be operating mainly on Saturdays only from mid July, and are using our 'Derry Girls' 450 class diesel railcar for public trains as the steam locomotive overhauls have been delayed by the loss of key volunteers during the pandemic. We are working to get them back in action for the Lapland Express trains this Christmas. More details of Christmas trains will be announced very soon.

Starting on Saturday 16th July, we are running trains each Saturday through July, August and into September as part of our Summer trains programme.

As well as this, our first two special events are confirmed. The first is the SuperTrain, a super hero experience that the kids will love, running on Saturday 23rd July.

We will also be running The Jurassic Express, a dinosaur adventure on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August. More details of this will be added soon.

However we are regrettably still facing ongoing issues with Newry, Mourne and Down Council with the main station building, which will remain closed until resolved, so access will be from the main yard gates under the arch. This also means our souvenir shop and museum will not be open and we apologise for the inconvenience caused. If this situation changes, these will of course be reopened.
Full details can be found on our website: https://www.downrail.co.uk/events/